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Castor Oil
CTFA Name: Castor Oil
INCI Name: Ricinus Communis (Castor Oil)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: India
Packaging: Drums, buckets, jugs, amber glass bottles
Description: Light yellow to amber oil; characteristic odor
Applications: Skincare, Soap Manufacturing
Castor oil is a heavier weight, light amber color oil with little to no smell. It can be incorporated into so many different formulas and uses it is impossible to list them all! One of the most popular lately is to repel moles! Check out our newsletters for the Mole Fighting Castor Oil Recipe!
Castor oil is derived from the castor seed. In its raw condition, the castor seed is actually toxic, but the heating process to extract the oil removes all toxins. Castor oil can be blended with beeswax to create a petroleum-like glide. Castor oil can also be used as a lubricant in machinery.
When I mention castor oil to most people, their first reaction is, “Isn’t that what my Grandmother took?” Yes, castor oil has been consumed internally for generations. Castor oil makes an excellent laxative when taken internally.
As a topical, castor oil (USP) is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids make great moisturizers and humectants when used in skin care products. Castor oil is a thicker oil but it blends beautifully with oils such as avocado, grape seed, organic rosehip seed or organic sunflower oil. Castor oil, when used in salves or ointments, also help to maintain moisture on the damaged skin and helps to stimulate tissue growth, reducing the risk of infection.
If you’re in the business of creating CBD balms and salves, organic castor oil (USP) would make a great addition to the formula. Studies have shown that castor oil based salves/ointments have shown reduced pain and inflammation. Castor oil is also antibacterial and antimicrobial, increasing the benefits of your CBD product.
Castor oil, due to its high content of ricinoleic acid, also makes for a great hair conditioning agent. Any hair oil, hair mask or shampoo bar formula will have increased moisture and healing properties if you incorporate castor oil into the formula.
Our bulk Castor Oil (USP) is sold in 4-ounce, 8-ounce, 16-ounce, half-gallon, 1- gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon sizes. Please email us directly for 55-gallon+ orders.
Short Term Storage: Air tight container. Dark location. Cool room temperature.
Long Term Storage: Removing air from storage container will delay oxidation and rancidity (may need to place in a smaller container). Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
Best Used By: One year from date of purchase.
Shelf Life Once Used in Manufacturing: One year from manufacturing date.
Castor Oil is an excellent ingredient to help control vole and mouse issues!
Large are applications using a hose-end sprayer:
- 1-2 oz Castor Oil (do not use deodorized versions of castor- ours is the correct kind)
- 1-2oz dish detergent
Add the mixture to the jar of the hose-end sprayer. Fill the jar with water. Attach to your hose and thoroughly water every location that you want to deter the pests from. If your hose-end sprayer has a dial, set it to the highest setting. For first time application we do suggest using a double load of the castor and detergent.
Small area applications using a watering can:
- 1 teaspoon castor oil
- 1 teaspoon dish detergent
Add this mixture to 1 gallon of water and thoroughly water the area to be protected. For first time application we do suggest using a double load of the castor and detergent.
How to Apply the Vole Control
You want to water the ground, not spray it. You should thoroughly wet the soil so that the mixture penetrates a few inches into the soil. It is hard to say how much lawn and garden area the solution will cover. You just want to make sure you get the mixture into the soil.
You Do Not Have to Reapply After A Rain
You may want to re-apply in the spring if you have damage during the growing season. Some people do, and some don’t. Mostly vole and mole damage is just a winter issue as the pests are desperate for a food source.
When to Apply
You want to apply the mixture before the ground freezes and after you have cleaned away all the leaves from your garden. This is typically after a few frosts.
This castor oil (USP) solution is natural and will not harm wildlife or pets. It just makes those garden pests move out of your gardens!
Remember! Voles and mice will eat wherever the solution is not applied!
