Castor oil is extracted from a plant called Ricinus communis, which is found primarily in India, Africa, Brazil and parts of Europe. The plant can reach a height of 30' or 40' (approximately 12 metres) in its most favorable environments.
Originally from India, the most ancient Sanskrit name of the castor oil plant is Eranda.
The plant was given the name Palma Christi (palm of Christ) in the Middle Ages, probably owing to its magnificent metallic green hand-shaped leaves and its miraculous therapeutic properties reminiscent of the healing abilities of the Christ.
For therapeutic uses, the oil must be cold-pressed and 100% pure. Texture and quality are essential for penetration into body tissues during massages or the application of a castor oil pack.
The countless benefits of Palma Christi, or castor oil, have been recognized for thousands of years. Its earliest uses can be traced back to ancient Egypt where Cleopatra is said to have used in the form of drops to give her eyes a more brilliant countenance.