Castor oil

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Castor Oil

Castor oil (/ˈkæstər ɔɪl/) is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis).

Etymology

The name "castor oil" is derived from its use as a replacement for castoreum, a perfume base made from the dried perineal glands of the beaver (Castor). It has another common name, Palma Christi, which means "Hand of Christ".

Description

Castor oil is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and odor. Its boiling point is 313 °C (595 °F) and its density is 961 kg/m3. It is a triglyceride in which approximately 90 percent of fatty acid chains are ricinoleates.

Uses

Castor oil has a variety of uses, including in the manufacturing of soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes.

In medicine, it is used as an active ingredient in a large number of remedies. It is a powerful laxative and used as an emetic. It is also used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, including dermatosis and psoriasis.

Related Terms

  • Ricinus communis: The plant from which castor oil is extracted.
  • Laxative: A substance that promotes bowel movements. Castor oil is a well-known laxative.
  • Emetic: A substance that induces vomiting. Castor oil can be used as an emetic in certain situations.
  • Dermatosis: A general term for diseases of the skin. Castor oil is sometimes used in the treatment of various forms of dermatosis.
  • Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition. Castor oil is sometimes used in the treatment of psoriasis.

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