If you’re going to use the oil and don’t want to get confused, here’s how to Select The Best Edible Castor Oil!
Choosing the right castor oil will highly impact its performance based on the purpose of its use. Castor oil can be of different types, depending on the treatment it gets, so let’s find out what to look for when choosing it for consumption.
Types of Castor Oil in the Market
1. Cold Pressed Castor Oil
Cold-pressed castor oil is obtained by pressing oil from castor seeds. The difference is that the process happens at a temperature under 122 F (50 C). After the oil is extracted, it is not introduced to heat during refining.
Cold-pressed oil is known for its aroma and flavor and is ideal for skin and hair care. Since the heat is not used to process the oil, it retains more health benefits than other types.
2. Blown Castor Oil
Unlike cold-pressed oil, it is made by passing air at a high temperature. Basically, it is oxidized using atmospheric oxygen, which is why it’s also called oxidized castor oil. This process gives a denser, caramel-colored product that differentiates it from other oils.
Blown castor oil is more viscous and is often used in industries to make coatings, inks, and adhesives. It is also widely used as a lubricant for machines. You should not consume it.
3. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Those who use castor oil for hair often use this variety due to its beneficial qualities for growth. The only difference between other oils and Jamaican black castor oil is that before extracting it from cold pressing, the seeds of the castor plant are roasted.
The result is a dark oil with a roasted fragrance. It is good for hair and skin.
4. Pharmaceutical Grade Castor Oil
As the name suggests, this oil is extracted for medical use. The oil undergoes a process that makes it highly refined, and the impurities are removed to the maximum.
Regular castor oil does not undergo strict purification processes compared to this one. Because it is a pharmaceutical-grade oil, it is often used as a laxative for constipation, a stiffening agent, and in aromatherapy.
5. Pale Pressed Castor Oil
This castor oil is extracted from the initial extraction process of castor oil and is often used for commercial purposes. It also has a paler color, which is not the only attribute–it is thinner, has better purity, and has very little acid content.
Pale-pressed castor oil is often used to make soaps and cosmetics. Due to its durability and purity, it is also used in the food industry as a flavoring.
The Best Edible Castor Oil
The most important concern when selecting the best castor oil is safety. You want to make sure it is indeed edible and will not cause any side effects.
Among the castor oils described above, pharmaceutical-grade castor oil is the best. As mentioned, this oil undergoes a highly refined process to remove impurities, making it safe for medical use, especially orally.
If you can’t find it locally, you can also go for pale pressed castor oil, which is pure and has very little acid content. This oil is typically used in the food industry for flavoring and additives. You can buy these oils online from reputable brands like Heritage Store, Advait Living, and Jeev Goodness.