I need castor oil, how do I get it? ~ Zeniths Blog

Castor oil is a kind of vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean also called castor plant (Ricinus Communis).

This popular oil is usually colorless or yellow and has so many uses ranging from skincare, hair care to industrial purposes; it is also edible and a very important ingredient in a lot of ayurvedic remedies.

Some popular uses of castor oil

Castor oil serves as an additive, for flavoring and as a preservative in the food industry
It serves as a great hair loss remedy
It’s moisturizing quality makes it good for the skin
It can also help to condition hair
It is used in making laxatives
It serves as a good lubricant for jet and diesel engines
It can be used for various skin conditions like yeast, athletes foot and sunburns
It is a good acne remedy
It is used in the treatment of scalp infections

READ ALSO: How to make castor oil

Where to get castor oil in Nigeria

The many benefits of castor oil has really contributed to its popularity in Nigeria and the rest of the world, making it quite easy to find and purchase. Here are a couple of places you are sure to find castor oil.

1. Online stores:

If you are one of those people who love to shop conveniently and without hassles, then you must love the advantages that come with online shopping – pick your item online, place the order, get it delivered to your doorstep!

Getting castor oil from an online store is one of the easiest way to purchase it without stress, and here are the top online stores in Nigeria to choose from:

Jiji.ng – This Nigerian online marketplace has a large variety of castor oil available for shoppers. Simply CLICK HERE to check them out.
Jumia.com – Jumia also has a large selection of castor oil to choose from. CLICK HERE to shop for castor oil on Jumia.
Konga.com – Konga is another great online store to shop for a wide range of castor oil, you can check out their stock by CLICKING HERE.

2. Your local pharmacy:

Considering that castor oil comes with a lot of health benefits, it is one of those oils that can easily be purchased by visiting your local pharmacies.

3. Your local stores and supermarkets:

Almost any supermarket around where you live would have a large variety of castor oil available to shoppers; and depending on what you intend to use it for, you can buy castor oil in different varieties enhanced with extra ingredients and benefits to meet your need.

READ ALSO: Top products for natural hair growth in Nigeria

4. Maternity and kiddies stores:

Castor oil has a lot of skin care and health benefits for both pregnant women and children, which makes it readily available in stores that stock up on baby items.

5. Natural hair stores:

The current natural hair fever that has swept through women of African descent, making them want to embrace their natural hair texture without using chemicals (relaxers) to alter it, has resulted in a high rise in the demand of natural oils, like castor oil, which enhances hair growth and hair health. This makes stores that sell natural hair products one of the surest places to purchase high quality castor oil.

Simply walk into one of these stores to purchase good quality castor oil. There are also some really good online natural hair stores you can check out for castor oil:

6. Make your own

Castor seeds

Another good way to get good quality castor oil is by simply making it at home; the process is not so complicated, you just need to follow the following steps:

First you will need to get hold of the castor seeds, remove the shell either by hand or with the aid of machines used for shelling seeds.
After the shells have been removed, the next step is to dry it. You can dry it by leaving it out in the sun for some time and you can also dry it in an oven at about 60°C for 7hrs. The drying is necessary as it helps to reduce its moisture content.
After drying, it is necessary to roast the seeds, as that will make it easier to grind into a paste. For the grinding process, commercial dealers usually use a cold press machine, but for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) process, a clean mortar and pestle will perform the same function only that it will require more energy.
The next step after grinding is to pour the fine paste into a pot with some water, then apply high pressure (boil). While boiling you can go ahead with your daily tasks as it takes up to 4-5 hours for the oil to float to the surface of the water.
For the next step, experts say it is best to leave it to cool overnight so that the condiment can settle and the oil is ready to be scooped. By the next day your castor oil is ready to be packaged and stored in a bottle.
Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

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