HomeCastor Leaves: Traditional Benefits and Important Precautions Castor Leaves: Traditional Benefits and Important Precautions

HomeCastor Leaves: Traditional Benefits and Important Precautions
Castor Leaves: Traditional Benefits and Important Precautions

For centuries, castor leaves — from the Ricinus communis plant — have been used in traditional medicine across Africa, the Caribbean, India, and parts of South America.

Known for their large, star-shaped leaves and medicinal seeds (source of castor oil), this plant has been used to:

Soothe skin irritation
Reduce inflammation

Support wound healing
Ease joint pain
But while castor leaves have a long history of use, they also come with serious risks — because every part of the plant contains ricin, one of the most toxic substances known.

Let’s explore the traditional uses of castor leaves, what science says, and why caution is essential — so you can make informed decisions about your health.

🌱 What Are Castor Leaves?

Castor leaves come from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), a fast-growing shrub found in tropical and subtropical regions.