Scientific Name : Ricinus Communis

Origin: West Africa

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (or ‘JBCO’) is quite popular in skin and hair care products due to its ability to treat dandruff, moisturize hair, promote hair growth, treat acne and even relieves muscle pain.This special castor bean is native to Africa and made its way to Jamaica via the slave trade.

Key Differences Between Conventional Castor Oil and JBCO

1. Appearance:

Conventional Castor oil is pale yellow to light brown and transparent.

JBCO is dark brown in color and carries a classic burnt smell.

1. Extraction Process:

Conventional castor oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the castor plant. For industrial usage, castor oil can be solvent extracted also.

For extraction of JBCO,  African/Jamaican castor seeds are roasted and then pulverized in a mortar post which water is added. The mixture is then slow-boiled on fire to evaporate water and free up the oil. The JBCO so obtained is thick, pungent, and dark brown with smoky smell.

1. Ph Level

Conventional castor oil is slightly acidic whereas JBCO is alkaline due to slight ash content from the beans owing to its traditional processing method.

Therapeutic Benefits

JBCO is quite rich in omega-9 fatty acids that promote rapid hair growth and contribute to overall skin health and specifically treat inflammation and acne. The oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties too that help heal infections like ringworms..

Various applications of Jamaican Black Castor oil are:

1. Promotes hair growth

2. Helps Treat Chapped Lips

3. Can Help Fight Signs Of Aging

4. Can Heal Scars

5. Moisturizes Hair

6. Promotes Thicker Eyelashes And Eyebrows

7. Prevents Hair Breakage

8. Treats Split Ends

9. Eliminates Dry Hair