Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf)
Ricinus communis var.
About Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf)
Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) (Ricinus communis var.) is a herb used in the African Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Hair Loss, Skin Health, Constipation, and Inflammation. The leaves and essential oil are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf).
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Climate
Tropical savannah
Habitat
Savannahs, tropical forests, and traditional healing gardens across Africa
🌿 To see Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- African herbal markets and medicine practitioners
- West African grocery stores (in diaspora communities)
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Ogiri (Castor Oil Plant Leaf), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.