Castor Oil (Vilakkennai): Uses, Myths and How To Apply

Vilakkennai takes its Tamil name from the vilakku, the lamp – it was the original lamp oil before gingelly oil became common. Today it is best known as a hair and skin oil.

Genuine uses

• Hair and scalp. Castor oil is very high in ricinoleic acid, a humectant that keeps the scalp moisturised and coats hair strands. Many people find it reduces breakage at the ends.
• Eyebrows and lashes. A tiny amount applied with a clean brush at night keeps hairs conditioned.
• Cracked heels and dry elbows. Massage in before bed and wear cotton socks.
• Joint massage. Warm castor oil is used traditionally as a massage oil for knees and lower back.
• Lamps. It still burns with a steady, low-smoke flame.

Myths

Castor oil does not “make hair grow faster” – growth rate is set by your follicles. It should never be taken internally without medical advice; it is a strong laxative and unsafe in pregnancy. Do not put it in the eyes.

Making it easier to apply

Pure castor oil is very viscous. Mix one part castor with two parts coconut or gingelly oil, warm gently, and it spreads easily. Apply to the scalp only if your hair is dry; oily scalps do better with coconut oil alone.

Our Chekku Vilakkennai is cold pressed from clean, dried castor seeds without solvents, and is sold for external use.