There are more benefits to using and consuming Jamaican castor oil, and health and wellness company ‘A Yuh That’ Limited is leveraging its unique properties to cater to both cosmetic and therapeutic needs. Officially registered in 2021, A Yuh That started with Shawnalee King Gentles’ vision of showcasing the versatility of Jamaican castor oil in underserved industries.

“Every time I finished my client’s hair, I always said, ‘A yuh dat,’ that name always stuck with me,” said Gentles as she shared her story with the Jamaica Observer.

The company’s name reflects its origins — a nod to Gentles’ time as a university student and hairdresser, which became a trademark phrase of satisfaction from her clients, and she carried it forward into her business. The journey required substantial investment, with approximately $300,000 spent on land preparation alone. Factoring in manpower, equipment, seeds, and bottles, the total start-up cost reached about $1 million. The company operates two farms: a three-acre site in Old Harbour and a 17-acre farm in Amity Hall, St Catherine. Production is carried out in a residential workshop, where castor oil is extracted using oil expellers. The meticulous process ensures the beans are cleaned and dried before extraction, meeting the high standards required for both laxative and cosmetic products. The first product — a cold-pressed castor oil — was introduced in 2022, primarily for haircare and as a laxative. The business gained significant traction in 2023, with the addition of black castor oil and value-added products in 2024. These include peppermint- and eucalyptus-infused castor oil, frankincense with jojoba oil, and rosemary-infused castor oil. The peppermint and eucalyptus variant has emerged as a bestseller, offering pain relief and muscle relaxation while catering to scalp and skincare. A Yuh That’s flagship products debuted at Kris Kut Beauty Supply near the Boulevard Shopping Centre in Kingston. The distribution quickly expanded to outlets such as Things Jamaican at Devon House and Norman Manley International Airport and Proactive Lifestyle stores across the island. As production capacity increased, the products reached additional pharmacies and retail locations.

Gentles’ personal experiences with castor oil underscore its therapeutic potential. Having used it to manage venous insufficiency and eczema, she attests to its ability to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

“I suffer from really bad venous insufficiency, which is poor circulation. I had to have surgery in 2018 for this. And my foot, if I get too fat, my foot swells up to the point of ulcerating. And I use castor oil in my treatment plan because it helps to reduce the swelling of my foot,” Gentles told the Sunday Finance.

Her mother’s use of castor oil to alleviate glaucoma symptoms further highlights its benefits. Customers also use A Yuh That’s products for various purposes, from laxatives to treating fibroids and ringworms. Gentles also advocates for castor oil’s natural ability to cleanse the digestive system. The oil’s application to the abdomen or navel, especially for young children, is a traditional remedy for constipation. Adults can take one teaspoon daily, while children’s dosages vary based on age. Gentles emphasises the oil’s powerful laxative properties, even if its exact mechanisms remain unclear.

In 2023, A Yuh That began exporting to markets such as Dubai, Canada, the UK, the United States, and the Caribbean. The largest shipment to date was sent to Atlanta, Georgia. While exports currently account for 10-15 per cent of the company’s sales, the goal is to increase this share significantly. Participation in Jampro’s Export Max programme is expected to drive growth and facilitate further expansion into international markets. Gentles envisions A Yuh That as a premier health and wellness brand, not just in cosmetics but also in pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. Plans include creating a hub of farmers to supply castor beans, fostering local economic growth, and contributing to Jamaica’s health and wellness sector.

“We’re here to help our economy. We’re here to help people in terms of their health and wellness. We’re here to provide jobs,” Gentles asserts.

The process of castor bean pressing (Joseph Wellington)

A Yuh That utilises machine-driven processing to expertly extract oil from castor beans, ensuring maximum quality and purity.Joseph Wellington

Meet Melanie Morgan, a dedicated factory worker, who took us through the step-by-step process of crafting high-quality castor oil. (Joseph Welllington)

Jamaican black castor oil by A Yuh That packaged in glass bottles. (Joseph Wellington)

A Yuh Dat’s owner Shawnalee King Gentles showcases the benefits of her castor oil product at a recent expo held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, applying it to a patron’s scalp to demonstrate its nourishing properties.

A Yuh That’s owner, Shawnalee King Gentles.

Castor beans used in the making of A Yuh That’s castor oil productsJoseph Wellington