Ricinoleic acid is the principal component of castor oil, which has a long history of traditional use in treating various skin conditions, including carbuncles, boils, and abscesses. Traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurvedic and folk remedies, often recommend castor oil poultices for carbuncles due to its reputed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, the evidence supporting this use is primarily anecdotal and based on historical practices rather than robust clinical trials. Some laboratory studies have indicated that ricinoleic acid possesses anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effects, which could theoretically help in reducing pain and swelling associated with carbuncles. These findings are limited to in vitro or animal models and do not directly translate into clinical efficacy for carbuncle treatment in humans. No high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical trials specifically investigating ricinoleic acid or castor oil for carbuncles are available in the scientific literature. In summary, the use of ricinoleic acid (via castor oil) for carbuncles is rooted in traditional practices rather than scientific validation. While some scientific data hints at properties that might be beneficial, there is a lack of direct clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness for this particular condition.