Is Castor Oil a Miracle Plant Part 1

Castor Oil in ancient times was known as Palma Christi ( the Palm of Christ) due to its wide and successful uses to heal the body. There are still many uses of Castor oil. However, in modern society it is mainly known for its usage as an oral laxative.

I have been using Castor oil on myself for years. I started initially using  it while working for a group of naturopaths who would recommend it to patients for digestive issues.

To continue getting a first hand understanding about how it works I continue to use it and expand where and why I use it on myself. The more I speak to people about how I use castor oil the more others share their stories and expand on its usefulness. Whether you believe this oil is the hand of Christ being laid upon you creating miracle cures or not, you will surely soon agree it is a versatile Oil. As Buddha said, don't believe what I say without testing it out first. After doing your own research and experimentation compare to what I've shared and make up your mind regarding how beneficial castor oil is for your wellness program.

Here is a short list of body issues which can be improved or healed by castor oil:
1. Softening of scar tissue
2. Removal of warts
3. Removal of callous and corns
4. Improving hair repair and growth
5. Reduction in Arthritis pain
6. Reduction or elimination of menstrual cramps
7. Reduction or elimination of hemorrhoids
8. Reduce or eliminate cysts formation
9. Reduce or eliminate muscle pain
10. Clear acne
11. Improve nail health
12. Serves as an anti-bacterial and  Anti-fungal
13. Removal of skin tags
14. Reducing or eliminating bags under the eyes
15. The most well know usage: improving digestion and reducing or eliminating constipation
16. Used in combination with baking soda as a paste it can help remove moles

Though there are many articles reporting the claims of people like me with their successful experiences with castor oil, it is rare to see published medical studies supporting its medicinal benefits. You will find nods by the American Cancer Society reporting castor oil being used as a vehicle to deliver  chemotherapy drugs to cancerous tumors. And though they suggest its topical use has been connected to the prevention and treatment of cancer, they repeat there is no scientific support for this connection. There is so much layman interest in this oil a group has developed the International Castor Oil Association. You can google this association to get the latest news on castor oil.

The FDA has determined it safe and effective for humans to use internally as a stimulate, laxative. However, some individuals who have consumed too much for extended periods of time have experienced unpleasant results. These unpleasant results were; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, abdominal cramping/pain and sever gas. These results have not been reported with external use of castor oil.  Still, as with any treatment, one should be aware of any unusual symptoms that linger and should inform one's doctor or health care provider.

Now let's look at what Castor Oil is and how it can contribute to the 16 benefits listed above.

Castor oil is extracted from seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus Communis). It is classified as a vegetable oil. It's biology defines it as a triglyceride, monounsaturated 18 chain fatty acid. The component that sets it apart from other vegetable oils and makes it the miracle oil is Ricinoleic acid. It is also biodegradable.

Image from google (studiobotanica)

Other  important components contributing to the medicinal benefits of castor oil :
1. Vitamin E which helps to improve the immune system, improve circulation in the veins and heart,
                        improves the function of red blood cells and widens blood vessels
2. Omega 6 essential fatty acids which help to plump up tissues and promotes new cell growth
3. A low molecular weight which allows it to be easily absorbed by the skin and taken to the depths
                        of organs
4. Oleic acid which serves, along with ricinoleic acid, as an antimicrobial

The medicinal benefits resulting from the major and minor components of this versatile oil are :
1. Improved circulation
2. Improved/ increased white blood cell count
3. Increased lymphocytes (the disease fighters) housed in thymus gland, spleen, lymph nodes, and the     lymph tissue lining the small intestine
4. Enhanced moisture retention
5. A warming effect
6. Decreased inflammation
7. Stimulation and improved function of internal organs
8. Stimulation of the production of collagen and elastin
9. Decrease or elimination of unhealthy bacteria and fungus

You may also hear about the other side of the extraction process, the meal, that is left after the oil is extracted. This part of the plant needs to be handled with the utmost of care and must not come into contact with the human body because the protein  (Ricin) contained in the meal is highly poisonous. This protein does not come into contact with the oil after processing, which makes the oil safe.

Now you know what it is and what it does, let's discuss what to look for when buying the oil. The appearance of the oil can vary. I find, the higher grade, 100% natural, organic, unrefined, cold pressed products sold in health food stores tend to have a darker, richer color and often have a bit of a woody smell. For added benefits I've been told to select the raw product. The bottle should also say for external use only.

 My favorite brand

In the next series of writings on castor oil I'll discuss in more detail how it works to eliminate constipation and how it promotes health as a topical treatment.


I hope this first part has sparked your interest to read more and to do your own experiments.

As always never start a treatment program without consulting with your MD or other health care provider.