djGoddessa Sharing Love

Castor oil benefits are well-known ever since the ancient times, but did you know that this home remedy is also used as a chemical warfare agent?

Folk healers around the world have used castor oil to treat a wide variety of ailments.

You are probably aware that castor oil is regarded by some as a remedy for constipation.

But you may not be aware of its reported use as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal, or that it has been used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, reduce pain, and stimulate your immune system.

Story at-a-glance

** Castor oil, derived from the castor seed [Ricinus communis] http://bit.ly/ILB1aw (which is not really a bean), has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of health conditions, although scientific studies are few; there are reports of some side negative effects from castor oil, so you should proceed with caution in experimenting with its use
** Castor seeds contain very high concentrations of a special fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, thought to underlie its healing properties
** Castor beans also contain a potent toxin called ricin—so deadly that it’s used for chemical warfare—but don’t worry, this agent is NOT present in the oil
** Castor oil is claimed to treat gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems, all types of infections, and pain and inflammation, and is said to stimulate your immune system;science is also exploring the use of ricinas an antitumor agent
** Advocates claim castor oil is most effective for strengthening your lymphatic system when it is applied topically in a “castor oil pack,” a treatment popularized by the late psychic healer Edgar Cayce