Although the castor bean contains ricin, a deadly poison, it also contains an oil that is beneficial in softening skin and potentially useful in the treatment of other conditions. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports the use of castor oil as far back as ancient Egypt as a treatment for eye irritation. Use of the thick, colorless oil spread during the mid-1900s, after Edgar Cayce, called “father of holistic medicine,” recommended the oil for healing numerous ailments. Castor oil is also known as “Palma Christi” or “the palm of Christ.” Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Laxative
Castor oil is a known laxative, reports the Gale Encyclopedia, acting as a cathartic in both the large and small intestine. A stimulant laxative, castor oil induces intestinal contractions, which encourage emptying of the bowels. Follow dosage recommendations on the bottle and drink at least six glasses of water daily when taking castor oil as a laxative.
Children should take castor oil only under medical supervision. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in cramps, diarrhea, fainting or dizziness and rare hallucinations, according to Medline Plus, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
Serious allergic reactions to the oil may include shortness of breath and chest pain, a skin rash and throat constriction. Contact a doctor right away, if you experience an allergic reaction.
External Uses
Castor oil is a skin emollient, reports Gale, and it may be beneficial in the topical treatment of dermatitis, ringworm, abscess, bruising and in the treatment of corns. Because of its thick, sticky nature, you may combine castor oil with other oils, such as almond oil or jojoba oil to make it easier to smooth on the skin.
Labor Induction
Used by some midwives to induce contractions, taking castor oil by mouth may start labor if a pregnant woman passes her due date. Childbirth instructor Jennifer Vanderlaan, writing for Birthing Naturally.net, reports that some women experience contractions within six hours of taking the oil. The woman may also experience severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
A medical professional should carefully monitor the use of castor oil to induce labor.
Castor Oil Packs
Popularized by Edgar Cayce, castor oil packs treat numerous ailments, from menstrual cramps to broken bones. While in a trance, Cayce described the correct method of use, which includes saturating a piece of wool flannel with warm castor oil and placing it on the body, often on the right side of the lower abdomen. Cover the flannel with plastic wrap and place a heating pad on top for one hour. The Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) records hundreds of healings from Cayce’s patients who used castor oil packs but clinical research confirming those results is lacking.
