Condition
Treatment Support
immune activator
Application
oil externally
Castor
(Ricinus communis)
Also know as Palma christi
Botanical Information
A small tree with red bark and palmately compound leaves in the spurge family. The mottled beans are enclosed in spiny pods.
Working with Castor
Part(s) Used
Processed Oil
Herb Forms
Oil.
Castor oil is a well-known cleansing laxative and purgative. It is sometimes used to treat food poisoning. Externally it is used for warts, appendicitis, fibroid cysts, sore, abscesses, and neuralgia–as a castor oil pack.
CASTOR OIL PACK
Soak a flannel or other absorbent cloth that is folded for extra thickness in a good quality castor oil until saturated. Place the soaked cloth in a glass casserole dish and warm in the oven at about 350 deg. until nice and hot, but not scalding. Place over the affected area (pelvis, breast, etc.), cover with a plastic bag (to keep it from leaking oil), a small towel, and hot water bottle or heating pad to keep it warm. Keep in place for about 45 minutes. It is best to do a castor oil pack at least 5 days a week, usually in the evening, or other times it is convenient. The castor oil has active constituents called lectins that are absorbed into a local area and call forth and activate the immune system to help remove tumors, cysts, and promote healing. Edgar Cayce writes extensively about the healing powers of castor oil.
In Chinese medicine, castor oil is used for inflammation, to remove toxins, and to moisten the intestines.
Castor has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.
Cautions
Avoid large doses. Not for long-term use. Contraindicated in pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, and abdominal pain.
Conditions treated with Castor
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
oil packs externally
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
oil externally
Condition
Treatment Support
local immune stimulant
Application
packs externally
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
oil externally
Condition
Treatment Support
local immune stimulant
Application
oil as a pack
Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
oil as a pack
Condition
Treatment Support
local immune stimulant
Application
oil externally
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
