Also known as mole bean, castor oil is used widely for medicinal purposes. Derived from castor seeds, this oil is mostly applied to the skin rather than swallowed. However, in certain cases, it can be swallowed as well.
The history
The health and medical benefits of this oil had been discovered centuries ago. Egyptians were the first to understand the importance of castor oil and since then, many cultures have used castor oil. During the Middle Ages in Europe, this vegetable oil was used a lot as well. It was thought that using this oil helped in consumption of food as well as tissue growth and repair – a trait attributed to the presence of certain beneficial nutrients in the oil.
What do scientists say today?
Scientists have still not gathered sufficient evidence to ensure how far this vegetable oil can cure a disease. However, even then, scientists have used castor oil as means to deliver some chemotherapy drugs. In fact, a special formula for castor oil has been deigned as well, called the Cremophor EL. Cremophor EL is actually used as a carrier for paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is a drug that is used to treat different tumors like breast tumor. It is also used as an ingredient in some hair conditioners and skin products today.
The importance of castor bean to treat cancer has been under study as well. Early research indicates that ricin, a poison produced by the castor bean can actually treat lymphoma patients by combining with an anti body to shrink the tumors.
Things to know
The uses of this oil has been varied and for a number of purposes. People have taken it through the ages, and have witnessed its usefulness for their own. If you take castor oil by mouth, it works as a laxative as well as helps during constipation. If you apply this oil to the skin, it can help fight problems like wrinkles, moles and even acne. It is said to treat eye and skin conditions as well as help in hair growth.
It is said to dissolve cysts as well as warts and other tumors. Some claim that using castor oil can cure HIV as well though this claim is unsubstantiated for the sole fact that HIV is a recent disease and the actual benefit of castor oil to treat such a severe disease is now known.
Normally, this oil is massaged on the body along the spine and abdomen or swallowed with warm water.
Today, castor beans are grown in countries likes India and Brazil. It is to be remembered, that on their own castor beans is extremely poisonous and can kill those who swallow it. Handling the castor beans can also lead to allergic reactions.
Castor Oil - The History
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