Oils

By Diane Abernathy

Castor oil is so simple and common; most people overlook it as a serious therapeutic agent. It has been in use by many cultures for thousands of years as a folk medicine, being first record by the Egyptians as medicinal oil. It acquired the name of Palma Christe, the palm of Christ, as a signifier of its efficiency.

Castor oil is a unique substance. It has an unusual chemical composition of a triglyceride of fatty acids that is unique to castor oil. Almost 90 percent of this fatty acid content is in the form of ricinoleic acid, which is undoubtedly the main therapeutic agent. It comes from the poisonous bean of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis). The oil that is extracted leaves behind the poisonous properties, resulting in an almost scentless, viscous oil.

One of the most significant properties is as a stimulant to the lymph system, improving lymphatic flow and increasing the activity of the cleansing of tissues. This speeds up the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and reduces swollen lymph nodes. Edgar Cayce, the famous sleeping healer recommended castor oil extensively for many different conditions, claiming that it, among other things increased the health of the peyer's patches. The peyer's patches, which are lymphatic tissue in the small intestines, then increase the absorption of fatty acids, which are essential ingredients for tissue growth and repair and the formation hormones.

Castor oil has been shown to strengthen the immune system, it creates a significant increase of lymphocytes. It also appears to have a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system, increasing liver activity and improving digestion. Ricinoleic acid, the main ingredient of castor oil prevents the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts and molds. It is used for fungal infections ringworm, keratosis, warts and even "liver" spots.

All of these properties add up to a useful medicine for bacterial and viral diseases, even being used with good effect for HIV/AIDS. It is used for such diverse problems as arthritis, colon problems from bowel impaction to colitis and Crohn's disease, to gallbladder disease. It has been a folk medicine of long standing for imbalances and growths of the women's reproductive system: breast cysts, lumps or cancers, uterine or ovarian cysts or fibroids.

The easiest way to use castor oil is to massage it into the body on the problem spot, along the spinal cord, the abdomen, or following the lymph drainage patterns. It can also be taken internally, but is strongly laxative and is usually used that way to correct constipation. To really drive it into the tissues for strongest effect, use a hot oil pack. Soak flannel (wool or cotton) in castor oil and heat the pack in microwave or oven, being careful not to overheat. Apply to the abdomen or breast, or wherever the problem is, cover with plastic and a heating pad as hot as tolerable for an hour or more. Do these regularly. The flannel can be reused, put it into a plastic bag and refrigerate. Add a little more oil and reheat to reuse.

It is one of those unbelievable substances that is used for everything. It has been used for wounds, bursitis, ligament sprains, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, hyperactivity, nerve inflammations and the list goes on and on. It is safe, inexpensive, can be used with other treatments, makes your skin feel silky; why not give it a try.