Uses for Castor Oil

If you believe in folk remedies, castor oil is a wonder drug. The late psychic, Edgar Cayce, believed in its healing powers. William A. McGarey, MD, followed Cayce's recommendations to treat thousands of patients, documented in a 1994 book, "The Oil That Heals: A Physician's Successes with Castor Oil Treatments." Castor oil applied topically can improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, heal tissues and organs, and stimulate the body's natural immune responses.

Castor Oil Packs

According to Dr. McGarey's anecdotal evidence, castor oil packs effectively treat the body's aches and pains and heal wounds more quickly. To make a pack, fold several thicknesses of flannel wool small enough to cover the body part, soak them in warm castor oil, and apply the pack to the problematic area. Cover the pack with plastic to keep the oil from staining anything, then cover the plastic with a heating pad or hot water bottle. Wrap the whole works in a towel to retain the heat and help the oil absorb into the skin. Wear the pack and relax for 45 minutes to an hour, then remove the pack and rinse the area. Repeat this three days in a row, skip three days, then follow this schedule until you feel better.

The pack can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and reused until the cloth gets dirty.

Benefits

All parts of the castor plant are toxic, but the oil pressed from its seeds has been ingested by people for centuries to cure constipation. While we know the dangers of that today and have myriad alternative laxatives, castor oil still has many topical uses.

According to Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, MD, of the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center, castor oil is sold in Russian health products to make hair grow thicker and shinier and to soothe irritated eyes.

A few drops of castor oil applied directly to open sores, pimples or puncture wounds can speed healing and help prevent infection. Castor oil is an effective moisturizer, better for your lips than commercial balms that contain petroleum and wax. To get rid of a corn, rub castor oil on it three times a day---morning, evening, and before bed---and keep the area covered with an adhesive bandage. The oil will soften the corn and eventually make it disappear.

Background

Castor oil is largely composed of an unsaturated fat called rinoleic acid, which is known to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, bacteria and viruses. This makes the oil peculiarly effective as a healing agent.

Castor oil therapies have been around since ancient times in India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece and Rome. It was known as Palma Christi, or the "Hand of Christ."