Castor Herbal Remedies
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.
Castor Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Castor Oil | oil-soaked cloth layed on hot as a poultice |
Castor Reference Information
| Latin Name | Ricinus communis |
| Other Names | Palma christi |
| Part Used | Processed Oil |
| Herb Forms | Oil. |
| Affects | Immune system, Integumentary system |
| Cautions | Avoid large doses. Not for long-term use. Contraindicated in pregnancy, intestinal obstruction, and abdominal pain. |
| Botanical Info | A small tree with red bark and palmately compound leaves in the spurge family. The mottled beans are enclosed in spiny pods. |
Supporting Research
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.