Alternative Medicine

Was Grandma Right About Castor Oil?

The castor oil that grandma used as a cure-all came from the seeds of the castor oil plant from India. Writers in the first century note that although it was not suitable food it was a powerful purgative. Although used traditionally for medicinal purposes, such as skin diseases in England, it has also been known to be used as a lubricant, leather dressing and fuel for burning. The plant is best suited to warmer climates but has grown as far north as Norway. Yellowish in color, the oil is processed after the hulls are removed.

Castor oil can be processed in one of two methods. The American method uses heat to extract the oil from the bean. The largest production is in California. After being softened in a dry heat furnace, the seeds are placed in a screw press to extract the oil and mix it with equal parts of water. It is then boiled, cooled, and separated from the water. The remaining oil is bleached in the sun for approximately 8 hours and then stored. Ricin, a poison, is a by-product of this whole process.

Although it has a horrible taste and can produce nausea, castor oil is used as a safe laxative for relief of constipation in children and the elderly. To mask the bad taste, you can add lemon oil, sassafras oil, and peppermint or cinnamon water. Advancements have been made in making it into capsules.

Castor oil really does flush out toxins like Grandma used to say. This can help with a variety of ailments because it flows throughout the colon without increasing bile levels. Relief should start in about 5 hours after ingestion. It can induce vomiting in the case of upset stomach, as well.

This versatile oil can be used in several other conditions. Skin conditions can be treated with the light-colored, odorless, clean castor oil. This soap product and skin softener can treat ringworm and itchy skin. If dropped into the eye, castor oil can remove foreign particles that cause irritations. One bottle of castor oil, enough not to be lethal, can be used safely to induce labor in women who are near term or overdue. In India, the leaves of the plant are placed on the breast of nursing women to increase the flow of milk.

There are many non-medicinal uses for castor oil, as well. Fascist regimes used it to torture prisoners by inducing diarrhea to the point of dehydration. If they wanted the victim to die, they would mix it with gasoline. Castor oil can also be found in soaps, paints, hydraulic and brake fluids, dyes, inks, waxes, polishes, and perfumes. In addition, it is used as a cheap fuel for lamps in India. Some may prefer these uses to actually ingesting it.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Bay

Create a tonic from the leaves for strength. Also aids in digestion and cramps.

Bayberry

Also known as Candleberry, Waxberry and Wax Myrtle. Use bark, leaves and flowers. Uses include treatment of sore throat, piles, bleeding of the stomach, lungs, bowels and very effective as a douche.

Bee Pollen

Good for allergies. An excellent energy food. Aids in radiation sickness, the kind people get when they undergo radiation therapy for cancer.

Beet Root - Red

A liver and spleen cleanser. It reactivates a sluggish liver. It should be taken in small amounts.

Bergamot

Useful for soothing the stomach and flatulence.

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