The story of castor oil is an interesting one. It comes from the seeds of the herb called Ricinus communis from Africa and India. My grandmother thought it was good for everything from constipation to achy joints.I thought it tasted horrible. In ancient Egypt it was used as a medicine and in the Middle Ages in Europe as well. The famous medical intuitive Edgar Cayce claimed it helped to heal lymph tissue in the small bowel and thus promoted tissue growth and repair in the body.

What is it being used for now? It might surprise you.Of course it is still used by some as a potent laxative. It is often used as a warm compress to promote lymph drainage in various body parts.

What is fascinating is that now oncologists are using castor oil to deliver chemotherapy to cancerous tumors. Unfortunately, it can cause allergic reactions. At the present time, scientists are studying ricin, which is a strong poison (the same compound used by terrorists) that comes from the castor bean. When combined with an antibody to protect healthy cells, it seems to be shrinking tumors in lymphoma patients.

Although castor oil has been around for ages it can cause problems and even death if not used properly and if given to pregnant and nursing women and small children and animals. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and allergic reactions. Long-term use can result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances.It is important to talk to your doctor if you might want to take castor oil or use it as a compress.There are risks but who knows what other uses are in store for this very old herb?