healthy body tips

Castor oil is extracted from the seed of the castor oil plant, whose botanical name is ricinus communis. While it was Cayce who brought castor oil packs to fame in the 20th century, the oil has a long and varied history of use as a healing agent in folk medicine around the world. According to a research report in a recent issue of the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, castor bean seeds,believed to be 4,000 years old, have been found in Egyptian tombs, and historical records reveal the medicinal use of castor oil in Egypt (for eye irritations), India, China (for induction of child birth and expulsion of the placenta),Persia (for epilepsy), Africa, Greece, Rome, Southern Europe, and theAmericas. In ancient Rome, the castor oil plant was known as Palma Christi, which translates into hand of Christ. This name is still sometimes used today. Usually the castor oil is blended with cracked ice and orange juice, or taken in fresh or warm milk to disguise the oily taste. Castor oil may also be applied externally to relieve joint pain or itching of the skin.