Posted: 2007-04-04 15:40
Castor oil is a unique substance with an ancient history. Folk healers the world over have used it to treat a wide variety of conditions.
The healing attributed to it has been so complete and miraculous that people in the Middle Ages dubbed castor oil
" Palma Christi " - the "Palm of Christ". The treatments using castor oil offered such relief that the newly-healed felt to have received an annointing at the hand of Christ. Also the over-sized leaf resembles that of a large hand, the palm of a large hand to be more precise, completing the imagery.
With the advances in modern science and medicine, the western world left natural/traditional remedies in favour of the newer, "trusted", and safe prescriptions neatly packaged for them. I certainly am not attacking "drugs" (as we commonly refer to them) but do, indeed, believe the traditional remedy has its place in today's modern world.
Palma Christi castor oil's effectiveness is probably due in part to its unusual chemical composition—a triglyceride of fatty acids with almost 90 percent of that fatty acid content consisting of ricinoleic acid. To my knowledge (compiled from much research), ricinoleic acid is not found in any other substance, and the high concentration of this unusual, unsaturated fatty acid is thought to be responsible for castor oil's remarkable healing abilities.
Ricinoleic acid is effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds. It is successful as a topical treatment for ringworm, keratoses, skin inflammation, abrasions, fungal-infected finger- and toenails, acne, and chronic pruritus (itching). Generally, for these conditions the affected area is wrapped each night in a castor oil-soaked cloth (called a "pack"). For persistent infections, a 10- to 20-minute pre-soak in Epsom salts will generally speed healing.
This is quite the find! I can't wait to share with you all the wonderful ways Palma Christi castor oil can bring wellbeing to your life from the Outside IN!
