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Castor Bean
Overview
Castor oil is made from the beans (seeds) of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). Its taste is initially bland, then becomes bitter and unpleasant.
Castor oil has laxative and anti-inflammatory effects. It also might induce labor. It's sometimes flavored with cinnamon, peppermint, or other flavorings to mask its unpleasant taste.
People use castor oil for constipation, dry eye, childbirth, and to empty the colon before a colonoscopy. It is also used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
The outer coat (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. The hull must be removed before use. Ricin has been tested as a chemical warfare agent. Weapons-grade ricin is purified and produced in particles that are so small they can be breathed in.
Castor oil has laxative and anti-inflammatory effects. It also might induce labor. It's sometimes flavored with cinnamon, peppermint, or other flavorings to mask its unpleasant taste.
People use castor oil for constipation, dry eye, childbirth, and to empty the colon before a colonoscopy. It is also used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
The outer coat (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. The hull must be removed before use. Ricin has been tested as a chemical warfare agent. Weapons-grade ricin is purified and produced in particles that are so small they can be breathed in.
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