Castor bean is also known as the miracle tree. The oil of the tropical plant is used primarily as a laxative.
Occurrence and cultivation of the miracle tree
The cultivation of the plant takes place in tropical regions, while it is wild in the south of Europe. Ricinus communis (miracle tree) is the only representative of the genus castor bean. The plant belongs to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) and is also called Christ palm in Germany. The miracle tree is an evergreen shrub. It can reach a maximum growth height of 15 meters. However, specimens that grow in Europe only reach a height of between 50 centimeters and 4 meters. The palmate leaves can reach a size of up to 70 centimeters. Depending on the variety of the miracle tree, they have a green, blue-gray or red coloration. The flowering period of Ricinus communis is between July and October. By late fall, the seeds, which are shaped like beans, emerge from the spiny fruit capsules of the flowers. Ricinus communis is native to the tropical regions of Africa and India. The cultivation of the plant takes place in tropical regions, while it is wild in the south of Europe. In the United States, the miracle tree is sometimes considered a weed.
Effect and application
The best-known ingredients of the miracle tree are the ricin as well as the castor oil (Ricinum oleum). However, the ricin has a toxic effect and is found in the seed coats of the plant. Even small amounts of ricin can have a lethal effect. The affected persons die of circulatory failure within two days. Castor oil, on the other hand, has a therapeutic effect. This is obtained from the seeds of the plant by cold pressing and is not toxic. The pressing process prevents the toxic ricin from being transferred to the oil. In medicine, castor oil is used both internally and externally. It is composed of the triglycerides of ricinoleic acid. Within the small intestine, the release of ricinoleic acid occurs through lipases. The ricinoleic acid unfolds the actual effect of the castor oil. Thus, it ensures the inhibition of the absorption of water and sodium from the intestine. This allows more water and electrolytes to reach the intestine, which leads to an increase in the amount of stool. In addition, the feces become softer, which in turn results in a laxative effect. Also responsible for the laxative effect is an irritation of the intestinal mucosa by the ricinoleic acid. Castor oil is administered internally in case of constipation. It can be administered in the form of a drink or as an enema. Alternatively, 1 to 2 tablespoons of castor oil can be taken on an empty stomach. After about two to four hours, the laxative effect sets in. However, the pure oil has a bad taste. To improve this, it can be mixed with some fruit syrup or lemon juice. Cooling the castor oil is also considered helpful. Alternatively, however, capsules are available that are tasteless and therefore much easier to take. The capsules usually contain four to six grams of castor oil. A lower dosage has a negative effect on the effect of the laxative. When using castor oil, it is recommended not to exceed a period of intake of 14 days. Experts also advise against taking castor oil in case of poisoning. Thus, the oil provides an even faster spread of numerous toxins in the body. In addition, interactions with various drugs are possible. Castor oil can also be administered externally. Thus, it can be rubbed several times a day on the affected areas in case of skin diseases.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The castor bean plant became known in earlier times for its laxative effect. Thus, the ancient Egyptians used the seeds of the plant to empty the intestines, but this often resulted in poisoning. The ancient Greeks therefore used the miracle tree only for external treatments. In China and India, the seeds were crushed and used for poultices against facial paralysis or joint swelling. Castor tea made from roots and leaves was also used against cough complaints. In the late 18th century, castor oil found widespread use in Europe as a laxative without causing poisoning. It was also used for coating the eyelashes.In modern times, castor oil is used more for industrial products. These include cosmetics, lubricants, papers and paints. Therapeutically, castor oil is rarely administered nowadays. If other measures against constipation remain without effect, it is suitable for short-term treatment to achieve accelerated emptying of the intestine. This may be the case after a worming treatment or anal-rectal surgery. Castor oil is also helpful in inflammatory diseases of the skin. The same applies to age spots, scars, skin flakes and hemorrhoids. Thus, the oil has the property of penetrating well into the intercellular spaces. Since it also builds a mechanical protective film against water and water-soluble pollutants, it contributes to the healing of fissures and chapped skin. It is not recommended to take castor oil in late pregnancy. The oil is supposed to promote labor, but its mechanism of action is still not well known. For this reason, use after the 40th week of pregnancy should only be done under specialist supervision. Possible side effects of taking castor oil internally include nausea and diarrhea.
