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Castor

Useful properties and applications of castor bean


Useful properties of castor

The castor seed contains 45-60% non-drying fatty oil, which includes the unsaturated glyceride of ricinoleic acid (castor oil), the enzyme lipase, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids and glycerol. In the seeds of the plant discovered proteins, such as globulin and albumin, a small amount of alkaloids, a small amount of nitrogen-free substances and cellulose.

In the herbs are present and that toxic substances of protein nature as ricin. During cold pressing the seeds to obtain the oil (with subsequent treatment of the steam and hot water) a certain amount of the poison is destroyed, much of it remains in the waste – meal. Ricin is a protoplasmic poison, it inhibits the protein biosynthesis at the ribosome level. It is found in all parts of the plant and is a by-product in the production of castor oil.

In addition, in seed plants there are a large number of micro - and macroelements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and others. In order to use medicinal leaves and seeds of plants, receiving from them castor oil. It is a laxative, healing and anti-inflammatory agent.


The use of castor bean

Castor oil is widely used in medicine. It is prescribed for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, colitis and fevers. Externally the oil is used to treat ulcers, burnsand as an aid in the removal of warts. In cosmetology it is used for bleaching pigment spots and rapid growth of eyelashes. In gynecology the oil is used to stimulate uterine activity. In addition, infusion of the herb to treat inflammatory diseases of the uterus, and the common cold and bronchitis they rubbed his chest.

Infusion of leaves: 10 g of crushed leaves you need to fill the Cup of boiling water and infuse for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath, after which the mixture is to be cooled and drain. Take the infusion is recommended three times daily one tablespoon with endometritis.


Castor oil plant poisonous

The seeds of this plant can cause serious health damage, since it is the most poisonous of all seed types. Toxins present in the grass, inhibit protein synthesis in the intestinal wall, resulting in it breaks down and the bowel ceases to function.However, plants are castor oil, which is considered safe. Seeds of plants can be easily poisoned.

The first signs of poisoning by castor-oil plant may be manifested only after several hours. Symptomatically this is manifested by yellowing of the skin, feeling of burning and pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, weakness, convulsions, the acceleration or deceleration of heart rate and possible respiratory arrest.

At the first signs of poisoning should immediately call a physician and give first aid to the patient. It consists in lavage of the stomach, and a warm heating pad on the stomach of a person.


Oil of castor beans

The plant is up to 60% non-drying fatty oil. It has exceptional technical qualities, thanks to which finds wide application in different industries. In medicine it is called castor oil. Castor oil has high viscosity and density, as well as high reactivity. It consists of approximately 90 % ricinoleic acid, 1% palmitic, 1% stearic, 3% oleic, 4% linoleic acid.

In water castor oil is not soluble, but it dissolves well in alcohol. He has a mild characteristic odor and unpleasant taste. In the air it thickens, but does not oxidize at temperatures below minus 15 °C may be frozen to a state of jelly.


Castor seed

Seeds Mature in the fruit of the plant. They are ovoid or round in shape and smooth shiny skin. They contain the poisonous substance ricin, which causes severe poisoning. To the poison, the antidote, it is many times more toxic than potassium cyanide, sarin gas, and poison of a Cobra.

From the seeds by cold pressing followed by heat treatment of extracted castor oil. About the plant and its properties were known even in ancient times, since the grass seeds were found during excavations of ancient Egyptian sarcophagi.

The fruit of the castor bean

The fruit of the plant is spherical shaped three-sided box. Each of the valves is on one seed. Some species of plants the fruits are covered with spines. Collect the fruits of castor beans per season 3-4 times as they Mature. From fruits are castor oil, which contains large quantities of the glycerides of ricinoleic acid. In the grass all poisonous: leaves, flowers, and fruits. After contact with fruityou must immediately and thoroughly wash hands.


The cultivation of castor bean

The cultivation of castor beans is not very difficult thing, although it should be borne in mind that the plant does not tolerate frost and likes a Sunny position. The soil must be loose, fertile, with good moisture and deeply cultivated. Seeds are sown in the first decade of April. Optimal sowing seeds – one by one. Sown in individual peat or plastic cups to a depth of 1-2 cm In good conditions seedlings can appear on the third day after sowing.

During germination the cotyledon leaves of plants covered with sticky, oily peel that must be removed to avoid rotting the buds. So as not to damage the tender leaves, peel, moisturize and gently remove.

Care castor. To speed up germination sugovshagi large seeds are usually used in scarification (incising hard shell of the seeds). In addition, the plant need plenty of water and be sure to weed regularly, as at the initial stage of development of the castor oil plant grows slowly and weeds can choke. It is also desirable fertilization with nitrogen. The processing plant is better with the gloves and after the work is completed, be sure to wash your hands.


Castor common

The name of the plant comes from the Latin word ricinuc – mite, which is associated with the form of seeds resembling a tick East. Homeland grass is tropical Africa. There, the plant has a tree shape and reaches a height of 10 meters. In temperate regions it is an annual plant up to 2 m, with branched stems. Large palmate leaves grow on long stalks. At the ends of shoots or in the axils of the leaves are racemes.

The plant is widely cultivated for medicinal and technical purposes. It is widely cultivated on all continents. Castor oil plant grows in the North Caucasus, in Asia Minor, Central Asia, the Caucasus, in the steppe regions of Ukraine and the Lower Volga region.


Contraindications to the use of castor bean

The plant is deadly poisonous! In any case, do not try castor beans. If you ate them by accident, then it is necessary to cause vomiting and stomach wash.

The abuse of castor oil may upset the stomach. Before using drugs from plants should consult a doctor. It is not recommended to use oil pregnant and lactating women.