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| Richard Mabey wrote that rhizomes from Europe have low concentrations of asarone compared with those from India and no cases of malignancy have been reported in mill and mine workers who chew the rhizome daily. A conservative approach is to verify the source of calamus root and use this highly effective herb for short periods when needed. |
| CASCARA SAGRADA (Rhamnus purshiana). Cascara is a powerful laxative, a purgative if taken in sufficient doses and a bitter tonic. It is one of the oldest and most reliable remedies for chronic constipation. Cascara is not habit-forming but is a good intestinal tonic and remedy for gallstones and liver complaints. Caution: Do not use fresh bark; the dried bark should be at least one year old. To relieve constipation, make a tea by pouring 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon bark and let it stand for one hour before drinking. Take on an empty stomach for best results. |
| CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis), CASTOR OIL PACKS. The castor bean, also called Palma Christi, is highly poisonous if swallowed and so is its oil unless extracted by carefully controlled cold pressing. The castor oil sold in pharmacies and health food stores is safe for internal use. Even though castor oil is still prescribed in small doses as a laxative, you won't find modern herbalists or holistic physicians making that recommendation. |
| It is the external use of cold-pressed castor oil that has made it a popular household remedy. Many apply it to warts, moles, liver spots, skin abrasions, external sores, ringworm, itching skin, hemorrhoids, abscesses and dandruff. Those are important applications, but it is the castor oil pack that has holistic healers most excited. |
| Castor oil packs were used in Eastern Europe during the 19th century for stomach disorders in adults and colic in babies. They were unknown in the United States until the American psychic, Edgar Cayce (1877-1945), recommended them for arthritis, colitis, intestinal impaction and other complaints. |
| Castor oil packs improve liver function, help normalize bowel function and enhance digestion. |
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