Castor Bean Uses
The castor bean is native to Africa but is found in 27 states in the U.S., Australia and islands of the Pacific. The castor bean is a member of the Spurge plant family and grows up to 40 feet high in the wild. In the U.S. they are often grown as ornamental plants. The deadly component of ricin, found in the the plant's seeds, is used as a chemical weapon; fortunately this plant has far more positive uses. Does this Spark an idea?
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Castor Bean Uses
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The castor bean is grown as a house plant or as an ornamental outdoor plant. People with children or pets should be sure to trim the flowering buds because they are the most toxic part of the plant. The Castor bean is sometimes used in livestock feed if the ricin has been removed through heating and oil-extraction methods.
Castor Oil
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The castor bean consists of nearly 50 percent oil and is used in a tremendous number of products, manufacturing practices and for medical purposes. Products that incorporate castor oil include lipstick, lotions, soaps, plastics and rubber; Castor oil is even an ingredient in some food additives. Castor oil is used to lubricate machinery in factories. Medical uses of castor oil include laxatives and skin treatments. It is also used to induce labor in pregnant women although members of the medical community have differing opinions as to castor oil's effectiveness.
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Other Uses
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After a castor bean is extracted of oil the remaining seed is often ground up and used as fertilizer for crops. Castor bean stems are made into paper and wallpaper.
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