A spoonful of castor oil?

While your grandparent may not remember it fondly, Gold Cross Castor Oil 100% is still a staple of many a medicine cabinet to this day. Read on to find out why!

Gold Cross has been a trusted brand for over 70 years

When looking for the perfect nanny, the children in the Disney film Mary Poppins specifically requested someone who wouldn’t give them castor oil, but were they missing out on potential medicinal benefits?

The use of castor oil as a therapeutic option first appeared in the Ebers papyrus of ancient Egypt – that’s over 3,500 years ago.

The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is one of the oldest known cultivated crops in the world.

The use of castor oil was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his encyclopedia published over 1000 years ago. In it he listed 16 remedies, one of which is still used today! What Pliny didn’t mention, was the ability of castor oil to also relieve skin dryness.

The particular type of fatty acid that makes up 90% of castor oil (rinoleic acid) acts on the walls of the intestines to encourage bowel movements – which is the first remedy Pliny outlined all those years ago.

Get them going again

Constipation is never fun. When a patient reports straining, pain, cramps and bloating it’s time to ask about their bowel movements.

When managing constipation with laxatives, there are two main types – agents that increase the absorption of water by the stool and bowel stimulants. Castor oil acts as the second type – causing the muscles in the intestinal walls to contract. This might be why Grandma and Grandad don’t have fond memories of being given castor oil – it can really get things moving!

If you have a patient who is looking for a natural option to help relieve constipation, take a leaf out of Mary Poppins’ book and direct them to a (tea)spoon full of Gold Cross Castor Oil 100%.

Gold Cross Castor Oil 100%

INGREDIENTS:
Castor Oil 1mL/mL
DIRECTIONS:
Internal Use
Adults take 15 – 30 mL (1 – 2 tablespoons) daily
External Use
Apply to skin or hair, massage gently and allow
to penetrate. Prolonged use may cause serious bowel problems. Do not use when abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present, or if you develop diarrhoea.

Use with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water. For more information, reach out to your FarmaForce representative.