Applying castor oil to the belly button is a popular wellness trend rooted in Ayurvedic practices. There is no scientific evidence that the belly button offers unique absorption benefits for castor oil. Castor oil does have proven benefits for skin hydration and, when used topically in packs, may help with constipation and cramping. The benefits come from the oil being absorbed through the skin in general, not specifically the navel. What Is Castor Oil? Castor oil is a vegetable oil produced by pressing the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. While raw castor beans are toxic, containing a poison called ricin, the oil manufacturing process removes this toxin completely. The final, commercially produced castor oil is safe for use and has been valued for centuries for its powerful medicinal and therapeutic properties. Used for centuries in traditional medicine by cultures like the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, castor oil has long been valued for its therapeutic proper...
Both flu (influenza) and cold are caused by viruses, and they can have similar symptoms. So how do we know if a person has the flu or a bad cold? In this article, we explain the differences. Cold and influenza are the most common illnesses in humans, according to an article published in The Lancet Trusted Source . Every year, 5-20 percent of the population of America develop flu symptoms. The main difference between cold and flu is that, generally, symptoms of the flu are usually a lot more severe. Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu complications; flu is responsible for around 23,600 deaths every year. Fast facts on colds vs. flu : Colds and flu share many of the same symptoms; the major difference being flu is often worse, and accompanied by a high fever . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average adult will have 2-3 colds every year. The rhinovirus is the most common cause of cold. The d...