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...
A Brief History of Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is a key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, a healing system that has developed over the last 3,000 years. Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Its main goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. Ashwagandha fits perfectly into this model. In Ayurvedic medicine, the root and leaves of Ashwagandha are the most valued "rasayana," or substances that possess rejuvenating properties. For over five thousand years, Ashwagandha has been much revered for its longevity-promoting and revitalizing properties. Modern science has now documented these benefits and many more. The name Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for smell of the horse. The term is fitting, not only does the root have a unique smell, but it also increases strength. Ashwagandha is frequently referred to as “ Indian ginseng ” because its rejuvenating effects parallel those of ginse...