Łódź, Botanical Garden

Native to north-eastern Africa, but cultivated worldwide. Ornamental plant! Edible plant - seeds contain 35 - 55% of an edible oil, used in cooking, it is used by the food industry to add butter and nut flavours to various foods; remnants after oil preparation are very toxic - contain ricin!!! Herbal plant - the oil from the seed is a very well-known laxative that has been widely used for over 2,000 years, it is considered to be fast, safe and gentle, prompting a bowel movement in 3 - 5 hours, and is recommended for both the very young and the aged, it is so effective that it is regularly used to clear the digestive tract in cases of poisoning; a decoction of the leaves and roots is antitussive, discutient and expectorant, the leaves are used as a poultice to relieve headaches and treat boils. Useful plant - the oil is used in coating fabrics and other protective coverings, in the manufacture of high-grade lubricants, transparent typewriter and printing inks, in textile dyeing.