I was first introduced to castor oil when my first child was due. Like any mother, I wanted to meet my child, so I tapped into the vast wisdom that is Google to find ways to speed up my body’s natural labor process.
I looked into many home remedies to induce labor (walking, spicy food, medicine ball popping, pineapple, dancing, bokbunja leaf tea, etc.). I also discovered a few things I wasn’t brave enough to try… Especially castor oil! (And I’m glad I didn’t… I’ll tell you why.)
What is castor oil?
Castor oil (ricinus communis) comes from castor seeds, native to India. It has a very high ricinoleic acid content, which is thought to be responsible for its health-promoting abilities. In fact, it was once called that. palma crist Because the leaves resemble the hands of Christ. Although castor oil is known for its health benefits, it is important to note that castor seeds themselves can be fatal. Using castor oil internally may be safe, but caution is required.
Used in the healing arts of ancient Japan and other ancient cultures, castor oil enjoys a long and distinguished history. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest existing medical textbooks, mentions that early Egyptians were using castor oil topically as early as 1550 BC.
Although the FDA considers it “generally regarded as safe” and approved for internal use up to 1 tablespoon per day, it may cause extreme digestive upset in some people. I am not a doctor and I do not play games on the internet so please consult with me before using castor oil or anything else internally.
Does castor oil really start labor?
Castor oil is sometimes used internally to induce labor. Available research doubts its usefulness.. In fact, if taken internally, it can cause violent diarrhea (the idea is that this will also stimulate uterine contractions).
I decided not to try this and did not suggest it because there is evidence that it may increase the chances of the baby passing meconium before birth. It is also sometimes used to reduce constipation (along with severe diarrhea).
I much prefer external use and personally don’t use it internally. This is one of the two oils I use in my daily oil cleansing routine, and my skin has seen a huge improvement.
Castor Oil Pack (& Why You Should)
When I discovered the MTHFR mutation, I decided to try another way to use castor oil to support my body: castor oil packs!
what is it
The idea is to apply castor oil to the skin on a piece of cloth for at least an hour along with a heat source to stimulate lymphatic and liver function. Unlike some “detox” methods, this method is not known to have any negative side effects, and there are many accounts of people experiencing immediate better sleep, more energy, and elimination of skin symptoms.
Note: Even for external use, you would consult your doctor or naturopath to determine if this natural treatment is right for you. It should not be used if you are pregnant or suffering from a medical condition. Also, test a new oil (or any substance) on a small area of your arm before using it on a larger area of your body.
The advantage of castor oil packs is that they can be placed wherever the benefit is needed.
- When used on the right side of the abdomen or across the abdomen, it is thought to help support the liver and digestive system. Some gallbladder specialists recommend castor oil packs as part of a holistic regimen.
- Apply directly to tense joints or muscles to reduce inflammation. (Note: This is not a replacement for medical care, but rather is intended to speed healing of minor injuries that do not require medical treatment.)
- Or try it on your lower abdomen to help with menstrual cramps and difficulties.
what it does
Castor oil packs utilize the anti-inflammatory and lymph stimulating effects of castor oil, but allow for safer external use. In a 1999 study:
With a treatment period of at least two hours, the study found that castor oil packs resulted in a “significant” transient increase in T-11 cell counts, which increased for seven hours after treatment and then returned to normal levels within 24 hours. .
An increase in T-11 cells indicates an overall improvement in the body’s specific defense status. Lymphocytes actively defend the body’s health by forming antibodies against pathogens and toxins. T-cell lymphocytes are small lymphocytes that originate in the bone marrow and thymus that identify and kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancer cells. T-11 cell lymphocytes provide basic antibody functions that keep specific defense systems robust.
Simply put, castor oil packs are said to help naturally detoxify the liver, support uterine and ovarian health, improve lymphatic circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Although there is no conclusive research on the external use of castor oil packs (although there is some preliminary research), they have a long history of traditional use in many cultures. There is some evidence that this may be the case. tumor suppressive effect and Positive effects on arthritis When used externally.
Castor oil packs also provide a quiet moment of relaxation along with health benefits!
How to make a castor oil pack
Castor oil packs are simple to make at home. I like them because they require me to be still and relax for at least an hour. That’s not always easy to achieve! It can be messy, but if you prepare it properly, it isn’t.
Instead of assembling all of the items below, you can also purchase a complete castor oil kit. See the end of this post for what I’ve tried and liked.
you need
- High quality castor oil (hexane free)
- Unbleached and undyed wool or cotton flannel (so) – Can be reused up to 30 times
- Wraparound pack (or large piece of cotton flannel) or plastic wrap (not optimal)
- hot water bottle or heating pad
- Glass jar with lid – Use a quart-sized glass jar to store the oil-soaked flannel between uses.
- Old clothes, towels, sheets – castor oil stains!
- Patience (the hardest to find!)
memo: It is recommended to prepare thoroughly to prevent the area where the castor oil pack will be applied from becoming dirty. Use an old shower curtain and cover it with a sheet to make sure there are no stains. There is no need to wash the sheets often, just fold them and store them in the bathroom cabinet for the next use.
How to use castor oil packs
- Cut the cotton flannel into large pieces and divide into thirds to make 3 layers. My original piece was 20 inches by 10 inches and when folded it was approximately 7 inches by 10 inches. It may be larger or smaller depending on where you want to place it.
- Submerge the flannel completely in castor oil (do not completely saturate it). The easiest way I found was to carefully fold the flannel and place it in a quart-sized mason jar. I then added the castor oil a tablespoon or so at a time (about every 20 minutes), giving it time to saturate. I also gently shook the bottle between adding more oil to make sure the oil reached all parts of the fabric. Ideally, you should do this a day in advance to give it time to absorb evenly. I keep the jar because that’s where I store the flannel between uses (I can use it about 30 times).
- Carefully remove the castor oil-soaked cloth and unfold it.
- Lie down on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth over the desired body part.
- Cover it with a wrap-around pack or cotton flannel and place a heating pack on top. You can also use a plastic grocery bag to prevent oil from reaching the heating pad. You can use hot water bottles, electric heating pads, and rice heating pads, but hot water bottles and rice packs may need to be reheated several times.
- Lie on your back with your feet elevated (I usually lie on the floor with my feet up on the couch) and relax for 30-60 minutes.
- Use this time to practice deep breathing, read a book, meditate, pray (or whatever feels relaxing).
- After the desired time has passed, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass container. Store in the refrigerator.
- Mix water with natural soap or baking soda to remove any remaining castor oil from your skin.
- Relax and relax. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to help detox.
Where to Buy Castor Oil Kit
You can buy castor oil kits that include cotton flannel and mess-free wrap-around packs that don’t require plastic wrap.
- I have had great results using this one from Radiant Life (no leaks at all).
- This castor oil kit It’s similar to Radiant Life in price and quality, but has a flannel wrap design that’s a bit more contoured and easier to tie.
Other Ways to Use Castor Oil
Castor oil is convenient to have around the house for other uses as well. Rich in fatty acids And it contains antibacterial ingredients. Anti-inflammatory properties It can benefit your body in many ways. Use castor oil externally to:
- When applied to acne, dry skin, rashes, boils, age spots, and warts, it improves complexion and provides moisture.
- Treating Toenail Fungus
- Soothes sprains, injuries, or sore joints.
- Apply to back pain area
- To cleanse and soothe the abdomen when suffering from digestive or reproductive diseases
For best results, apply the castor oil pack for 60-90 minutes as soon as the problem begins. Do this about 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Consult your doctor to rule out more serious causes.
This article has been medically reviewed. Madiha Saeed, MDBoard certified family physician. As always, this is not individual medical advice and you are advised to consult your own physician.
Have you ever tried castor oil? I’ll be sharing some of my other favorite uses soon. Please share your uses below!
