I first learned about castor oil when I was nearing the due date of my first child. Like any mother, I wanted to see my baby, so I turned to the vast wisdom of Google to find a way to speed up my body’s natural birthing process.
I found and tried many folk remedies to induce labor (walking, spicy food, bouncing on a medicine ball, pineapple, dancing, raspberry leaf tea, etc.). I also found a few things I hadn’t been able to muster up the courage to try…particularly castor oil. (I’m glad I didn’t do that…I’ll explain why later.)
What is castor oil?
Castor oil (Ricinus Communis) is obtained from the seeds of the castor plant, which is native to India. It is very rich in ricinoleic acid, which is believed to be involved in its health-promoting abilities. In fact, it was once called Palma Criste because its leaves resemble the hands of Christ. Although castor oil is said to have health benefits, it is important to note that castor seeds themselves can be deadly. Castor oil is safe to use internally, but caution should be taken.
Castor oil has a long and illustrious history of use in ancient Japanese healing arts and other ancient cultures. The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in existence, states that early Egyptians were applying castor oil topically as early as 1550 BC.
Although it is considered “generally considered safe” by the FDA and approved for oral use in doses of up to 1 tablespoon per day, it can cause extreme indigestion in some people. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t seek medical advice over the internet. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking castor oil or anything else by mouth.
Does castor oil really cause labor?
Castor oil is sometimes used internally to induce labor, but available research questions its usefulness. In fact, taking it internally can cause severe diarrhea (the idea being that it also stimulates uterine contractions).
I chose not to try this, and I do not suggest it, as there is evidence that it may increase the chance that the baby will pass meconium before birth. It may also be used to relieve constipation (which is also accompanied by severe diarrhea).
I prefer to use this externally, but personally I wouldn’t use it internally. This is one of the two oils I use in my daily oil cleansing routine and it has vastly improved my skin.
Castor oil pack (and why you do it)
When I discovered my 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 a cloth and maintain a heat source on the skin for at least an hour to stimulate lymphatic and liver function. Unlike some “detox” methods, this is not said to have any negative side effects, with people immediately noticing improved sleep, increased energy, and resolution of skin symptoms. There are many reports.
Note: Even for external use, consult your doctor or naturopath to make sure this natural remedy is okay for you. Do not use if pregnant or suffering from a medical condition. I also test new oils (or any substance) on a small area of my arm before using them on large areas of my body.
The advantage of castor oil packs is that they can be applied where the effect is needed.
It is thought to help support the liver and digestive system when used on the right side of the abdomen or throughout the abdomen. Some gallbladder experts recommend castor oil packs as part of a comprehensive regimen. Place directly on tense joints and muscles to reduce inflammation. (Note: This is not a substitute for medical care and is intended to speed healing for minor injuries that do not require medical attention.) Or try it on the lower abdomen to relieve menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea.
what to do
Castor oil packs utilize castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and lymphostimulating effects while allowing for safer external use. From a 1999 study:
The study found that with a minimum treatment period of 2 hours, castor oil packs temporarily “significantly” increased the number of T-11 cells, which increased for 7 hours after treatment and then returned to normal levels within 24 hours. I discovered something. .
An increase in T-11 cells represents an overall improvement in the body’s specific defense status. Lymphocytes actively protect the body’s health by forming antibodies against pathogens and their toxins. T-cell lymphocytes originate from the bone marrow and thymus gland as small lymphocytes that identify and kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancer cells. T-11 cell lymphocytes provide the basic antibody capacity to keep specific defense systems strong.
In short, castor oil packs are said to help the liver naturally detoxify, support uterine and ovarian health, improve lymphatic circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Although there is no definitive research on the external use of castor oil packs (though there are some preliminary studies), they have a long history of traditional use in many cultures. There is some evidence that when used externally it may suppress tumors and have a positive effect on arthritis.
Castor oil packs provide a moment of quiet relaxation and also offer unique health benefits.
How to apply castor oil pack
Castor oil packs are easy to make at home. I like them because you have to stay still and relax for at least an hour. Achieving that isn’t always easy. It can be a hassle, but with proper preparation, it shouldn’t be.
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 tried and liked.
what you need
High-quality castor oil (hexane-free), unbleached, undyed wool or cotton flannel (like this one) – repack up to 30 times in a wraparound pack (or large cotton flannel) or plastic wrap (not optimal) Available. A glass container with a hot water bottle or heating pad with a lid – I use a quart size mason jar to store old clothes, towels, and sheets until I use flannel soaked in oil – castor oil will not stain Masu. Patience (the hardest to find!)
Note: We highly recommend carefully preparing the area where you will be applying the castor oil pack to prevent stains. Try using an old shower curtain and covering it with a sheet underneath to avoid staining anything. I don’t have to wash my sheets often and just fold them up and store them in my bathroom cabinet for next time.
How to use castor oil pack
Cut a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it in thirds to make three layers. My original piece was 20″ x 10″ and folded to about 7″ x 10″. It can be larger or smaller depending on where you plan to install it. Soak the flannel completely (but not completely) in the castor oil. The easiest method I found was to carefully fold the flannel and place it in a quart-sized mason jar. I then added the castor oil about a tablespoon at a time (every 20 minutes) and gave it time to saturate. I also gently shook the bottle between adding the oil to make sure the oil was distributed to all parts of the cloth. Ideally, this should be done the day before to give it time to soak evenly. I will keep this bottle. This is to store the flannel between uses (you can use it about 30 times). Carefully remove the castor oil-soaked cloth and spread it out. Lie down on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth on the desired part of your body. Cover with a wraparound pack or cotton flannel and place a heating pack on top. You can also use a plastic bag to keep oil from getting on the heating pad. You can use a hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or rice warming pad, but you may need to reheat the hot water bottle or rice pack several times. Lie on your back with your feet elevated (I usually lie on the floor with my feet on the couch) and relax for 30-60 minutes. Use this time to practice deep breathing, read, meditate, pray (or whatever you find relaxing). Once the desired time has elapsed, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass container. Store in the refrigerator. Use natural soap or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any remaining castor oil from your skin. Relax and rest. To support your detox, be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated after doing this.
Where to buy castor oil kits
You can buy castor oil kits with cotton flannel and no-mess wraparound packs that don’t require wraps.
I used this one from Radiant Life and had great results (no leaks at all). This castor oil kit is similar in price and quality to Radiant Life, but the flannel wrap design is a little more contoured and easier to tie.
Other uses for castor oil
Castor oil is also useful to have around the house for other purposes. It is rich in fatty acids, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has various effects on the body. Use castor oil externally for the following purposes:
Apply to acne, dry skin, rashes, boils, age spots, and warts to improve complexion and increase hydration Treat toenail fungus Relieve sprains, injuries, or joint pain Apply to areas of back pain Please cleanse and soothe your abdomen when you have digestive or reproductive problems.
For best results, apply a castor oil pack for 60 to 90 minutes as soon as the problem begins. Continue this about 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Consult your doctor to rule out more serious causes.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, a board-certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you consult your doctor.
Have you ever used castor oil? We’ll be sharing some of our other favorite uses soon, so please share them below!
