If you're someone who suffers from period cramps, endometriosis, PCOS, miscarriages, or inflammatory conditions in the pelvic area, castor oil is your new best friend.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Castor plant (Ricinus communis), also known as Palma Christi. Castor oil has been used traditionally for centuries, dating back as far as 4,000 years. A great way to utilize this oil is with a castor oil pack.
How to Use Castor Oil
The best way to use castor oil is with a Castor Oil Pack. This is a cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin to enhance healing, circulation and improve inflammation in that local area. It directly allows the oil to seep into the skin and inflamed cells.
What Can a Castor Oil Pack be Used for?
Castor oil has been traditionally used to aid in cases with inflammation, pain, growths, or when increased circulation was desired. Castor oil packs are excellent for wound healing, particularly tissue scarring and softening (perfect for tissue scarring from endometriosis or PCOS). Using castor oil packs abdominally can significantly improve inflammation within the digestive and reproductive systems. Within the reproductive system, the oil can improve circulation and healing within the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
Castor Oil Healing Mechanisms
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymph, a clear to yellowish fluid. Lymphocytes are the cells of the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes help to provide immunological defense against disease. This system runs throughout our entire body. Lymph nodes are concentrated in certain areas of the body. Many lymph nodes surround the reproductive organs.
The lymphatic system removes toxins and waste from the area stimulated by the castor oil pack. The lymphatic system provides each cell in the body a means to get rid of waste. The lymphatic system relies on external movement and manipulation, as well as regular movement of the entire body to function. The lymphatic system does not have a “pump” to move the lymph through it like the circulatory system has the heart. Castor oil packs are one way to stimulate movement of lymph. Regular exercise is also a vital way to maintain lymphatic system health.
Stimulation of the lymphatic system occurs by applying the Castor oil pack over the reproductive system. This helps to cleanse the reproductive organs and promote healing of damaged tissues where the pack is applied.
Circulatory System
The circulatory system is more familiar to most people, the most familiar parts being the heart, blood, veins and arteries. It runs throughout the entire body.
The promotion of circulation by the castor oil pack will bring in fresh oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the reproductive organs, including the uterus. Without proper circulation to the reproductive organs, they may not function at their best; this may invite disease, hinder proper healing of damaged areas, and promote formation of scar tissue and adhesions.
The Liver
The liver is fundamental to reproductive health and happy hormone communication. The liver metabolises and detoxifies hormones, drugs, and other biologically active molecules from the blood. Hepatic detoxification processes are highly intricate and go through many metabolic processes to reduce inflammation, convert nutrients, store nutrients and excrete excessive molecules. Excess toxin accumulation, stress, digestive issues and environmental stressors can all significantly affect how our liver detoxifies, too much can put pressure on the organ and it can become overwhelmed and depleted.
The liver also makes 1/3 to 1/2 of all lymph. Liver health is vital to proper functioning of the lymphatic system. A liver that is overwhelmed due to poor diet, poor lifestyle choices, being sedentary, or exposure to xenohormones, cannot adequately function or produce lymph as well. This may contribute to hormonal imbalance and disease.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack
Cover everything with a towel and relax.
The best place to place a castor oil pack for fertility issues is over the lower abdomen.
Precautions: Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation. If you are actively trying to conceive, discontinue use after ovulation has occurred.
DIY Castor Oil Pack Material List
· One flannel cloth contained
· One bottle of Castor oil
· Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
· Hot water bottle
· Container with lid
· Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
2. Place the pack over the affected body part.
3. Cover with plastic.
4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.
5. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.
Precautions:
Do not take castor oil internally, or place it on broken skin.
Avoid using during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.
If you are actively trying to conceive, discontinue use after ovulation has occurred.
Summary
Castor oil packs stimulate important detoxification systems in the body, including the lymphatic system and the liver. Castor oil packs also stimulate healthy circulation. All of this is important for clearing out toxins, dead or foreign tissues, and old blood. The stimulation of these systems may also help prevent disease in the reproductive organs. Castor oil packs are a great way to support a healthy reproductive system.
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