Castor Oil and it's Healing Properties
November 2021
Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.
Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses. It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, medications and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component. In ancient Egypt, castor oil was burned as fuel in lamps, used as a natural remedy to treat ailments like eye irritation and even given to pregnant women to stimulate labor (1Trusted Source).
Today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for common conditions like constipation and skin ailments and is commonly used in natural beauty products.
Importance of the Lymphatic System and connection to castor oil
The lymphatic system is like the sewer system of the body. Toxins, infections, metals, dead cells and debris from all over the body are collected and cleaned up by the lymphatic system then brought to the liver for filtering and emptied out the colon. When our lymphatic system is not working effectively, waste and toxins can build up, this can lead to depressed immune system, inefficient bowel movements, worsening food sensitivities, ultimately leading to inflammation and disease.
Therefore, castor oil packs can:
Help with more effective elimination of waste
Reduction of nausea
Pain relief
Improved digestion
Reduced inflammation
Increased relaxation and improve sleep
Immune enhancing benefits
Metabolism boost
Increase lymphatic drainage
Detoxify the body
Strengthen the immune system
Reduce food sensitivities
Prevent disease and enhance overall health
Increase Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are your immune system’s disease-fighting cells and are produced and stored mainly in your lymphatic tissue. These white blood cells work together to defend the body against foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells that can threaten its functioning. It has been found that when castor oil is absorbed through your skin your lymphocyte count increases. Increased lymphocytes speed up the removal of toxins from your tissues, which promotes healing.
Liver Pack
A liver pack is placing castor oil on a cotton or wool flannel cloth and placing it over the area of your liver. (see below for the products I use) You should begin by doing this for 15-30 minutes for three days then move up the amount of time to 45 minutes or 1 hour a day. You can also use it overnight! I personally go the route of using it overnight while I'm sleeping. It does induce drowsiness so it's great for helping you sleep. Make sure to add a hot water bottle or a heating pad over the top of your pack. This helps the oil absorb into the deep layers of the skin. You also want to drink lots of water to flush out the system and make sure you are clearing out your bowels after you finish each treatment. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, then do not do this treatment. You do not want to detoxify your system like this while you are pregnant.
I started using a liver pack at the beginning of October 2021. I had been reading that this was an excellent way to detox my liver, so I figured I would give it a try. (It helps the entire lymphatic system really!) I did all my research on exactly what I should buy and how I should begin this process and how this holistic healing practice might work for me.
Since my late 20s I have been suffering from what they call a "fatty liver". I was diagnosed with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis or NASH for short. I was told, at the time, that lessening my body fat was the best way to stop the harmful effects of this disease. I of course set out immediately to do just that and accomplished a 70 pound reduction in my weight, basically stopping all signs of NASH. However, knowing what I do now about my own body and the human liver, in general, there is way more to the story than just my weight.
Now that I'm in my 40s and feeling the effects of hormonal fluctuations, more than ever before, I have been looking for something to help with the side effects of these fluctuations. As most of you know, your liver is essentially the filter of your body. All hormonal fluctuations taxes your liver and can cause problem with the rest of your body, if it is already over taxed because of your diet or environment. Most of us are taxing our liver just by breathing the air around us and eating processes food. So when women get hot flashes, adult acne and weight gain, this is most likely caused by our liver being over taxed. It's like a ripple effect that goes through our body. All the parts of our body are interacting with each other, so as an example, you may begin seeing your thyroid be affected, once your liver is over taxed. It is vital that we take care of this very import organ that does so much for us!
What have I seen by add castor oil packs to my routine?
#1 I sleep better
#2 Metabolism increase
#3 Inflammation in my body, particularly in the area I put the oil, significantly decreased.
I also decided to put some on my face when I had a severe head cold. Someone told me that it helps reduce mucous so I gave it a try! It did help my head cold but I was very careful to not over do it. I didn't want it to plug up my pores on my face. It's a very heavy/sticky oil that could really cause problem with those who have sensitive skin. Word of caution, test this oil out on a small area of skin prior to doing anything with it. Make sure you won't have a strange reaction to it. Also, be careful with the clothing and other material around this oil. It is very difficult (almost impossible) to get out of cloth. Wear something that you don't mind if the oil seeps into the fibers. You will also want to place a towel down if you are laying on your bed or other furniture while using this oil.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Anything you read in this blog is intended to be used along side modern medicine. You should not forgo talking to a doctor while using holistic healing/medicine.
Final Notes
I have seen some great things from using a castor oil pack. I hope that you will see if this is right for you too. I wish you health and happiness and pass on peace, love and light to you.
Be well!
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