Castor Oil Packs: How and Why to Use Them
Here is a way to show your liver some love that you may or may not have heard of-Castor Oil Packs!
In this day and age we are inundated with toxic burdens from air pollution, environmental toxins, the food we eat, hormone disrupting chemicals, aaarghhh!
An easy way to keep your Liver healthy and supported is to use castor oil packs. Whether you are looking for a boost to help in your Liver's innate ability to process the toxic burden hurdled at us in all directions or are needing a deeper restorative care to improve a sluggish liver, hormonal issues , digestive or other health concern, castor oil packs are a tried and true resource used for centuries for vibrant health.
Castor oil's active ingredient is ricinoleic acid which has been used for centuries to move congestion from the liver and reduce inflammation from body tissues. Its unique molecular weight makes castor oil the best oil to penetrate deep into the tissues to activate lymph and reduce inflammation. When we help the liver in its natural detoxification process, we allow more energy to be focused on healing and promoting our own ability to make essential liver-focused antioxidants like glutathione, a protein made in your liver that helps neutralize free radicals and detoxifies other drugs and toxins in your body.
CASTOR OIL PACKS AND WOMEN'S HEALTH
Castor Oil Packs have research backed data that correlate their use with increased blood circulation and decreased inflammation. Add to that their powerful use as a liver supportive therapy, and there ya go - we're helping hormonal regulation and harmony happen! You see, when we lack blood circulation to our uterus and ovaries it not only affects our menstruation by causing more painful, heavier periods with clots, and prolonged spotting. Lack of blood circulation is a definite factor in the development of fibroids and endometriomas. This therapy can also help you pre-pregnancy to prepare your uterus for conception and a healthy implantation.
Here are some of the many women’s health conditions which external castor oil packs can be beneficial in using:
Assists Liver Detoxification
Fertility
Pelvic Adhesions
Digestive Complaints
Hormonal Balance
Endometriosis
Ovarian Cysts
Uterine Fibroids
Menstrual Cramps
Fibrocystic Breasts
CAUTION: Though Castor oil can be used for most women's health concerns, it is important to NOT use them after ovulation and conception if you are actively trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
CASTOR OIL PACKS AND DIGESTION
What exactly is the action in which Castor oil can assist the above issues? Blood Circulation + Anti-Inflammatory actions, of course! How do they do that? Well, it has been found that they directly stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and the direct application of the oil affects the tissues and stimulates lymph and blood circulation. In 2011 a study was conducted in 2 nursing homes, examining the effects of castor oil packs on elderly patients with chronic constipation.1 Noted improvements from using the packs included decreased symptoms of constipation, and with none of the uncomfortable side effects of traditional laxatives, such as cramping or inability to hold stools.1They can easily be employed for digestive health concerns:
Constipation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease
Gas & Bloating
CASTOR OIL AND PAIN
We have a famous saying in Chinese medicine:
“BU TONG ZE TONG, TONG ZE BU TANG”
It sounds like a Missy Elliot Rhyme; but it translates to: “If there is no free flow, there is pain; If there is free flow, there is no pain.
Castor oil treatments aim to restore the free flow in the body to eliminate pain. Again, the anti-inflammatory, lymphatic and blood circulating mechanisms help reduce joint pain and pain from injuries, sprains, broken bones etc. Now, if you find yourself seriously injured, please do be inspected by your doctor. During recovery time and to deal with chronic aches and pains, castor oil can be a godsend.
Castor oil proved to be as effective as capsaicin (and without the irritating skin reddening, heat inducing effect) in reducing inflammation and edema. It accomplished this by stimulating the lymphatic system and reducing the sensation of pain by decreasing substance P, a nervous system neurotransmitter.2 The same mechanism of action occurs in an acupuncture treatment and is a reason why castor oil packs are often used on strains, sprains, and arthritic joints.3Just recently, my partner injured his xiphoid process during a nasty tumble on his bike. We started with the castor oil pack directly on his injury and he felt relief the next day from the popping and intense pain he was feeling when lifting his arms, taking deep breaths and any movement of that funny little protrusion at the bottom of his sternum. All in all, Castor oil is a simple tool to help with a plethora of health issues. It is a tried and true remedy that has prevailed throughout the years. We highly recommend it for our patients and use it ourselves!
They are so easy to use as well!
Directions: Apply 2-3 tablespoons evenly on flannel side of castor oil pack. After lightly moistening fabric, place fabric oil side against the body in the position you would like it to stay (over liver, lower abdomen, reproductive organs, painful joints, breasts. etc). secure the pack in place by wrapping the elastic band around to fasten with the buttons at the tab of the pack. There are small buttonholes in the elastic band. Fasten at the spot that is most comfortable but snug to your body. Keep pack on for at least an hour to 90 minutes, adding a heating pad or warmth as you relax. This pack can also be used to sleep in, though, if that is the case, using a heating pad is only advisable if used as intended and in a safe manner with a timer.
If you find that you also have any of the above listed concerns; whether it be women's health, digestion or pain, Luna Acupuncture & Apothecary is here to help you feel your best! Reach out to us or book an appointment here. If you are curious about castor oil packs, feel free to hit us with a DM or check out our Website to shop our Organic Castor oil Packs here. We promise you’ll love them.
1.Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011;17(1):58-62.3. Https://ndnr.com/gastrointestinal/castor-oil-magic-or-myth-part-4/