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From the Ancient Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans, Castor Oil has a rich legacy spanning thousands of years. This remarkable oil has been treasured for its beneficial properties and has been used in a variety of ways as a complementary approach to wellness to this very day.
Join us on a scientifically-supported journey, discovering the natural wellness benefits of Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs for overall well-being and support.
Castor Oil Packs, where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness as a time-tested natural practice that involves applying a cloth soaked in Castor Oil to a specific part of the body (usually the liver area). This practice has been handed down through generations for its potential benefits.
From a scientific standpoint, Castor Oil contains ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid shown in animal studies to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.1,2
Ricinoleic acid has a unique molecular weight of 298 Daltons3 that may allow it to penetrate through the epidermis and into the dermis, where the circulatory and lymphatic vessels lie. In dermatological medicine, only substances below 500 Daltons can pass through the dermis.
Additionally, Castor Oil Packs are thought to stimulate the lymphatic system through gentle compression and supporting drainage.
Notably, Castor Oil Packs have gained attention for their potential to address common gastrointestinal concerns, particularly bloating and constipation.4 The possible mechanism at play involves the activation of prostaglandin EP3 receptors that stimulate smooth muscle function of the digestive tract.5
But it’s not just the oil that helps create the magic. While applying Castor Oil topically to your skin does have its benefits, you’re still missing a crucial part of the process- compression!
The Castor Oil Pack combined with Castor Oil is a game-changing practice that helps move your body into the parasympathetic state of rest and digest, supporting your body’s processes to work in harmony. Amazing, agreed?
The ricinoleic acid found in Castor Oil also promotes the release of nitric oxide,6,7 an antioxidant that supports blood flow.
Nitric oxide also signals the relaxation of smooth muscle relaxation in the digestive tract, which may alleviate bloating and support regular bowel movements, providing a natural and non-invasive approach to supporting gastrointestinal discomfort.
It may sound like all you need is the oil, but the pack is just as important as the Castor Oil because it helps support the relaxed state. It’s kind of like a band-aid, where you place it on your body to signal receptors in the skin that are connected to the nervous system, letting it know where your body needs blood flow and attention in order to feel better.
Castor Oil Packs have traditionally been worn over the liver area, but modern innovation has taken this natural practice and adapted it to meet the needs of the body in many other areas.
From the thyroid and breasts to the back, pelvis, and hips, the adaptability of Castor Oil Packs is truly remarkable.
Discover Castor Oil Packs for wellness here.
The liver plays a central role in detoxification, metabolism, hormone balance, vitamin storage, and overall well-being.8
Detoxification And Blood Flow Support
Castor Oil Packs are thought to have a gentle yet profound influence on the liver's detoxification processes. The packs, when applied over the liver area, may help support blood circulation via nitric oxide5 6 and the physical action of the pack while enhancing the flow of lymphatic fluid via gentle compression.9
Increased circulation may help the liver to filter toxins more efficiently, supporting a thorough detoxification process, ensuring that essential nutrients reach the liver, and supporting its metabolic functions and overall vitality.
Balanced Inflammation
The ricinoleic acid present in Castor Oil has anti-inflammatory properties.2 When applied topically to the liver area using Castor Oil Packs, these compounds may help play a pivotal role in balancing inflammation, providing valuable support to the organ's essential functions.
Plus, balanced inflammation not only encourages enhanced liver health but also offers natural support when struggling with conditions linked to liver congestion. By addressing inflammation locally, Castor Oil Packs may contribute to a more resilient liver.10
Pain Relief And Relaxation
Beyond detoxification, Castor Oil Packs are thought to provide relief by easing tension and discomfort. When the pack is applied, the body’s natural warmth, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of Castor Oil, may help support liver-related pain, relaxation, and even encourage less stress.
The thick, luxurious feeling of oil on the skin may promote the feel-good hormone dopamine11, and the soft, gentle compression of the pack on the skin encourages oxytocin12, and the parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ state. The combination of these two hormones, just like the combination of the oil and pack, is like a match made in heaven.
Castor Oil Packs For Constipation
Let’s be honest: constipation is a struggle that can really weigh us down both physically and emotionally.
This all-too-common condition is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, usually occurring three times a week or less. It stands out as one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal issues in the United States, often prompting referrals to colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists.20
When taken orally, USP-grade Castor Oil is an FDA-approved stimulant laxative21 that may cause a harsh urgency to run to the bathroom.
Castor Oil Packs are a much gentler topical support for constipation and regular bowel movements by stimulating smooth muscle contractions in the intestines, helping to move stool through the digestive tract more easily5.
Plus, it is thought that Castor Oil Packs even help food and supplements absorb better by supporting digestion and elimination within the body.
Beyond liver wellness, another crucial organ resides when it comes to maintaining the body’s health and wellness- the thyroid.
This small butterfly-shaped organ is found in the front of the neck, and is responsible for many of the body’s essential functions, including Metabolism, energy production, and overall homeostasis in the body.13
Various factors can impact thyroid function, and emerging research suggests that Castor Oil Packs may offer a natural and supportive approach to maintaining thyroid wellness.
Inflammation Support
Inflammation can harm the thyroid, contributing to approximately 20% of all thyroid diseases.14
Ricinoleic acid, found in Castor Oil, may help fight inflammation by influencing different pathways that trigger it. Using Castor Oil Packs topically may help ease local inflammation, making the thyroid's environment more favorable for its proper function.15
Detoxification And Lymphatic Support
The thyroid is remarkably responsive to shifts in the body's detoxification mechanisms. When the lymphatic system, responsible for removing toxins, operates sluggishly, it can hinder the elimination of harmful substances.
Castor Oil Packs worn on the thyroid area have the potential to activate and support lymphatic drainage. This enhancement in the lymphatic system's activity may support more effective elimination of toxins16, supporting balance, lessening the load on the thyroid gland, and contributing to its overall well-being.
The pelvic region is home to crucial organs for reproductive health in men and women, as well as the bladder and rectum, playing a vital role in controlling the storage and release of urine and stool.17
Castor Oil Packs For Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts, though common, are not normal and can bring discomfort and disruption to daily life for many women. While medical interventions are available, some individuals seek natural alternatives to support their well-being, including Castor Oil Packs.
These fluid-filled sacs can form on or within the ovaries and are a common occurrence during the menstrual cycle.18 While most cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, some may cause discomfort, pain, or hormonal imbalances.
When Castor Oil Packs are applied over the pelvic area, they may support less inflammation associated with ovarian cysts, potentially providing relief from discomfort.
Furthermore, Castor Oil Packs may play a role in stimulating lymphatic drainage, helping to remove substances that might contribute to the development or persistence of ovarian cysts.
Castor Oil Packs For Menstrual Cramps
Castor Oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with pain and inflammation19 associated with menstrual cycle cramps and discomfort.
When a Castor Oil Pack is applied over the pelvic area, the gentle compression acts like a cozy hug, helping to ease the body into relaxation. When the body is relaxed, muscle tension is supported.
Plus, the natural warmth from the pack against the skin provides comfort and helps create a moment of mindfulness and self-care.
What you may not know about Castor Oil is that it’s the ultimate carrier oil; meaning that because of the unique molecular weight of ricinoleic acid, it may potentially penetrate through the top layer of skin and into the dermis.
Castor oil is a carrier oil, and it can potentially carry substances into the body. This is why Castor Oil should ONLY be bottled in glass, as plastic bottles often contain hormone-disrupting substances like UV filters, slip agents, and BPA. 20 21 22
For your self-care practices, only use Castor Oil, which is 100% pure, certified organic, hexane-free, third-party tested, and bottled in amber glass.
Now, the quality of your Castor Oil Pack is just as important. You want to make sure that you have only organic materials, such as 100% organic cotton, touching your skin with Castor Oil. Traditionally, Castor Oil Packs have been messy and complicated, preventing people from wanting to do them. Luckily, with modern innovation, we now have a new, easy, and less messy way to do them, using suitable materials.
In conclusion, Castor Oil Packs offer a holistic approach to wellness with a range of potential benefits. The science behind Castor Oil Packs lies in their potential to relax the body, support circulation, balance inflammation, and optimize cleansing.
Integrating Castor Oil Packs into your wellness routine might provide a natural means of supporting the body's ability to enhance overall well-being.
Whether looking for relief from specific conditions or simply aiming to enhance your overall sense of wellness, trying out Castor Oil Packs could be a gentle way to experience the potential benefits of this age-old remedy. Find them here.
References:
By Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D.
