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The castor plant (Ricinis comunis) is a plant that originally comes from East Africa, around Ethiopia, however it has been introduced to many parts of the world including the US, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, and it is now common to see it in the southwestern US. The oil from the seeds is well-known for its laxative effect, and many pregnant women have tried castor oil in order to induce labor (and many of them have stories to tell about what happened next!) In addition to these well-known uses, castor oil has many other uses as well.
Background
The seeds, or beans, of the castor plant contain ricin, which is very dangerous to humans, and therefore the seeds should not be consumed. However, once the bean is heated and the oil is exacted from the seed, the toxic substance is no longer present in the remaining oil and is therefore safe to consume.
Castor oil was once known as “Palma Christe” because the shape of the leaves resembles the palm of Christ. Traditionally in Egypt it was used in the eyes and in Ayurveda it is used for the skin and to soothe the digestive tract.
Uses
Castor Oil is well-known for its laxative effect. The active ingredient, ricinoleic acid, binds with receptors in the intestines to produce contractions that generally result in a bowel movement. It is important to note that castor oil should only be used as an occasional remedy for constipation, and should not be used long-term.
Similarly, ricinoleic acid also binds with receptors in the uterus to cause contractions and to stimulate labor (1). One study found that castor oil may be a safe way to stimulate labor for women who are past their due date (2). Other studies state that it does not help or hinder labor (3). Anecdotally, I can say that I have some friends who have interesting stories to tell about castor oil and labor induction!
Beautiful Skin & Hair
Topically castor oil has many applications. Many cosmetic products are using castor oil due to its moisturizing properties. I occasionally use castor oil to wash my face (more on this in a future post!) and I enjoy the resulting smooth skin. Many people also use it to moisturize the scalp and hair and it can even help with hair growth, including eyelashes. Castor Oil is generally considered safe, though some people can occasionally have an allergic reaction to this oil (4)
In addition to its moisturizing properties, castor oil also has some anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can aid in wound healing as well as acne.
Why you should do a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil naturally increases the flow of blood and lymph under the skin and as a result it can be used for some of the following indications:
- Improve blood flow to the reproductive organis, in order to help with blood flow, detox, as well as to help the body heal fibroids, cysts, and resolve scars. There are different opinions about whether or not to use castor oil when you are on your period. This can depend on your cycle. If your cycle is already very heavy, you might want to wait until your menstrual cycle ends. However, if you have any signs of dark blood or clots, you might want to give it a try as castor oil can help break up clots and increase blood flow where needed. In these cases you would apply the castor oil pack over your lower abdomen, below your belly button.
- Apply topically over your belly button to relieve constipation.
- Apply topically over the liver to aid in detox.
- Apply over the low back to aid in back pain.
How to do a Castor Oil Pack
One way to do this is to get together with some friends and have a castor oil party! Or, use your time with your castor oil to meditate, listen to a guided meditation, catch up on a good book, write in your journal, or you could watch your favorite show and sip on a hot chai or ginger tea. You should leave the castor oil on for at least 30 minutes, and ideally about one hour.
Materials
- wool flannel
- hexane free castor oil
- a mason jar
- a plastic bag
- a hot water bottle (you can also use a heating pad but I prefer the hot water bottle)
- a small glass bowl
- some baking soda or arrowroot powder
Alternatively, you could buy a complete kit here
Instructions
- Cut a piece of wool flannel to about the size of your lower abdomen (or to the size of the part of your body that you want to focus on).
- Put some castor oil onto the flannel so that it is slightly damp.
- Put the flannel on your lower abdomen, with a piece of plastic on top (you can cut a piece of plastic to a little bigger than your piece of flannel).
- Place your hot water bottle on top and rest and relax.
- When you finish, wipe the castor oil off with an old towel, and lightly sprinkle some baking soda or arrowroot powder on your belly in order to absorb the excess oil.
- Rest and Repeat! Many people say to do this every other day, depending on your goals. As previously stated, depending on the quality of your menstrual cycle you may or may not want to do it while you are menstruating.
- There are differing opinions as to whether to reuse the flannel and store it in a mason jar, or if you should throw it away and start fresh next time. I think you can reuse several times, and eventually you will want to start fresh. If the oil smells rancid, you will definitely want to toss it and start fresh.
Many people feel highly nourished by taking the time to do some self-care in this way. It is an especially nourishing activity for the winter time when a hot water bottle on the belly can feel extra soothing.
Fertility
By supporting blood flow to the uterus, and encouraging old blood to move out of the body, castor oil can be a great way to boost fertility. Heat on the lower abdomen, as well as increased blood flow, can be a great combination for fertility success, in combination with proper diet (and acupuncture!) If you are trying to get pregnant, you might want to do the castor oil pack during the first part of your cycle only (day 1 through day 14, or until ovulation). After ovulation, and until you know if you are pregnant or not, hold off on the castor oil pack. If you are not pregnant, start again with your cycle or at the tail end of your cycle.
