Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil is pressed from the castor bean, which is actually a seed. Native to Africa, India, and the Mediterranean region, the Castor plant, Ricinus communis in Latin, has spread throughout the world since ancient times. The plant is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops.
What is Castor Oil Used For?
Castor oil was first documented in an Egyptian medical papyrus in 1550 BCE, but is believed to have been used for centuries prior, specifically for constipation. But this oil has served multiple purposes, and has been used in soap manufacturing. It has also been incorporated into skin and hair products, and in modern times, is used in manufacturing polyurethane. There are also claims that the oil encourages hair growth, and has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that the oil speeds wound healing, and is a useful treatment for bedsores.
New York Times best-selling author of the groundbreaking 1994 “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom,” Christiane Northrup M.D. has practiced medicine, and been an advocate for women’s health, for decades.
Dr. Northrup recommends castor oil packs for a number of issues, including endometriosis (a painful condition where uterine tissue forms within the pelvis), PMS and severe monthly cramps, urinary tract infections, and ovarian cysts, and advises using castor oil packs three times a week (except during menses) for immune system health.
Another author, Carolyn DeMarco, (“Take Charge of Your Body”) recommends castor oil packs for painful varicose veins, liver, gallbladder, and kidney concerns, constipation, sciatica and arthritis. The packs are also used by cancer patients, and in detox regimens.
Castor Oil Facts:
- Castor oil has been used as a natural laxative for centuries, but is best used for short-term symptoms — long term use may lead to cramps and diarrhea.
- Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it useful for acne and its accompanying pain and inflammation.
- Candida albicans is a yeast fungus that contributes to oral plaque and infections, and can lead to root canals. A 2013 study concluded that castor oil is effective in “eliminating C. albicans and E. faecalis in human tooth roots.
- Common joint pain can be caused from congested lymph nodes — rubbing castor oil on joints can promote blood and lymphatic circulation — the ricinoleic acid in castor oil has a decongestant effect on the lymphatics.
How to Make and Use a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs are simple and easy to make and use. A castor oil pack is made by soaking two to four layers of unbleached, organic clean wool or cotton flannel with hexane-free, unrefined, non-deodorized organic cold pressed castor oil. The cloth should be large enough to cover the area of concern, such as pelvis or back. Placing the flannel in a large bowl to soak in oil helps contain the mess — once saturated, the flannel can be partially wrung out to minimize leaks.
The saturated flannel is placed on or wrapped around the treatment area, covered with plastic and a towel, and heated with a hot water bottle or heating pad. The pack can also be wrapped with an ace bandage if being on a limb. It’s a good idea to lie on an old towel to keep bedding or upholstery oil-free. Place the heat source over the towel and allow the pack to warm up, then set a timer and relax for 45 to 60 minutes.
After, add a little baking soda to warm water and clean the skin. As for the flannel, it can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator and re-used until it changes color or begins to smell — eventually it will become saturated with toxins. Some recommend disposing of the flannel at that point — others suggest washing the flannel in cold water. Because the organic, unbleached cotton or wool flannels are reasonably inexpensive, castor oil packs are an economical as well as effective home treatment.
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What Your Food Cravings Really Mean
Ever had a craving you just can’t shake? Is there only one particular food that can always pull you out of an emotional rut? Have you ever wondered where the phrase“Eat your feelings” even comes from or what causes food cravings in the first place?
Of course, you have! You’re only human! Most people accept food cravings as a normal part of everyday life without really ever asking what these food cravings mean.” No two bodies are the same, and therefore no two reasons behind a specific food craving are the same. While some may be rooted in nutritional deficits – others may be a deeper signal from our Spirit echoing throughout our bodies.
Your mind, body, and Spirit communicate through an intricate language, which isn’t always easy to decipher. However, with a little effort, you can translate these signals and create the harmony needed for improved health.
For most, we’ve been taught to “overcome” our bodily cues with medicine or supplements. For example, when a person has a headache, they’re taught to reach for the Advil bottle rather than lying down and drinking lots of water. However, no matter how much you resent, ignore, or overlook your bodily cues – they’re not going to go away.
When looking at a type of food craving specifically, emotions are one of the most common causes of binge eating. Cravings that cause emotional eating tend to manifest themselves when we feel vulnerable. Rather than expressing fluctuations in our emotions, we tend to stuff them down with “comfort foods” that give our bodies a false sense of fulfillment. After a while, your body learns this routine, creating cravings that, when satiated, provide a short-term boost of chemical components. By deciphering the real meaning of your cravings, you can get insight as to what’s truly gnawing at you from within.
Gaining knowledge about what our cravings can mean, whether through personal research or consulting with a dietitian, may help us to reduce unhealthy habits and poor food choices that may lead to undesirable outcomes like weight gain and obesity. The following are the three most common food cravings and a starting point for you to decrypt what your mind, body, and Spirit are trying to tell you.
