Castor oil pack benefits are quite amazing. From boosting fertility, treating fibroids, reducing inflammation, boosting lymphatic circulation, improved immunity, increasing digestion, and more. Castor oil is a healing oil and castor oil packs are the best way to receive its benefits.
Castor oil is the pale yellow liquid extracted from castor seeds and is very rich in antioxidants. Mostly known for its hair and skin benefits, castor oil pack benefits include some amazing therapeutic advantages not many of us are aware of. The potency and healing ability of Castor Oil has earned it the name “Palma Christi” or “Hand of Christ” (1).
The main component of castor oil pack benefits is ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Ricinoleic acid makes up about 90% of the oil and binds to intestines to improve stimulation and improve circulation (2). Improved circulation helps your body remove toxins, fight off diseases, and heal effectively.
Castor oil applied topically to the skin, has been shown to increase circulation and improve elimination and healing of tissues and organs. When you place the castor oil pack on your skin, you stimulate cutaneous-visceral reflexes that put your body into the relaxed parasympathetic state. This is known as the rest and digest state; it is where your body can heal (3).
CASTOR OIL PACK BENEFITS
1. IMPROVES IMMUNITY
The role of the immune system — a collection of structures and processes within the body — is to protect against disease or other potentially damaging foreign bodies. Castor oil packs improve the immune system by boosting white blood cells and thus fight infections. It is also shown that castor oil packs improve the count of T-11 cells (a type of white blood cell) and the creation of lymphocytes in the blood within hours of application. This causes the body to produce more antibodies as well as to kill viruses, fungi, bacteria and cancer cells.
2. STIMULATES LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
The lymphatic system impacts the digestive and circulatory systems and it helps you to detox, supporting heart health and solving digestive issues. Castor oil packs improve blood flow, thymus gland health, and lymphatic drainage. Some researches have shown patients who use castor oil packs, have a significant increase in the production of lymphocytes as compared to patients who use placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the body’s natural disease-fighters.
3. IMPROVES FERTILITY
Many genetic and environmental factors can affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy using natural methods. Castor oil works to boost fertility work by helping to decrease water retention, improve digestive function, improve circulation, and stimulate liver function during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycles in particular (7).
4. HEALS FIBROIDS
Fibroids grow when hormone levels are high (like during pregnancy), and stop growing or shrink when people use anti-hormone medication or go through menopause (8). The main benefit of castor oil for fibroids is that they stimulate the lymph, promoting detoxification and cleansing when applied to the pelvic region. This encourages liver and gall bladder stimulation which aids in hormonal balance and helps nutrient absorption.
5. RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
Constipation develops when stool becomes hard and difficult to pass. Castor oil packs also act as a laxative. Researchers have discovered that the main fatty acid in castor oil called the ricinoleic acid binds to receptors on the muscle cells of your intestinal walls. This causes those muscles to contract and push out stool and thus, relieves constipation.
6. IMPROVE JOINT PAIN
Castor oil packs are also known for treating arthritis, its anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal oil for relieving joint pain, nerve inflammation and sore muscles.
7. BOOST AND IMPROVE LIVER FUNCTION
Castor oil packs have been said to help detoxify the liver naturally, support uterine and ovarian health, improve lymphatic circulation, and reduce inflammation. The idea is that the pack may help the liver move particles and cleanse the body. Applying a castor oil pack to the liver area is incredibly soothing and healing.
HOW TO USE CASTOR OIL PACK
Castor oil packs are simple and easy to make and use.
Materials
- Cotton flannel wide enough to cover the lower abdomen and pelvic area
- Castor oil
- Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (this can come from a plastic bag)
- Hot water bottle
- Container with a lid
- Old clothes and sheets as castor oil can stain clothing and bedding.
Instructions
- Place the flannel in the container.
- Soak it with castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
- Place the pack over your abdomen and pelvic area.
- Cover with plastic.
- Place the hot water bottle over the pack.
- Leave it on for 45-60 minutes.
- Rest while the pack is in place. (use this time to meditate or use healing chants)
CASTOR OIL PACK TIPS
- To prevent doing the castor oil pack on a full stomach, it is best to do it 2-3 hours after a meal.
- When using the pack lie on your back, with your feet elevated
- Practice visualization, meditation or relaxation breathing
- For maximum effectiveness, it is necessary to apply the pack as often as possible. Try for at least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4-6 weeks.
After, add a little baking soda to warm water and clean the skin. As for the pack, 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 an effective home treatment.