Компрессы с касторкой: простой способ поправить здоровье

Касторовое масло, а по-простому, «касторку», в советские времена широко использовали как средство для устранения запоров. Позже спектр применения касторового масла расширился, его стали добавлять в лекарственные средства и использовать в косметологии (маска для волос с касторовым маслом, масло касторовое для роста ресниц и бровей и пр.). На самом деле касторовое масло ценно не только как слабительное и уходовое средство: с его помощью можно поправить здоровье и существенно улучшить самочувствие. При этом внутрь касторовое масло принимать не надо!

состав касторового масла

Касторовое масло получают из семян клещевины (Ricinus communis L .) — ядовитого растения, которое произрастает практически по всему земному шару. В отличие от клещевины, касторовое масло — полностью безопасный продукт, при его получении все ядовитые вещества остаются в отходах.

Касторовое масло уникально по своему химическому составу. Эта густая, прозрачная желтоватая жидкость состоит из ценнейших жирных кислот, среди которых:

90% — рицинолевой (рицинолеиновой) кислоты;
4% — линолевой;
3% — олеиновой;
1% — стеариновой;
1% — пальмитиновой кислоты.

Рицинолеиновая кислота — одна из наиболее редких кислот, которая практически не встречается в других растительных маслах, именно она и определяет уникальные свойства касторового масла.

Почему работают компрессы с касторовым маслом

Для того, чтобы получить пользу от касторового масла, его совсем необязательно принимать внутрь! Дело в том, что жирные кислоты касторового масла имеют очень низкий молекулярный вес и способны проникать через кожу (трансдермальная абсорбция), о чем свидетельствуют некоторые исследования.

В ходе экспериментов было установлено, что применение компрессов с касторовым маслом (их ещё называют касторовыми пакетами, или Castor Oil Packs) оказывало положительное влияние на лимфатическую систему, улучшая ее циркуляцию, уменьшало воспаление, повышало уровень дофамина и окситоцина.

Ученые пришли к выводу, что касторовое масло — отличное средство для улучшения детоксикационных функций организма, которое устраняет застойные явления в лимфатической системе, повышает иммунитет.

Компрессы из касторового масла, размещенные в области живота, через Пейеровы бляшки (лимфоидная ткань, располагающаяся на стенках тонкого кишечника) также стимулируют парасимпатическую нервную систему (успокаивают), перистальтику кишечника и моторику желчного пузыря (профилактика и лечение запоров), положительно воздействуют на микрофлору кишечника, разрушают бактериальные биопленки, снимают воспаление и болевой синдром, воздействуя на вещество Р.

В замечательной книге The Oil That Heals: A Physician’s Success with Castor Oil Treatments («Масло, которое лечит: успех врача в лечении касторовым маслом»), изданной в 1993 году, доктор МакГэри подробно описал многочисленные истории болезни, от запоров и артритов до кист, в терапии которых он преуспел, используя в качестве лечебного средства пакеты с касторовым маслом.

Обзор МакГэри в значительной степени опирается на наследие Эдгара Кейси, который также придавал большое значение целебным свойствам касторового масла, применяемого снаружи в виде компрессов. Типичное применение, рекомендованное Кейси, — это компрессы подогретого касторового масла, помещенные на правую сторону живота, покрывающие печень и желчный пузырь, верхнюю часть тонкого кишечника, слепую кишку и восходящую ободочную кишку.

Показания для применения компрессов с касторовым маслом

• целлюлит, отёки и постоянные колебания в весе (большая часть отеков возникает в результате лимфостаза, воздействовать на лимфатическую систему помогают компрессы с касторкой на область живота)
• холецистит и другие проблемы с ЖКТ, в том числе колики и запоры, болезнь Крона, СИБР
• депрессия
• кисты, спайки, эндометриоз, безрезультатные овул

90000 7 Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil 90001 90002 Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years. 90003 90002 It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the 90005 Ricinus communis 90006 plant. 90003 90002 These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely. 90003 90002 Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses.90003 90002 It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, medications and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component. 90003 90002 In ancient Egypt, castor oil was burned as fuel in lamps, used as a natural remedy to treat ailments like eye irritation and even given to pregnant women to stimulate labor (1). 90003 90002 Today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for common conditions like constipation and skin ailments and is commonly used in natural beauty products.90003 90002 Here are 7 benefits and uses of castor oil. 90003 90002 Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative. 90003 90002 It’s classified as a stimulant laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels. 90003 90002 Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation. 90003 90002 When consumed by mouth, castor oil is broken down in the small intestine, releasing ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil.The ricinoleic acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect (2). 90003 90002 In fact, several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation. 90003 90002 For example, one study found that when elderly people took castor oil, they experienced decreased symptoms of constipation, including less straining during defecation and lower reported feelings of incomplete bowel movements (3). 90003 90002 While castor oil is considered safe in small doses, larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (4).90003 90002 Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term issues. 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil can be used as a natural remedy for occasional constipation. However, it can cause side effects like cramping and diarrhea and should not be used to treat chronic constipation. 90039 90002 Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. 90003 90002 These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin.90003 90002 Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin (5). 90003 90002 Castor oil is often used in cosmetics to promote hydration and often added to products like lotions, makeup and cleansers. 90003 90002 You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions. 90003 90002 Many popular moisturizing products found in stores contain potentially harmful ingredients like preservatives, perfumes and dyes, which could irritate the skin and harm overall health (5).90003 90002 Swapping out these products for castor oil can help reduce your exposure to these additives. 90003 90002 Plus, castor oil is inexpensive and can be used on the face and body. 90003 90002 Castor oil is thick, so it’s frequently mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive and coconut oil to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer. 90003 90002 Though applying castor oil to the skin is considered safe for most, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people (6). 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil can help lock moisture in the skin.Though this natural alternative to store-bought products is considered safe for most, it can cause allergic reactions in some. 90039 90002 Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out. 90003 90002 Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the 90005 Myroxylon 90006 tree (7). 90003 90002 Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.90003 90002 It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing (8). 90003 90002 Studies have found that ointments containing castor oil may be especially helpful in healing pressure ulcers, a type wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin. 90003 90002 One study looked at the wound-healing effects of an ointment containing castor oil in 861 nursing home residents with pressure ulcers. 90003 90002 Those whose wounds were treated with castor oil experienced higher healing rates and shorter healing times than those treated with other methods (9).90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil helps heal wounds by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells. 90039 90002 Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties. 90003 90002 Studies have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain. 90003 90002 The pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil may be particularly helpful to those with an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.90003 90002 Animal and test-tube studies have found that ricinoleic acid reduces pain and swelling (10). 90003 90002 One study demonstrated that treatment with a gel containing ricinoleic acid led to a significant reduction in pain and inflammation when applied to the skin, compared to other treatment methods (11). 90003 90002 A test-tube component of the same study showed that ricinoleic acid helped reduce inflammation caused by human rheumatoid arthritis cells more than another treatment. 90003 90002 Aside from castor oil’s potential to reduce inflammation, it may help relieve dry, irritated skin in those with psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing properties.90003 90002 Although these results are promising, more human studies are needed to determine the effects of castor oil on inflammatory conditions. 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in test-tube and animal studies. 90039 90002 Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples and large, painful bumps on the face and body. 90003 90002 It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem.90003 90002 Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms. 90003 90002 Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms (12). 90003 90002 Acne is also associated with an imbalance of certain types of bacteria normally found on the skin, including 90005 Staphylococcus aureus 90006 (13). 90003 90002 Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.90003 90002 One test-tube study found that castor oil extract showed considerable antibacterial power, inhibiting the growth of several bacteria, including 90005 Staphylococcus aureus 90006 (14). 90003 90002 Castor oil is also a natural moisturizer, so it may help soothe the inflamed and irritated skin typical in those with acne. 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil helps fight inflammation, reduce bacteria and soothe irritated skin, all of which can be helpful for those looking for a natural acne remedy.90039 90002 90005 Candida albicans 90006 is a type of fungus that commonly causes dental issues like plaque overgrowth, gum infections and root canal infections (15). 90003 90002 Castor oil has antifungal properties and may help fight off 90005 Candida 90006, keeping the mouth healthy. 90003 90002 One test-tube study found that castor oil eliminated 90005 Candida albicans 90006 from contaminated human tooth roots (16). 90003 90002 Castor oil may also help treat denture-related stomatitis, a painful condition thought to be caused by 90005 Candida 90006 overgrowth.This is a common issue in elderly people who wear dentures. 90003 90002 A study in 30 elderly people with denture-related stomatitis showed that treatment with castor oil led to improvements in the clinical signs of stomatitis, including inflammation (17). 90003 90002 Another study found that brushing with and soaking dentures in a solution containing castor oil led to significant reductions in 90005 Candida 90006 in elderly people who wore dentures (18). 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Several studies have shown that castor oil may help fight fungal infections in the mouth caused by 90005 Candida albicans.90006 90039 90002 Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. 90003 90002 Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil. 90003 90002 Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage (19). 90003 90002 Castor oil may benefit those who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head. 90003 90002 Though there are many different causes of dandruff, it has been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp (20).90003 90002 Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis. 90003 90002 Plus, applying castor oil to the scalp will help moisturize dry, irritated skin and may help reduce flaking. 90003 90036 90037 Summary 90038 The moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it an excellent option to keep hair soft and hydrated and help reduce dandruff symptoms. 90039 90002 Many people use castor oil to treat a variety of issues, either by ingesting the oil or applying it to the skin.90003 90002 Although castor oil is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions and unwanted side effects in some people. 90003 90178 90179 90037 Can induce labor: 90038 It’s used by medical professionals to induce birth. For this reason, women at all stages of pregnancy should avoid consuming castor oil (21). 90182 90179 90037 Can cause diarrhea: 90038 While it can be an effective way to alleviate constipation, you may get diarrhea if you take too much. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.90182 90179 90037 Can cause allergic reactions: 90038 It may cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied to the skin. First try applying a small amount to a tiny patch of skin to see how your body reacts (22). 90182 90191 90036 90037 Summary 90038 Castor oil can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions and diarrhea, in some people. It can also induce labor, so pregnant women should avoid it. 90039 90002 People have used castor oil for thousands of years as a powerful natural treatment for a variety of health issues.90003 90002 It has been shown to help relieve constipation and moisturize dry skin, among many other uses. 90003 90002 If you are searching for an affordable, multi-purpose oil to keep in your medicine cabinet, castor oil may be a good choice. 90003 90202 Well Tested: Moringa and Castor Oils 90203.90000 DIY Castor Oil Packs and How to Use Them 90001 90002 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. 90003 90002 Castor oil is an oil made from «castor beans» — the seeds of the 90005 Ricinus communis 90006 plant. Castor oil is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a food supplement. 90003 90002 A castor oil pack is a piece of wool or a cloth soaked in castor oil so you can apply it on the skin.The cloth may be cotton flannel or other dense material that can soak up a lot of liquid. 90003 90002 People use this against a number of ailments, including skin conditions, blood circulation problems, and digestive issues. 90003 90002 You can make and use your own castor oil packs with a few materials. 90003 90002 Naturopath practitioners recommend looking for hexane-free castor oil. 90003 90016 Ingredients and supplies 90017 90002 To make your own, you’ll need these items: 90003 90020 90021 castor oil 90022 90021 unbleached wool or cotton flannel 90022 90021 medium container or bowl 90022 90021 tongs 90022 90021 scissors 90022 90021 plastic sheeting, such as a small tablecloth or garbage bag 90022 90033 90016 Directions 90017 90036 90021 Cut the wool or cotton flannel into rectangular pieces, about 12 inches by 10 inches.You can also cut them into strips or smaller squares depending on where you’ll use them. 90022 90021 Use at least three to four pieces of cloth to make a pack. 90022 90021 Pour castor oil into the container. You should be able to completely soak a piece of the wool or cotton flannel in the castor oil. 90022 90021 Drop one piece of the cloth into the oil until it’s completely soaked. 90022 90021 Use the tongs to pick up the cloth in the container. It should be dripping with castor oil. 90022 90021 Lay the soaked cloth flat on the plastic sheet.90022 90021 Soak the other two or more pieces of cloth in the same way. 90022 90021 Add the oil-soaked cloths flat on top of the first one. 90022 90021 Once you’ve soaked and layered each cloth, you’ve made a castor oil pack. 90022 90055 90036 90021 Lay down on a large towel or sheet to help catch any castor oil drops. 90022 90021 Place the castor oil pack on the area to be treated. For example, for constipation or other digestive problems you’ll likely place it over your stomach area. 90022 90021 Place a small plastic sheet over the castor oil pack.This helps to heat it and press it against your skin. 90022 90021 You can place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the plastic for more heat if you wish. Make sure you do not fall asleep while heating the castor oil pack as this can lead to burns or other injuries. 90022 90021 Leave the pack on for about 45 minutes to an hour. 90022 90021 Remove the pack and wipe the area clean with a warm damp towel. 90022 90021 You can store the castor oil pack in the container used to soak them.Cover and refrigerate. Reuse each castor oil pack up to 30 times. 90022 90055 90002 Some people may be allergic to castor oil. It may cause a skin rash or reaction when used on the body. If you have not used a castor oil pack before, do a patch test: 90003 90036 90021 Rub a few drops of castor oil into your skin and leave on for 24 hours. 90022 90021 If you do not have any reaction, a castor oil pack should be safe to use. 90022 90055 90016 Cautions with castor oil packs 90017 90020 90021 Avoid using castor oil packs if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.The effects of castor oil on a baby are not known. 90022 90021 Do not heat a castor oil pack in the microwave. The cloth and oil can smoke or catch on fire. 90022 90021 Do not use castor oil packs on a recent injury or on open or irritated skin, such as scratches or cuts that are healing. 90022 90033 90002 Castor oil packs are used outside your body, with or without heat. The idea is that a castor oil pack is soaked with more oil than you can simply rub on your skin. This allows it to better absorb into your skin.90003 90002 There are ideas that use of the pack externally can also help internal issues. However, there’s little or no research to support the use of castor oil packs for internal conditions. 90003 90016 Skin benefits 90017 90002 Ricinoleic acid, a major component in castor oil, has analgesic properties, which may help soothe sunburns, bug bites, or allergic rashes. 90003 90002 The anti-inflammatory effects of castor oil may help bring down skin redness, puffiness, and itching. 90003 90002 Additionally, castor oil is a good moisturizer and helps to seal in skin’s moisture.This can help heal dry, chapped skin and lips, and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. 90003 90016 Constipation 90017 90002 People sometimes take castor oil by mouth as a laxative. In this way, castor oil is used to help bowel movements and empty the stomach. 90003 90002 Using external castor oil packs may also help treat constipation. 90003 90002 A small medical study in Turkey tested the use of castor oil packs to treat severe constipation in older adults. The adults in the study used castor oil packs for 3 days.90003 90002 The researchers found that using the packs did not change the number of bowel movements, but it did make them easier to pass, softer, and reduced constipation symptoms. 90003 90016 Joint pain 90017 90002 Pain in the knees, wrist, fingers and other joints may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Inflammation can lead to pain and swelling in these types of arthritis. 90003 90002 Some people use warmed castor oil packs on the painful joint to help bring down inflammation and drain away blocked fluids that may cause more swelling.90003 90002 While there’s no clinical evidence for the use of castor oil packs in this way, ricinoleic acid may reduce inflammation and help soothe pain for many joint conditions. 90003 90016 Liver and gallbladder health 90017 90002 The liver is the main cleansing organ in your body. It breaks down and gets rid of toxins, old cells, and other waste. It makes white blood cells that your immune system needs to fight germs. 90003 90002 The liver also makes a digestive fluid called bile that helps break down fatty foods so they can be properly used by the body.Bile flows from your liver to the gallbladder and is stored until it’s needed to digest foods. 90003 90002 Some natural practitioners recommend using a castor oil pack on the abdomen over the area of ​​the liver. The idea is that the pack may help the liver move particles and cleanse the body. 90003 90002 Medical research is needed to confirm use of a castor oil pack to help your liver and gallbladder stay healthy. 90003 90002 Medical research shows that castor oil has some benefits. These include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities.More research is needed on how helpful castor oil packs are for various ailments. 90003 90002 See your doctor for treatment if you have an infection or a chronic medical condition like arthritis, asthma, or constipation. Castor oil packs can not treat any medical condition. 90003 90002 You might try castor oil packs for mild symptoms or along with other medical treatment as prescribed by your doctor. 90003.90000 20 Strange but Effective Everyday Uses for Castor Oil 90001 90002 90002 90004 If your parents ever gave you castor oil as a child, you know just how unpleasant it can be. What is great about this medicinal concoction is that it is filled with Vitamin E which makes it perfect for a number of things, although taking it orally may not be one of them. It is also filled with proteins, minerals and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it virtually a cure-all for anything that ails you.90005 90004 The taste of castor oil alone is enough to make you ban if from your home forever, but there are a number of seemingly abnormal uses for this medicine that does not require you to taste it. Although it can still be used as a laxative (sparingly of course because it works really well) you do not necessarily have to put it in your mouth to reap its benefits. 90005 90004 90009 Click here to buy Castor Oil 40% off. 90010 90005 90004 Some pregnant women choose to take castor oil to hurry up their labor, although every doctor in the world recommends against this.Because it works as a laxative, it can actually cause dehydration if you take it without actually needing the laxative effects. Otherwise, there are many different ways that you can put that old castor oil to work and you do not even need a spoon. 90005 90014 1. Lubricate Scissors 90015 90004 90017 90017 Castor oil makes a wonderful lubricant for scissors. Because it actually can be ingested, it is much better for use on metals that touch food than other lubricants that should never touch your mouth.Just rub a bit on your scissors or other utensils and let it sit for a while and then wipe clean with a paper towel or clean cloth. 90005 90014 2. Soothe Eyes 90015 90004 90023 90023 Castor oil works great to remove tiredness from around your eyes. It works much like petroleum jelly but without the mess. Before you go to bed at night, just rub a little around your eyes and even on your eyelashes. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will soak in overnight and leave you looking and feeling a bit more refreshed in the morning.90005 90014 3. Hair and Scalp Treatment 90015 90004 90029 90029 If you tend to have dry scalp or dandruff, you can rub a little castor oil into your scalp and massage it in to alleviate the flakes and itchiness. Incidentally, the oil works really well as conditioner, too. Just mix 2 teaspoons with an egg white and a teaspoon of glycerin and massage into your wet hair. After a few minutes, rinse with warm water. 90005 90014 4. Arthritis Pain Reliever 90015 90004 90035 90035 Massaging castor oil into achy joints will give you a bit of relief from the pain of arthritis.You can mix castor oil with enough turmeric or cayenne powder to make a paste and then rub it into your joints. Be sure that you do not get this in your eyes, especially if you choose to use cayenne pepper instead of turmeric. 90005 90014 5. Repeal Moles in the Yard 90015 90004 90041 90041 Moles hate castor oil, probably as much as children do. If moles are tearing up your yard or your garden, must mix ½ cup of castor oil with about 2 gallons of water and pour into the molehills. Note that the castor oil will not kill the little creatures but it will definitely make them start looking for somewhere else to hang out.90005 90014 6. Healthy Bowels 90015 90004 90047 90047 While you should use caution anytime you actually ingest castor oil (because it works so well as a laxative), mixing just a teaspoon into orange or cranberry juice each morning will keep your bowels working regularly. You can also take a teaspoon if you want to detox your intestines but again, be sure that you limit how much you actually ingest. 90005 90014 7. Perk Up Ferns 90015 90004 90053 90053 If your ferns seem to be a bit less than healthy, a mixture of castor oil will perk them right up.Just combine a tablespoon of the oil with 4 cups of warm water and a tablespoon of baby shampoo. Drip about 3 tablespoons into the dirt around the fern and then follow with regular water. 90005 90014 8. Healthy Skin 90015 90004 90059 90059 You can apply castor oil directly to your skin if you want a more youthful glow. Many people do not know that this oil is great for eliminating and preventing wrinkles and for pregnant women, castor oil rubbed into the skin can help to improve elasticity and prevent stretch marks caused by pregnancy.90005 90014 9. Calluses and Corns 90015 90004 90065 90065 Castor oil applied directly to the affected areas can help to relieve calluses that are caused by a number of things. You can also massage a bit of castor oil into corns to help alleviate the pain and swelling that they cause and ultimately make them disappear over time. This takes a few applications but definitely works. 90005 90014 10. Make Hair Grow 90015 90004 90071 90071 If you have balding areas on your scalp, or you just want thicker hair, you can massage a bit of castor oil into the affected area for about 6 minutes every day to promote natural hair growth .This also works on eyebrows so if you want thicker eyebrows, just massage a few drops into your eyebrows for a couple of minutes every day. 90005 90014 11. Repair Split Ends 90015 90004 90077 90077 Another hair benefit of castor oil is its ability to help prevent and repair split ends. Just apply a few drops of the oil directly to the ends of your hair to reduce the amount of breakage that you see. It helps to restore health to your hair and will make it much less brittle so there is less breakage.90005 90014 12. Healthy Lips 90015 90004 90083 90083 Even though you may not want to have castor oil anywhere near your mouth, it does wonders for dry and cracked lips. In case you did not already know, castor oil is actually added to many lip remedies that you buy over the counter. You can simply rub a bit on your lips and it will help to heal cracks and prevent further chapping. 90005 90014 13. Relieve Sore Muscles 90015 90004 90089 90089 Castor oil is wonderful as a general massage oil or you can use it to alleviate sore muscles.Just apply directly to the sore area and then massage for as long as you like. Do the same for general massages. It feels great even if you do not have sore muscles and the Vitamin E content is great for your skin. 90005 90014 14. Scratches 90015 90004 90095 90095 You can relieve the pain from scratches and other abrasions by using castor oil, too. You do not have to mix it with anything. Just add a few drops to your scratches and the healthy properties of the oils will begin to heal them, much more quickly than without adding anything.It also works great at curing ringworm and other fungal ailments. 90005 90014 15. Acne Treatment 90015 90004 90005.90000 A Natural Home Therapy for Healing & Detoxification 90001 90002 Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the Jan 2016 edition of TTAC’s Insiders member newsletter. 90003 90004 Dating back to its first recorded medical use over 3,500 years ago, castor oil has been used to stimulate blood circulation in the body’s tissues and improve lymphatic drainage for optimal health and healing. 90005 Castor oil is known to promote detoxification processes, and can be used as a simple and natural home therapy to help your body detox 90006.90007 90004 Castor oil is made from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis) 90007 90004 Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of the castor plant (90011 Ricinus communis 90012). It is a colorless to very pale yellow liquid with a distinct taste and faint, mild odor. 90007 90004 Commercially, castor oil is used to make soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold resistant plastics, waxes and polishes, nylon, pharmaceuticals, and perfumes. 90007 90004 Beyond its commercial uses, 90005 people all around the world have reported remarkable success using castor oil packs for a number of health conditions — including cancer 90006.90007 90004 Historically, the Aztec Indians were said to have used castor oil packs to treat skin lesions, menstrual cramps, and digestive problems. The Persians used them as a therapy for epilepsy. The Egyptians for eye disorders, and the Greek physician Dioscorides used them for the reduction of tumors. 90007 90004 Early European users of castor called the plant «Palma Christe,» because they thought the leaves resembled the hand of Christ. They also found that it had remarkable medicinal qualities which made the name even more symbolic.90007 90004 90005 Castor oil packs (a flannel cloth soaked in oil) improve lymphatic drainage, stimulate lymphocyte development, and improve digestion 90006. This uniquely powerful combination of health benefits makes castor oil packs a great addition to your healing regime. 90007 90028 Is Castor Oil Safe to Use? 90029 90004 Castor oil is pressed from the castor seed which is native to India and has a unique chemical composition. Castor oil is essentially a triglyceride, comprised of fatty acids with 90 percent being ricinoleic acid, which is only found in trace amounts in other seeds.Oleate and linoleates are the other major components in castor oil. 90007 90004 The main component of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, is a phytochemical. A phytochemical is a natural compound found in fruits, vegetables, and seeds that typically have specific actions in our body when we consume them. For example, ricinoleic acid targets specialized receptors within the intestines as well as in the smooth muscle cells of the uterus, naturally stimulating detoxification. 90007 90004 90005 The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) both recognize castor oil as safe, but do not recommend that it be taken orally 90006. 90007 90028 Castor Oil Promotes Lymphatic Drainage 90029 90004 Absorbing castor oil through the skin stimulates blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and production of lymphocytes 90007 90004 How is it possible that castor oil was responsible in one study for suppressing tumor growth? 90005 Castor oil has cancer-fighting abilities by which it stimulates the release of toxic build up and debris from the lymphatic system 90006.On the other hand, when the lymphatic system functions poorly, bacteria thrive within the fluid that accumulates in lymphatic tubules and ducts. 90007 90004 Researchers have found that the absorption of castor oil through skin stimulates blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and the production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell belonging to the immune system, typically found in lymphatic fluid) that are critical to a healthy immune system. For this reason, 90005 castor oil can be used to treat individuals with weakened immune systems 90006 such as those with AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus infection).90007 90028 How Castor Oil Packs Improve Immunity 90029 90004 A small study published in the 90011 Journal of Naturopathic Medicine 90012 in the late 90s found that a simple castor oil pack significantly improved key immune cell counts. This study found that a 2-hour therapy period produced a «significant» increase in the number of T-11 lymphocytes. 90007 90004 This increase in levels of T-11 cell lymphocytes represents a generalized boost in the body’s specific immune defense. Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow and the thymus gland and function to defend the body against viruses and other pathogens as well as against cancer cells.On the other hand, low levels of lymphocytes are a major risk factor in developing viral disorders and cancer. 90007 90004 Although the increase in T-lymphocytes was temporary, this study showed that castor oil treatment increased the T-lymphocyte count for over 7 hours following the treatment before slowly retreating back to normal levels by 24 hours posttreatment. 90007 90028 Castor Oil Promotes Healthy Digestion and Elimination 90029 90004 Castor oil can relieve constipation and promote a healthy, functioning gastrointestinal tract 90007 90004 One of the simplest therapeutic strategies for promoting detoxification is to maintain the healthy functioning of your gastrointestinal tract by promoting frequent bowel movements.A popular cathartic, castor oil stimulates defecation. Although there may be additional therapeutic benefits of castor oil when directly massaged into the skin for absorption, 90005 castor oil packs can effectively promote healthy digestion and elimination 90006. 90007 90004 This laxative effect of castor oil may help you to have regular bowel movements, along with an increase in energy and mood. In one study, 80 percent of elderly patients recorded relief from their decades of struggles with constipation after a short 3-day castor oil pack treatment.90007 90028 The Liver’s Vital Importance to Detoxification 90029 90004 Their therapeutic properties and ease of use in the home make castor oil packs a natural and very effective detoxification therapy. One vital organ essential to your body’s natural detoxification abilities is your liver. Your liver functions just like your kitchen’s garbage disposal. Accumulation of pathogenic organisms and debris is similar to the inedible foods you put into the drain. 90007 90004 Just like the garbage disposal, your liver transforms toxic debris in your body into a form which can be properly eliminated.In the kidneys, this debris is dissolved, flushed out via the bile ducts, moved to the small intestine and successfully passed from the body in the stool. For this reason, 90005 if your stool appears chalky white, your body may be indicating to you that your liver is functioning poorly 90006. 90007 90004 Castor oil packs can therefore be a great way to detoxify toxins from your whole body and reduce your risk of developing cancer. 90007 90028 Castor Oil Pack Tips 90029 90004 When making castor oil packs a standard routine for your body, use only therapeutic grade castor oil for optimum health benefits.90007 90004 90005 To avoid placing oil containing pesticide residue on your skin, seek and purchase castor oil labeled as: 90006 90007 90088 90089 Cold pressed 90090 90089 Without hexane 90090 90089 100% Pesticide Free 90090 90089 Organic 90090 90089 Non-hybridized 90090 90089 Free of preservatives and additives 90090 90089 Non-solvent extracted 90090 90089 Unrefined 90090 90089 Non-deodorized 90090 90107 90028 Trusted Castor Oil Retailers 90029 90004 The following retailers offer trustworthy castor oil pack kits available for purchase: 90007 90004 90011 90005 Radiant Life: 90006 90012 The kit from Premier Research Labs Castor Oil includes organic cotton flannel, a wrap-around pack, and cold-pressed, non-solvent extracted and hexane-free castor oil.90007 90004 90011 90005 Heritage Store: 90006 90012 Their kit contains hexane-free, cold pressed castor oil, unbleached wood flannel, and castor cleaning towelettes. 90007 90004 90011 90005 Banyan Botanicals Ayurvedic Herbs: 90006 90012 Offer unrefined and organic castor oil. 90007 90004 90011 90005 Dr. Adorable Inc .: 90006 90012 Their castor oil is cold pressed, hexane free, organic, and you can purchase this off of Amazon. 90007 90028 Castor Oil Pack Instructions: How to Prepare and Use 90029 90004 Before using a castor oil pack, test for sensitivity by applying a few drops of oil to your skin and watch for a reaction 90007 90004 Before using castor oil packs, test for skin sensitivity to castor oil by first massaging a small drop of castor oil directly to the skin.If sleeping with a castor oil pack, it is highly recommended to use an electric heating pad with an automatic shut off to avoid burns. This can be a messy process so be careful and follow the directions to reduce castor oil spills on furniture or your body. 90007 90142 90011 Materials for Use: 90012 90145 90088 90089 Therapeutic grade organic castor oil 90090 90089 A large wool flannel, unbleached and organic 90090 90089 Piece of plastic (a plastic trash bag works well) 90090 90089 Heat source such as hot water bottle or heating pad 90090 90089 Large old towel or sheet 90090 90089 Glass container to store the flannel (a mason jar is perfect) 90090 90107 90142 90011 Directions for Use: 90012 90145 90164 90089 Make sure you are well hydrated and have gone to the bathroom and emptied your bladder and / or colon before beginning.90090 90089 Choose a space where you are able to lay down comfortably. To avoid any oil dripping onto the surface, cover the space with an old towel. 90090 90089 Find a piece of flannel that is large enough to cover your abdomen but not any larger or it can make a mess. Saturate the flannel in castor oil; you want to get it wet but not dripping (Warning: This can be a messy process.) 90090 90089 Lie down on your back on the surface protected by the old towel and cover your abdomen with the flannel.It is most important to make sure your right side (where the liver is) is completely covered from just above your groin to your sternum (breastbone) or pectoral muscles. You can also get 3 separate wool flannels that are about 1 foot by 1 foot and soak them and set them right onto your upper right quadrant of your abdomen (just under the right pectoral muscle). 90090 90089 Put a very large pillow under your knees and feet in order to take stress off of your lower back and to focus the blood flow into your abdominal region.You could also lie on the floor and put your legs up on the couch. 90090 90089 Cover the flannel with a piece of plastic (a plastic trash bag works well) and put the heating pad or hot water bottle on this. 90004 Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the flannel and plastic 90007 90090 90089 Relax for 45-60 minutes (up to 2 hours, but not recommended to go longer) while the castor oil pack does its work and use this period of time to read a book, pray, visualize, and / or spend time doing deep breathing.You could play some classical music or worship music. You could even take a nap. Just do something relaxing! 90090 90089 When finished, remove the pack and put the flannel into a glass mason jar and seal it tight and store in the refrigerator. Keep saturating the flannel with castor oil for future packs as you desire. You can also discard and use a new piece of flannel next time, but that will cost more. 90090 90089 Replace the castor oil pack when you notice a visible color change or if it smells bad.90090 90089 Wash off any remaining castor oil on your skin with a natural soap or a solution of 1 quart of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. 90090 90089 Be sure to stay well hydrated as your hydration level will play a critical role in the detoxification effects from the castor oil pack. 90090 90089 Using the packs for just a few days can be enough to provide relief from certain symptoms, but the best results come with continual practice. 90090 90089 90004 Aim for a castor oil pack 3-4 times per week for one month 90007 90004 Try to do a castor oil pack treatment for 4 continuous days each week and then take 3 days off for 1-3 months.The individuals that see the best results do it every day. This may not be possible for you based on the time commitment it takes. 90007 90090 90089 Try to create a schedule where you can use this therapy in the middle of the day as a detox break, prayer or meditation session, and nap. 90090 90089 Do this at least 3-4 days a week for one month and you should notice improved quality of life. 90090 90089 If you are battling a chronic disease than it is a great idea to stay on a castor oil pack routine while you are focusing on detoxifying and healing.90090 90203 90028 Combining Detox Therapies 90029 90004 Castor oil packs stimulate the lymphatic system to move toxins and the digestive system to purge these toxins from the body. The benefits of toxin removal can be amplified by combining it with other healthy adjunctive therapies. 90007 90004 Some of the best detoxification therapies to use in conjunction with castor oil packs include coffee enemas, infrared saunas, and hot / cold cycling showers. If you are using an infrared sauna or enemas as part of your health regimen, it is best to use the castor oil pack right before this to increase the amount of toxins being expelled by the body.90007 90004 A great detox regimen would be to hydrate well in the morning including ingesting green juices and then using a castor oil pack for an hour, followed by a coffee enema, and finishing with 15-20 minutes in the sauna followed by an alternating hot- cold shower (if you do not have adrenal fatigue) for five minutes (30 seconds hot and 30 seconds cold repeated five times). 90007 90028 Who Should not Use Castor Oil Packs 90029 90004 It is not recommended to use castor oil packs if you are experiencing any of the following conditions or life circumstances: 90007 90088 90089 90005 Women Who Are Pregnant 90219 90006 Many midwives believe that castor oil may induce labor.Some research suggests that this could be true as ricinoleic acid may affect the lining of the uterus and potentially increase contractions in pregnant women. Therefore, castor oil should be avoided by pregnant women unless recommended by a qualified doctor to naturally induce labor. 90090 90107 90088 90089 90005 Women Who Are Breastfeeding 90219 90006 Castor oil packs move toxins into circulation so they can be expelled by the body. However, when a mother is breastfeeding, these toxins could potentially enter the breast milk.This could be dangerous for the baby, and thus castor oil packs are not recommended for breastfeeding women. 90090 90107 90088 90089 90005 Women with Heavy Menstrual Flow 90219 90006 Women who typically experience heavy menstrual bleeding cycles should avoid using castor oil packs during their menstruation. Castor oil packs may induce further bleeding and could potentially be life-threatening in these situations. 90090 90107 90004 If the woman experiences cramps or discomfort without excessive bleeding, then castor oil packs can be extremely helpful in reducing pain.90007 90088 90089 90005 Certain Gastrointestinal Problems 90219 90006 Ricinoleic acid is a natural laxative and is good for improving conditions such as gas, bloating, cramping, and constipation. But it can also interact with the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and aggravate certain conditions such as ulcers, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and colitis. It is not recommended to use if you have these conditions. 90090 90107 90088 90089 90005 Extreme Skin Sensitivities 90219 90006 Some individuals have very sensitive skin or chronic skin conditions that are easily aggravated.These people are at more risk for a reaction to castor oil and therefore it is not recommended in these cases. 90090 90107 90028 Conclusion 90029 90004 Castor oil packs have been used by people all around the world for a number of health conditions. They have anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties that improve the body’s ability to heal itself. 90007 90004 Cancer is often marked by reduced function of the digestive, circulatory, and detoxification pathways. By improving the function of these pathways, 90005 castor oil packs are a potent natural therapy for anyone dealing with cancer 90006.90007 90004 Natural health strategies such as castor oil packs receive limited attention from the scientific community and therefore the research and evidence supporting its use is minimal. However, there are thousands of stories from people all around the world who have used castor oil with remarkable success. If you are looking to improve your health, give castor oil packs a try and share your story with us. 90007 90263 90028 Article Summary 90029 90088 90089 90004 Castor oil is known to promote detoxification processes, and can be used as a simple and natural home therapy to help your body detox.90007 90090 90089 90004 Castor oil has cancer-fighting abilities by which it stimulates the release of toxic build up and debris from the lymphatic system. 90007 90090 90089 90004 Castor oil packs improve immune defense. 90007 90090 90089 90004 Castor oil can relieve constipation and promote a healthy, functioning gastrointestinal tract. 90007 90090 90107 .