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What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is extracted from the Ricinus communus plant. Historically, it has been used orally to support many different ailments, with its most well-known benefit being a stimulating laxative. Today, we use castor oil for a variety of conditions, from head to toe, but we tend to use it externally, as this is the safest and most gentle use of the oil. 

 

Potential Benefits of Castor Oil
  • One of the most common uses of topical castor oil is the application of a castor oil pack applied over the liver. Castor oil is anti-inflammatory and may help stimulate bile flow, which helps our bodies bind and eliminate toxins more effectively.
  • When applied to the abdomen, castor oil can help decrease abdominal bloating and discomfort and may also be helpful for constipation. You can apply and rub a quarter-sized amount of castor oil over the abdomen in a clockwise motion to help promote peristalsis when combined with the physical movement of the abdominal massage
  • Castor oil can be very helpful in reducing joint pain and inflammation. You can rub a dime-sized amount of castor oil over a painful joint (as long as there is no broken skin) and leave it to absorb slowly.
  • Castor oil is applied to the scalp to help promote hair growth and is often used topically to help moisturize skin. One of the main constituents, ricinoleic acid, is a fatty acid component that provides moisturizing properties to the skin
  • Castor oil can indirectly help promote relaxation. By adding a castor oil pack to your nightly routine before bed, you can help ensure that you are taking time for self-care, nourishment, and relaxation at the end of each day! 

 

Naturopathic Considerations for Castor Oil

As naturopathic doctors, we are trained to utilize many different modalities, therapies, and herbs when creating plans for our patients. Topical castor oil is a supportive therapy that you’ll likely see on your care plan here at Richmond Natural Medicine. If you have been reading about castor oil online lately and are wondering if it may be beneficial for you and your specific health goals, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors! 

 

Want to know how to make your own castor oil pack at home? Check out this video from the Edgar Cayce Institute: How to Make a Castor Oil Pack.

 

Needing more Spring Detox Support? Read our blog on Gentle Detox Foods + Herbs for Spring!

 

References:
  1. Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited. Int J Trichology. 2022 May-Jun;14(3):84-90. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_189_20. Epub 2022 May 24. PMID: 35755964; PMCID: PMC9231528.
  2. Fong P, Tong HH, Ng KH, Lao CK, Chong CI, Chao CM. In silico prediction of prostaglandin D2 synthase inhibitors from herbal constituents for the treatment of hair loss. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;175:470-480. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.10.005 

 

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