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 

The spring (or “vernal”) equinox marks one of two times a year when the Earth’s axis is tilted in a direction so that our daylight hours equal our night hours. In fact, the word “equinox” is Latin, meaning “equal night.” This means that after today, our nights will be getting shorter, and our days will be getting longer. This equinox marks the transition from winter to spring, even if it’s seemed a little springy out since the beginning of March. Before modern technology, our survival was integrally related to the sun and its warmth. We wouldn’t be able to grow food to eat, complete our work, or even survive if our hemisphere didn’t rotate its way back toward the sun. Because of this, many pre-modern cultures marked and celebrated the return of the sun. 

Spring Equinox of Past:

• The Celts marked the spring equinox with rituals and celebrations involving bonfires, meant to symbolize warmth, vitality, and purity. As an agrarian culture, the return of the sun was very important to them. 
• Holi is a Hindu festival of colors that has been celebrating the arrival of spring since about the 4th century CE. To celebrate, people throw brightly colored powders, called gulal, up into the air and at each other while dancing and feasting. 
• Ango-Saxons marked the spring equinox by celebrating the goddess Ēostre. She was associated with spring, dawn, fertility, and rebirth and is most likely where we get the word Easter. 
• Since about 2700 BCE, Egyptians have celebrated the spring equinox with a festival called Sham el-Nessim. It was a time where they would offer salted fish and other foods to their gods, hoping to ensure a good crop season. Sham el-Nessim is still celebrated to this day and is one of the few holidays that is celebrated by the whole country, as it predates both Christianity and Islam.

Spring Equinox in Natural Medicine:

Energetically, this time of year aligns more with New Year’s resolutions than January. So don’t worry if some resolutions have slipped through the cracks. The sun is now on your side! Naturopathic medicine draws much of its wisdom from observing the natural world, so we believe this time of year is important for experiencing renewal. With more sunlight to go around, our bodies may even feel a little more invigorated and lively. Like new baby plants that have to push their way through the cold earth, spring’s energy is powerful. New growth on spring trees is both extremely strong and extremely flexible. This is how we should leave winter and enter spring. And after a long winter of heavy foods, we need to help support our bodies’ detox pathways to help them work more efficiently this spring. This means supporting our livers with bright and fresh spring greens and lots of fresh herbs. 

Spring Nutrition: Bitter Nourishing Foods 

As soon as our tongue tastes food that is even mildly bitter, this sends a direct message to our stomach and pancreas to begin making digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes such as amylase, lactase, and lipase, help us break down macromolecules (proteins, fats, and carbs) into small, more digestible pieces before they move into our lower digestive tract. Digestive enzymes are essential for good digestion.

Bitter Foods To Enjoy for Spring:

• Dandelion greens
• Burdock root
• Chicory
• Kale
• Green tea
• Chamomile tea
• Radishes 
• Watercress

Combat Allergies Naturally:

Seasonal allergies are one of the more common frustrations we hear about from our patients this time of year. Luckily, there are many things we can do to support our body’s histamine clearance. One simple thing to add to our daily routine is to drink nettle tea. Nettles work in part by blocking histamine receptors as well as lowering inflammation in general.  Try this overnight Nettle Infusion out for yourself! Note: using nettles is just a small portion of many techniques for allergy support. They typically need to be used for over a month before benefits are noticed. 

Recipe: Overnight Nettle Infusion

Take a 1-pint mason jar and add 4 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves. Cover with room temperature filtered water and fill to the brim of the jar. Seal with a tight-fitting lid and give it a good shake. Let sit overnight to infuse. In the morning, strain out the nettle and sip throughout the day for allergy support. Add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of honey to taste.

Spring Morning Routine

After daylight savings time, try to awaken and get out of bed at the same time each day. This consistency will help to align your body to the time change. It will also support your circadian rhythm throughout the day and night, supporting your sleep quality. Ideally, wake just before sunrise and enjoy the morning sunlight on your face and skin. 

Want more tips for Spring? Check out some of our other recent blogs:

• Allergies, Again?
• Herb of the Month: Violet!
• Pros and Cons of Fasting

Works Cited

“Sham El-Nessim: A Guide to the Egyptian Spring Festival.” Middle East Eye, www.middleeasteye.net/discover/what-sham-el-nessim-egypt-spring-festival-explained.

‌Equinox, Spring. “An Darach Forest Therapy.” An Darach Forest Therapy, 20 Mar. 2024, silvotherapy.co.uk/articles/spring-equinox-celts-picts.

“Holi : A Joyful and Colorful Festival, HoliFestival.org.” Holifestival.org, 2019, www.holifestival.org/.

‌“Celebrate the Spring Equinox and Ostara.” Www.cantonpl.org, www.cantonpl.org/blogs/post/celebrate-the-spring-equinox-and-ostara/.

‌

February is National Fasting Month. Fasting, or the practice of voluntarily abstaining from food and drink for a specified period, has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits and is particularly celebrated for the role it can play in weight management. However, it’s crucial to consider the nuances of fasting, especially when it comes to hormone health and how fasting affects men and women differently. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed choices and ensure healthy and appropriate fasting practices. 

Pros of Fasting for Hormone Health 

One of the most significant benefits of fasting is its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. Short-term fasting can lead to fluctuations in insulin levels that promote better blood sugar management, helping reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, fasting may enhance hormone production, including human growth hormone (HGH), which plays a role in muscle growth and fat metabolism. 

Fasting can also initiate autophagy, a term used to describe the body’s natural process of cleaning out damaged cells. This helps to improve overall health and longevity by reducing waste in the body. Clearing out the body’s waste products allows attention to be spent on maintaining health, brain function, and hormone production/maintenance.

Cons of Fasting, Particularly for Women 

While fasting can provide health benefits, there are potential downsides, especially for women. Prolonged fasting can lead to decreased insulin levels, which, although beneficial in the short term, may impair blood sugar management if fasting is too extreme. Moreover, women may experience hormonal disruptions due to fasting, notably in estrogen and progesterone levels. Production of these hormones relies heavily on each individual’s nutrient status and is supported by the intake of healthy fats (like Omega-3 Fatty Acids) and protein. These hormones are essential for reproductive health, and significant changes can disrupt menstrual cycles and fertility. 

The Menstrual Cycle and Fasting 

Many studies suggest that the most favorable time to fast is during the follicular phase, which is the first half of the menstrual cycle. Fasting is particularly beneficial from the end of menstruation to around day 12 of the cycle. During this period, the body tends to have slower gastric emptying times, and energy needs are lower. Fasting during the follicular phase aligns well with the body’s natural rhythms and can promote hormonal balance.

In contrast, fasting during the luteal phase, the second half of the cycle, may have negative effects. Fasting during ovulation and the luteal phase can lead to decreased progesterone levels. While progesterone is important for pregnancy, it also plays a crucial role in managing mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting sleep. Furthermore, the body’s nutrient requirements increase during the luteal phase. Fasting or reducing nutrient intake when the body actually needs more can put unnecessary strain on it.

Types of Fasting for Hormone Health 

When considering fasting methods, some approaches may be more beneficial for hormone health. Intermittent fasting, such as the 16/8 method (where you fast for 16 hours and have an 8-hour window for eating), allows for regular nutrient intake while still providing fasting benefits. This method can help stabilize insulin levels and minimize hormonal swings. Additionally, time-restricted eating, where individuals fast for shorter periods each day, might be a better fit for women, ensuring they’re not overly restricting food intake. It is best to ensure that the fasting window does not extend past 1-2 hours after waking, as a significant portion of our hormones are produced in the morning. 

Why This Matters

Understanding the relationship between fasting and hormone health is critical, particularly for women. Hormonal balance plays a vital role in overall health, affecting everything from mood to metabolism. By tailoring fasting practices to align with individual hormonal needs and menstrual cycles, people can better harness the benefits of fasting while minimizing potential risks. 

In conclusion, while fasting can offer significant health benefits, it’s essential to consider the hormonal implications, particularly for women. By being mindful of when and how to fast, individuals can support their hormone health and overall well-being, leading to a more balanced and healthier life.

Read more about Naturopathic approaches to women’s health here!

Check out this blog post for more info on intermittent fasting.

For more info on Naturopathic approaches to men’s health and fertility, check out this blog post!

References:

Al-Azraqi, A. A. (2007). Effect of fasting on luteal function, leptin and steroids concentration during oestrous cycle of the goat in natural photo-status. Animal reproduction science, 98(3-4), 343-349.

Alvero, R., Kimzey, L., Sebring, N., Reynolds, J., Loughran, M., Nieman, L., & Olson, B. R. (1998). Effects of fasting on neuroendocrine function and follicle development in lean women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 83(1), 76-80.

Berga, S. L., Loucks, T. L., & Cameron, J. L. (2001). Endocrine and chronobiological effects of fasting in women. Fertility and sterility, 75(5), 926-932.

Brennan, I. M., Feltrin, K. L., Nair, N. S., Hausken, T., Little, T. J., Gentilcore, D., … & Feinle-Bisset, C. (2009). Effects of the phases of the menstrual cycle on gastric emptying, glycemia, plasma GLP-1 and insulin, and energy intake in healthy lean women. American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 297(3), G602-G610.