Topical Uses for Castor Oil

Castor oil is associated with relieving constipation for most of us. Or, we've heard of Castor oil to help induce labor in heavily pregnant women just praying for anything to help them give birth. While we know the uses for Castor oil when we ingest it, few of us in modern generations know of the many ways Castor oil has been helpful to our bodies for years in topical use! Learn the many ways Castor oil can be used to heal many ailments.

Castor oil is believed to be a miracle oil because it contains an unsaturated fat called ricinoleic acid. This acid is present only in Castor oil, and works in many ways to boost the body's immune system (helping AIDS sufferers build their t-cells), get rid of finer and toenail fungi, regrow hair, and even treat gynecological issues. It is believed that Castor oil can remove painful cysts and boils on the skin, cure bacterial and fungal infections, and repair acne-ridden skin. It's even a common remedy for ringworm and other parasites.

Castor oil is simply poured into a cloth and wrapped around the affected area overnight. For smaller afflictions, like a wart or cyst, dousing bandage with Castor oil and then placing it over the wound is beneficial. Repeat the process every night until the affliction is gone. In America, Castor oil has been administered to children every time they fall ill (and even their siblings who haven't) to boost their immune systems and keep them well. While not practiced largely today, Castor oil has been a staple in American homes for decades.

In the Canary Islands, nursing mothers often use the Castor bean leaf to ease the pain and inflammation of nursing, and promote breast milk production. They make poultices out of the Castor bean leaf and apply it to their breasts to help them produce milk more effectively and with less pain and inflammation. For their menstrual cycles to be normal, they apply the poultice from the Castor bean to their abdomens.

Castor oil is typically sold in liquid form, but can be purchased in Castor oil packs for administering as well. Applying the Castor oil topically allows the body to absorb the oil without the drastic effects of diarrhea and cramping. Castor oil applied topically improves circulation and oxygen flow in the blood, making the packs or cloth application ideal for those suffering from circulatory or varicose vein issues.

Talk to your doctor before adding Castor oil to your daily regimen, but I bet if you ask your grandmother about Castor oil, she would come up with a hundred ways to use the stuff, and odds are, the Castor oil remedy would work as well! Castor oil can be purchased in the vitamin or medicine aisle of most stores (sometimes in the cooking department), and should be ingested with caution (just ask my sister).

Sources:

sister using Castor oil during pregnancy (didn't work)

http://www.electroherbalism.com/Naturopathy/Therapies/Diet/FatsandOils/CastorOil.htm

http://www.huilede-ricin.com/huile-de-ricin-grossesse/

Traditional Uses for Castor Oil

The castor plant (Ricinus communis) grows in many parts of the world and tends to grow in tropical or desert climes. Its six-starred leaves with pointy seed hulls are often seen in the southwestern U.S., and throughout Africa and Asia.

The castor bean plant and its derivatives have been therapeutically used for thousands of years in traditional practices. Castor beans have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and have been used among ancient Ayurvedic remedies.

However, we should be careful with castor beans, because they can be highly poisonous.

One of the castor bean's central ingredients is ricin, which is highly toxic if eaten in significant quantities. For children, even a seed or two can cause immediate sickness and even death. Ricin poisoning will cause nausea, cramping, internal bleeding, vomiting and liver and kidney damage. In addition, harvesting the bean and plant can leave the plant residue on the skin, which can cause nerve damage. So it is best not to handle the plant without adequate protection.

At the same time, the juice from the leaves of the castor plant or the purified oil from the beans can be highly therapeutic when applied correctly. Traditional herbalists have used castor juice and oil for headaches, inflammation, warts and ringworm. Ayurvedic physicians have used castor oil for intestinal problems and allergies. These effects have not been confirmed by research.

Castor oil's ricinoleic acid content is thought to produce much of its therapeutic effects.

Castor bean oil processing will typically only leave trace amounts of ricin in the oil. Thus, castor oil has been used externally for many years by general physicians and folk healers alike.

In 1958, D. C. Jarvis, M.D. documented that he and associate physicians used castor oil externally for the following conditions:

--Warts: applied oil night and morning to ward, rubbing it lightly about 20 times.
--Skin ulcers: again, applied oil directly to ulcer
--Newborns: applied castor oil to the navels of newborns if they showed any slow healing
--Breast milk: applied to breasts to increase milk flow.
--Eye irritation: a drop of oil into the eye for irritation
--Child health: rubbed into scalp of growing child to stimulate health
--Eyelashes: applied to eyelashes to thicken and lengthen them
--Chest colds: applied to the chest with menthol
--Abrasions: applied to skin abrasions to decrease pain and speed healing
--Corns and calluses: applied directly onto the skin and rubbed in nightly
--Sore feet: massaged into the feed to relieve soreness.
--Papillomas: applied nightly
--Moles: rubbed into the mole nightly before going to bed

Edgar Cayce popularized the use of castor oil in the early to mid twentieth century. His readings often prescribed castor oil pack applications. William McGarey, M.D., worked many years with castor oil among many patients at his Phoenix medical clinic. He was also the medical director of the Edgar Cayce Medical Research Division, which documented the use of a number of Cayce's prescriptionsover the years.

Dr. McGarey, who emigrated from Yugoslavia in 1901, communicated that castor oil was a standard treatment "back in the old country."

The Cayce prescription is for a castor bean oil pack. A pack is made by soaking two or three pieces of flannel cloth in the oil, or applying a liberal amount onto the skin. Then the area is covered with a piece of felt cloth and the felt is covered with

Some of the ailments the pack was used for by Dr. McGarey and his associates included aphonie, appendicitis, arthritis, cancr, cholecystitis, cholecystalgia, colitis, constipation, epilepsy, gallstones, gastritis, migraine, hepatitis, hervia, Hodgkin's disease, hookworm, cirrhosis, neuritis, multiple sclerosis, lymphitis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, cellulitis, sterility, ringworm, uria and colic.

Many other traditional doctors have applied castor oil during their treatments. Dr. Jethro Kloss and Dr. Paavo Airola were advocates of the use of castor bean oil for cysts and warts.

In study from Royal Children's Hospital in Australia (Tursi et al. 1994), researchers found that the lipase from castor oil could be beneficial for cystic fibrosis patients with pancreatic insufficiency.

Castor oil can be applied as a massage oil or blended with other oils for a soothing and therapeutic massage.

This information is for research purposes only not intended to treat or cure any disease. Be sure to consult your health professional if you suspect you or your family members have any disease, and before making any significant changes to your diet, lifestyle or supplements. In no case should a person consume castor oil without the consent of a qualified health professional.

REFERENCES

Tursi JM, Phair PG, Barnes GL. Plant sources of acid stable lipases: potential therapy for cystic fibrosis. J Paediatr Child Health. 1994 Dec;30(6):539-43.

Airola P. How to Get Well. Phoenix: Health Plus, 1974.

Jarvis DC. Folk Medicine. Greenwich: Fawcett, 1958.

Reilly HJ, Brod RH. The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy. Virginia Beach: ARE Press, 1975.

Using Castor Oil to Induce Labor

If your in your 40th week of your pregnancy and there is still no sign of baby and the thought of inducing the birth medically does not appeal you may be left wondering if there are any alternative options.

The answer is yes, women for many years have been using castor oil as a natural way to induce labor. The use of castor oil however is not for everyone and the amount of doctors, nurses and midwifes that use this method is rare as many tend to use options that are deemed safer such as pitocin. Despite methods such as a hospital induction or pitocin being safer or more effective there are some very valid reasons why some women may benefit more from the use of castor oil.

For example, women who have reached 40 weeks in their pregnancy want to soften and thin the cervix will find that using castor oil is one way to do this. If you are considering using castor oil to induce labor it is more effective if you are have started to dilate. It should be noted that if you are having a high risk pregnancy or reached your due date then castor oil should not be used. You should also note that one side effect of using castor oil to induce labor is in some cases it causes diarrhea, cramping of the abdominal, nausea and sometimes vomiting. If you do wish to try castor oil you should consult you doctor first before doing so.

Using castor oil to induce labor is often effective because of its laxative qualities which are present because of how the oil works with the bowels. As the oil stimulates the bowels it may lead to muscles in the intestines cramping and tightening which can often spread to the uterus. The muscles in the uterus also tighten which simulates contractions which often lead to labor.

There are many contradicting reports of using castor oil to induce labor in regards to its safety. For instance, within some reports there is a correlation between castor oil and meconium that is present within the amniotic fluid. However, other reports state that this is another symptom of late pregnancies and overdue babies thus castor oil should be used as it is overdue babies are the reason for a meconium.

Because there are many contradicting reports about using Castor oil to induce labor and a shortage in tests on the oil, the final say on whether you should or should not use it is unknown as some women love to use it whilst other women may suffer more from the side effects and say going into labor purely a coincidence.

If you are considering using caster oil to induce labor you will usually find it amongst laxatives within a drug store, and it has been recommended by many midwifes that you only take 2 ounces. The tastes of caster oil however is not pleasant to most pallets so it is often taken with other ingredients. Some women will mix caster oil with orange juice or mix it with 2 scoops of ice cream and ¼ cup of milk for a delicious milkshake.

Sources : 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10631825

http://www.huilede-ricin.com/?s=grossesse&x=16&y=4

Health Benefits of Castor Oil

The health benefits of castor oil are vast and include promoting good oral health, hair care, skin care, birth control and good lactation. Castor oil also has the added benefit of relieving constipation, rheumatism and menstrual disorders.

Castor oil was often known to be a nightmare with children as half a century ago it was used frequently as a purgative, and was the main medicine for illnesses such as skin diseases, tape and round worm, colds, coughs, fevers, constipation, indigestion problems and was also used if a child had swallowed any poisonous matters.

The main reason it was used for so many child illnesses and conditions was many believed that the stomach was the source most conditions, thus the health benefits of castor oil would cleanse the stomach or wash it and the illness would be cured.

The oil was also be used in adults and given in small doses to promote loose motions, induce sickness, vomiting and nausea. It's also believed that castor oil was used to kill people and often thought of as a poison due to its unpleasant side effects, purgative, toxic and germicidal qualities. Castor oil is orderless and tasteless as it is extracted from caster seeds which are also known as Ricinus Communis.

In modern days there are many actual health benefits of caster oil. Within castor oil is Ricin which is a toxin and when administered in small doses acts just like a germicidal thus the oil is known to be effective for birth control. Due to these qualities it's used in lotions and spermicidal gels. If pregnant women are administered the oil in high doses it can cause an abortion, the second mode of birth control can however be fatal to the mother also thus is not recommended.

Relieving pain due to menstrual disorders is also a health benefit of castor oil as it contains ricinoleic acid. This acid has an emenagogue nature which helps relieve pain and can re-start periods.

Those that suffer from arthritis or rheumatism will also find that relief of symptoms caused by the condition is another health benefit of castor oil. This is due to castor oil containing Oleic, Ricinoleic, Linoleic and other fatty acids.

Skin and Hair Care is also a recognized health benefit of castor oil. In terms of skin care, the oil contains undecylenic acid which has disinfectant and germicidal properties which are benefits for those who have skin ulcers, diseases and conditions caused by fungal or bacterial infections.

It also great for hair care due to Ricinoleic and Ricin acid that is within as these have fungicidal, germicidal and insecticidal properties which are known to help protect both the hair and scalp from fungal and microbial infections. Additional health benefits of castor oil in terms of hair care include hair loss prevention as fatty acids within the oil help dry scalps retain moisture whilst nourishing the hair.

Castor oil can also help stimulate the secretion of milk.. This is due to it being Galactagogue and Emenagogue in nature. Besides castor oil being good for enhancing and easing the flow of milk, as it has a high quantity of fatty acids it can also help increase the quantity of milk. To avoid adverse effects to a baby or infant the oil should be used in a cold compressed form and in small doses.

Additional health benefits of castor oil include being present in medications for those with HIV, as Ricin and Ricinaleic acid has anti viral and germicidal effects. You can also use castor oil on wounds, infected areas of the body and on burns.

Quench Your Thirsty Skin with Castor Oil

For most regions in the country the winter season means heavy snow, plunging cold temperatures and indoor space heaters, all of which takes a heavy toll on many people's skin. Most people suffer from dry skin mainly in the winter season and try various remedies to quench their parched skin. They purchase everything from reasonably priced lotions at drugstores to expensive ones in upscale malls and nothing seems to work.
Well a little-known but highly effective oil may be the solution to many people's dry skin misery this winter. Castor oil has been around for centuries and most noted for its internal use. Some use it for its purging powers while others use it in oil packs to increase circulation but this relatively inexpensive oil can also relieve dry, itchy skin in frigid cold weather.

Organic, cold-pressed Castor oil is the best version of (Castor oil Click here for the french version) because it has not been diluted or mixed with other questionable ingredients and it penetrates into the skin to provide long-lasting relief from dryness. Castor oil can easily be tainted or contaminated with other toxic oils like mineral oil which is a by-product of petroleum-crude oil, the kind that you put into your gas tank. Since the thought of putting the same oil that goes in the gas tank onto the skin is not appealing in the least, the certified organic, cold-pressed Castor oil is the best choice.

It is also best to use the cold-pressed version of Castor oil because the mineral and vitamin complex that give Castor oil its healing properties are still intact. In the cold-pressing process, the oil is extracted with the minimum amount of heat required to produce the oil thus allowing the oil to still retain its character which makes it more effective.

Organic, cold-pressed Castor oil is best applied once out of a bath or shower in a circular motion unto the whole body or areas of the body that suffers most from dryness. Nutritional stores like Whole Foods, GNC, and Vitamin World carry organic, cold-pressed Castor oil on their store shelves and it can certainly be purchased on the internet at on-line retailers such as Swanson vitamins or Amazon.com.

There is no reason to suffer through another winter once you discover the smooth and soothing power of organic, cold-pressed Castor oil for dry and itchy skin. Use it and your body will thank you!

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

How to Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain with Castor Oil Packs

If you are a chronic back pain sufferer like I am, this may help you. I cannot afford to go to have a massage every week so this is what helps me. My medical massage therapist does this for me and it works wonders. I never heard of it before until he used it on me. I have scoliosis and have chronic pain. Many people have had back injuries and other conditions that plague them. This will help with the pain and the tension that goes along with these conditions.

What you will need for this procedure

A heating pad

A large plastic bag or small kitchen trash bag

A large absorbent towel

Castor oil

Peppermint oil

Woodlock oil

Citrus Blend

Clothes dryer or conventional oven

Water

A squeeze bottle similar to a small mustard bottle or hair colorings bottle

If you don't have access to all of these essentials oils don't worry. Use what you have. Woodlock is not always easy to find. My medical massage therapist gets his from Asia. I am using peppermint and a stress relief formula.

How to begin your Castor Oil Pack

It is easier if you have someone else to help you do this. If you do it yourself you can use this method.

I like to have the towel moisted by spinning it in the washer. This way the moisture is more uniform.

Warm up your moist towel in your clothes dryer or carefully in your oven. I recommend using a clothes dryer as it is safer.

You want the towel to be moist.

You may mix the oils together. Just use a couple drops of the essential oils into an eighth of a cup of castor oil. Warm the container up setting it in hot water in the sink. Make sure it is not too hot to the touch.

If you have someone else doing this for you, they can drip the oils on your back in the specific area of pain and or tightness.

It is hard for me to lay on my stomach with the heating pad on top of my back. This is how my massage therapist does it. When I am at home I lay with it under me. It is more comfortable for me this way.

Lay the warm moist towels over your back on top of the oils. Use the plastic to protect your heating pad and lay the heating pad on top of the plastic. If you have a heating pad that is made specifically for moist heat you can use it. Don't shock or electrocute yourself.

Keep this on for approximately 20 minutes. You will feel your muscles relax and if you are real lucky you can have someone massage the area. If not your back will still feel much better. A friend and I help each other with this procedure. We both have back issues and when we help each other it doesn't cost either one of us. We can split the cost of the oils and the rest is pretty much free.

Sources in french

Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs

Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs :

Castor oil is extracted from the Castor bean (Ricinus communis). It has traditionally been used for thousands of years for therapeutic purposes. Hot castor oil packs, also known as compresses or fomentations, are beneficial for a wide variety of conditions. They can be used to relieve pain from sciatica and arthritis, detoxify the liver, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. Castor oil packs stimulate blood and lymph circulation, helping to remove toxins and eliminate chronic infections. They can be used to treat internal growths such as cysts and uterine fibroids. In addition, castor oil packs are very soothing and relaxing, and can relieve stress and promote restful sleep.

How to Prepare and Use a Hot Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil can be messy, and some precautions must be taken to avoid getting it on clothes or bedding, but the benefits of a castor oil pack are well worth the effort.

To make and apply a hot castor oil pack, follow these steps:

1. Cut several pieces of undyed cotton or wool flannel to fit the area to be treated. It should be at least three layers thick.
2. Place the cloth into a pan and pour enough castor oil over it to saturate it completely.
3. If desired, you can add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or chamomile.
4. Place the pan in the oven or on the stove over very low heat until the oil is quite warm but doesn't burn when you touch it.
5. Take the warm, oiled cloth from the pan and drain off any excess oil to minimize dripping.
6. Place the hot pack directly onto the area of the body that is to be treated.
7. Cover the pack with plastic wrap.
8. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the plastic wrap.
9. Cover with a towel, and tuck the towel around the person being treated to hold everything in position.
10. Cover the person with a blanket and allow them to relax for at least an hour.
11. After removing the pack, wash the skin with a mild soap, followed by baking soda dissolved in warm water.

Repeated applications over a period of time are often required to treat chronic problems such as uterine fibroids, cysts, chronic infections, or other ongoing conditions. Apply the castor oil pack for three days in a row, then take a break for four days, and repeat until the condition is improved. Castor oil packs can be reused as long as it is by the same person. To save the castor oil pack, place it in a plastic bag and refrigerate. It can be reused up to 10 times, adding additional castor oil when necessary, then should be discarded.

Sources

Green, James. The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook. Crossing Press, 2000. Castor Oil french

http://www.treeoflife.nu/media-library/articles-videos-more/why-castoroil/

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1655