One of the most important agents in my medicine cabinet is Castor Oil
CO’s one of the most unique healing substances known to man, with its origins dating back to the time of Christ (even referred to in the Bible as the “oil that anoints”)
You may have heard of CO being used to stimulate a woman’s labour or as a laxative. It absolutely can do these things if ingested orally, but I never recommend it for these purposes (we have so many other natural tools to use in those situations that are more appropriate
Instead, my favourite way to use castor oil is topically (absorption through the skin), in the form of a “pack”. All this means is that apply the oil with the use of a small flannel sheet. These packs are a frequent recommendation of mine because they speed up the resolution of whatever health concerns I’m working on with a client – there’s a certain synergy between using CO packs and our other herbal & nutritional therapies. Simply put, CO helps the body remember how to regulate itself the way nature intended
Modern research has shown CO helps:
- Improve Digestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation
- Liver Detox and Bowel Cleansing
- Break down of excessive connective tissue (Ovarian/Breast Cysts, Fibroids, Lipomas, Scars…)
- Improve menstrual health
- Relax the nervous system
- Boost lymphatic circulation
- Treat multiple MSK conditions, like low back pain and carpel tunnel (as its a topical anti-inflammatory, pain reducer and healer)
- Enhance immune function
- Resolve warts, calluses and dry eczema
I also love it for oil pulling, infant massage (think Colic, when they’re sick, or to help soothe), and for beauty (anti-wrinkle, eyelash growth, etc)
The Castor plant (Ricinus Communis) is a perfect example of why herbal medicine should always be respected; the Castor bean is highly poisonous, and can kill an adult within 6 hours if ingested. The oil doesn’t contain the poisonous parts though, just the medicinal attributes listed above
The best CO is cold pressed and sold in a dark glass bottle, and always make sure that the pack that you’re using is flame retardant free & made of organic cotton. The best time of day to apply CO according to Chinese medicine organ cycles is 7-9PM
Click here for my Castor Oil Pack Therapy instructions. At Health In Balance, we carry both Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs, and we ship within Ontario