Castor Oil Uses And Health Benefits for Menopause.
Welcome to my new blog series, Holistic Healing, Embracing Menopause with Natural Solutions.
If you are new to my blog posts, Hi, my name is Sue, I am a Menopause Maven supporting women to thrive through menopause naturally without HRT, and I’m thrilled to share my journey and insights with you as you explore your unique menopause.
This series is dedicated to all the incredible women navigating this stage of life, seeking to embrace it with vitality and grace.
Through my own experiences and extensive research, I’ve discovered the profound impact that an holistic approach can have on our well-being during menopause.
While I believe there is a place for modern medicine it seems that many medicines including HRT, are treating the symptom and not the root cause, many modern medicines also come with side effects that may also need to be medicated leading to a spiral of pill popping lining the pockets of big pharma and not seeing an optimal health outcome for the patient.
In this series, we’ll explore how various natural products and practices can complement a nutrient-rich diet, creating a synergistic effect that supports our bodies most effectively.
From the ancient benefits of castor oil, where I’ll start today, to the power of herbal remedies, natural supplements, and mindful lifestyle practices, I’ll cover a range of topics designed to help you thrive.
As we embark on this journey together, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, personal stories, and valuable resources that can empower you to take charge of your hormonal health.
Whether you’re just beginning to experience menopausal changes or have been navigating them for a while, this series aims to offer support, encouragement, and a sense of community.
Join me as we explore holistic ways to enhance our well-being, don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss a post. Let’s embrace menopause with confidence and holistic health!
A History of Castor Oil
Castor oil has a long and storied history that dates back thousands of years.
Extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, which is native to East Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, and India, castor oil has been utilised for its remarkable properties since ancient times.
Historical records indicate that as early as 4000 BCE, in ancient Egypt castor oil was valued for its medicinal properties, incorporating it extensively into their daily lives.
It was used as a powerful laxative and applied to the skin and hair to protect against the harsh desert climate.
Cleopatra herself is said to have used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes.
The presence of castor oil in Egyptian tombs further underscores its significance and value in ancient Egyptian society.
In India, castor oil has long been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from digestive issues to arthritis.
It also plays a crucial role in Panchakarma, a traditional detoxification practice.
In China, castor oil has been used for its healing properties, particularly for treating skin diseases and promoting labour in pregnant women.
During the Middle Ages, castor oil made its way to Europe, where it was employed as a remedy for skin conditions, and digestive problems, and as a purgative due to its laxative effects.
Its popularity continued to grow during the Renaissance when it was included in various medicinal concoctions to treat a wide range of ailments.
This rich history of castor oil across different cultures and eras highlights its enduring value and versatility as a natural remedy.
Castor Oil Uses – Production and Composition
The production of castor oil is a meticulous process that involves several crucial steps to ensure the final product is pure and effective.
The journey begins with the harvesting of castor beans from the castor plant.
These beans are then carefully cleaned to remove any debris and impurities that may have been collected during harvesting.
Once cleaned, the beans are dried to reduce their moisture content, which is essential for the subsequent extraction process.
The extraction of the oil is typically achieved through mechanical pressing (cold pressed, the best oil to use) or solvent extraction methods, both of which aim to release the oil from the beans efficiently.
After extraction, the crude castor oil undergoes a refining process to eliminate any remaining impurities and toxins, resulting in a high-quality castor oil product that is ready for various uses.
Chemically, castor oil is distinguished by its high content of ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that makes up about 90% of the oil.
This unique composition gives castor oil its exceptional anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturising and antibacterial properties.
In addition to ricinoleic acid, castor oil contains fatty acids oleic acid, linoleic acid, and a variety of triglycerides, all contributing to its versatile benefits and applications.
Modern Applications of Castor Oil
Castor oil’s versatility extends into numerous modern applications, encompassing medicinal, cosmetic, and industrial uses that highlight its unique properties and benefits;
Medicinal Uses
As I have explained above, castor oil’s medicinal properties have been recognised and utilised for centuries.
Its strong laxative effect is well-known and widely used to treat constipation, providing relief by stimulating bowel movement.
Beyond its use as a laxative, castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable remedy for reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness.
Additionally, its antimicrobial qualities make it effective in treating minor skin infections and wounds, promoting faster healing and preventing further infection.
Cosmetic Uses
In cosmetic products, castor oil is celebrated for its ability to moisturise and nourish the skin.
It is a popular ingredient in skin care products aimed at treating dry skin, acne, and various other skin conditions, thanks to its deep hydrating properties.
Castor oil is also highly regarded in hair care; it promotes hair growth, reduces dandruff, and improves overall scalp health.
Many people use castor oil to enhance the thickness and growth of their eyebrows and eyelashes, taking advantage of its ability to stimulate hair follicles.
Industrial Uses
Beyond medicinal and cosmetic applications, castor oil plays a significant role in various industrial fields.
It is utilised as a high-quality lubricant in numerous industrial applications, thanks to its stable and effective lubricating properties.
In the production of biodegradable plastics and resins, castor oil serves as a crucial raw material, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly products.
Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry incorporates castor oil in various products due to its excellent solubility and stability, ensuring the efficacy and safety of numerous medications and treatments.
Overall, the production and composition of castor oil, combined with its extensive range of applications, underscore its value as a versatile and essential natural product.
From promoting health and wellness to enhancing beauty and supporting industrial processes, castor oil remains an invaluable resource with a rich history and deserves a place in our future.
Health Benefits of Castor Oil
Castor oil supports hormone health through several mechanisms, owing to its unique chemical composition and properties.
Here’s a detailed look at how castor oil contributes to hormonal balance, particularly during menopause:
1. Lymphatic System Support
The lymphatic system plays a critical role in maintaining hormonal balance by helping remove toxins and waste products from the body. Castor oil promotes the function of the lymphatic system through its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. When applied topically, castor oil packs can stimulate lymphatic drainage, enhance circulation, and reduce congestion in lymph nodes. This improved lymphatic function helps in the efficient removal of excess hormones and toxins, supporting overall hormonal balance without the potential side effects of drugs.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Inflammation can disrupt hormonal balance and exacerbate symptoms of hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during menopause. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, castor oil helps mitigate stress on the body’s hormonal systems, promoting a more balanced hormonal environment. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can provide natural relief from joint and muscle pain due to hormonal fluctuations. Regular use of castor oil packs can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, promoting faster healing and pain reduction.
3. Detoxification
Effective detoxification is essential for hormonal health, as the buildup of toxins can interfere with hormone production and function. Castor oil’s ability to support liver function and promote regular bowel movements aids in the detoxification process. The liver is a key organ in hormone metabolism, and keeping it healthy and functioning optimally is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance.
4. Improved Circulation
Healthy blood flow is vital for the distribution of hormones throughout the body. Castor oil improves circulation, ensuring that hormones are efficiently transported to where they are needed. Enhanced circulation also supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs involved in hormone production and regulation.
5. Stress Reduction
Chronic stress can significantly impact hormone levels, particularly cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. High levels of cortisol can disrupt the balance of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Castor oil can aid in stress reduction through its relaxing effects when used in castor oil packs or massages. This relaxation helps lower cortisol levels, which in turn supports the balance of other hormones.
6. Gut Health
The gut microbiome plays a significant role in hormone metabolism. Castor oil’s laxative effect helps maintain regular bowel movements, preventing the reabsorption of estrogen and other hormones from the small intestine. This ensures that excess hormones are effectively eliminated from the body. A healthy gut also supports the production and regulation of neurotransmitters that influence hormone levels. Digestive issues, such as constipation and bloating, are common during menopause. Castor oil acts as a natural laxative, stimulating the small and large intestines and promoting regular bowel movements. This can help alleviate constipation and improve overall digestive health, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance.
7. Skin and Hair Health
When applied to the skin, castor oil can be absorbed and may have a localised effect on hormone receptors in the skin. This can be particularly beneficial for managing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to dry skin and hair thinning. Castor oil is an excellent moisturiser that can deeply hydrate the skin, reducing dryness and improving elasticity. When applied to the scalp, it can stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles, reducing hair loss and promoting healthier hair. Tip: In Ayurveda, your belly button is considered a vital energy centre therefore applying castor oil here supports hormone harmony throughout the body, however, there is no scientific evidence for this but to me, that just means no one could make money from it!
Practical Applications for Hormonal Health
Castor Oil Packs: Applying castor oil packs to the abdomen can help stimulate the lymphatic system and support detoxification. To use a castor oil pack:
- Soak a piece of flannel cloth in castor oil.
- Place the cloth on your lower abdomen.
- Cover it with plastic wrap.
- Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle on top for 45-60 minutes.
- Relax and allow the castor oil to penetrate your skin.
Topical Application:
- Massage castor oil into your skin, particularly in areas prone to inflammation or pain. This can provide localized relief and improve circulation.
- Apply castor oil to your scalp to promote hair growth and reduce hair thinning, which can be related to hormonal imbalances.
- If castor oil is a little thick for your liking you can mix it with another oil such as Vitamin E or Jojoba oil which will then provide the benefit of these oils too.
Internal Use:
- While castor oil can be taken internally as a laxative, it should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Start with a small dose (usually a teaspoon) and ensure it is pure, cold-pressed castor oil. Its strong laxative effect can help relieve constipation, but overuse can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Personal Testimony
I first came across castor oil at the end of my first pregnancy.
I was overdue and being told that I would need to be induced. I wanted to avoid this as I had romantic visions of gradually going into labour at home. Someone suggested that I take a spoonful of castor oil and that would get things moving however, as a first-time mum I was frightened of this course of action by scare stories of babies shooting out hahaha.
More recently however it was the lady who shapes my eyebrows who mentioned it to help thicken my wispy brows, a product of too much plucking through my teens and early adult years.
From there, I have progressed to rubbing a thin layer of that oil everywhere!
Castor oil reviews have become popular on social media, especially through TikTok reels, where people swear by them for breaking down bone spurs to ovarian cysts.
I can’t make any of these claims but I do use it as a pack on my abdomen and liver to support my body with detoxification.
It is great as a natural moisturiser if you suffer from vaginal dryness, a much better option than chemical lubricants I would suggest. I also use it if I experience any joint pain and rub it on my eyelids at night, it is supposed to improve ‘floaters’ in the eyes, improve dry eyes and whiten your eyes, just like Cleopatra. I have even used it as a hair treatment.
The benefits I have experienced are about my unique body and lifestyle, I haven’t experienced any unpleasant side effects other than having to let the oil absorb before getting into bed at night. If you would like to try this oil, make sure you do a patch test first to check for any skin irritation and listen to your body’s response to it.
Conclusion
Whether for cosmetic or medicinal purposes castor oil could be a real champion of your holistic artillery against menopause symptoms.
Add it to your beauty routine and see if you notice any potential benefits. If you do, share these below to encourage others.
Look out for the next instalment in this Holistic Health series. In the meantime, download any of my free resources to support your natural menopause experience.
If you would like to chat with me about your unique menopause transition, book a Wild Well-Being call and come away inspired and motivated to begin your journey to optimal health.