What Is Oil Pulling and Why Do It With Castor Oil?

What Is Oil Pulling and Why Do It With Castor Oil?

What Is Oil Pulling and Why Do It With Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil

What Is Oil Pulling and Why Do It With Castor Oil?

Written by: Heather Tanti R.P.N (non-practicing)

Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.

Est. reading time: 7 minutes

Have you seen all the oil pulling buzz on TikTok? Now, what’s the scoop on this trend? 

Picture this: Swishing oil in your mouth for dental hygiene support and wellness benefits. Yep, that’s oil pulling (or oil swishing), an age-old practice that’s making waves. And guess what’s stealing the spotlight? Castor Oil, a top-notch choice for oil pulling with its natural support!

Curious to learn more about this practice? Keep reading

What is Castor Oil pulling?

Have you tried this trending, holistic practice that boasts not only oral hygiene benefits, but also a touch of ancient wisdom?

What is Oil Pulling by Queen of the Thrones

Oil pulling is a centuries-old tradition that’s making a modern comeback.

This ancient Ayurvedic technique is believed to help detoxify the body and support overall well-being. Pretty amazing, agreed?

You may have heard of oil pulling with sesame oil or coconut oil, but let’s shine the spotlight on Castor Oil; known for its varied wellness benefits, Castor Oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant.  

It’s a powerhouse of nutrients and has been used for centuries in traditional home remedies, including oil pulling (it makes this practice quicker and stronger… more on this later!).

According to Ayurveda, there’s a theory that the tongue is linked to different organs like the kidneys, heart, lungs, small intestine, spine, and more. And the practice of oil pulling is thought to aid in the elimination of toxic heavy metals through saliva. 

When you engage in oil pulling, it may activate enzymes in your saliva that are thought to absorb various toxins, including chemical, bacterial, and environmental toxins from the bloodstream. These toxins are then thought to be expelled from the body through the tongue1.

Pretty interesting, agreed? 

Does oil pulling actually work?

Now, maybe you’re wondering if oil pulling actually works? Or whether this is just another one of those celebrity trends that come and go with little to no results. Is this you?

Castor oil dos and donts of-oil pulling by Queen of the Thrones
Let’s start with what oil pulling can (and can’t) do for your oral hygiene. Now, oil pulling is pretty supportive at tackling certain types of germs that may cause infection, but it’s not a superhero for everything. Unfortunately, it won’t magically fix those pesky raging gum infections or zap away cavities.

Here’s the deal: Oil pulling is supportive for removing bacteria from your mouth, but it doesn’t go all out and kill them. If you’re relying solely on oil pulling without the tag team of regular brushing and flossing, it’s not going to be your knight in shining armor for a healthy mouth.

However, don’t toss oil pulling out of your oral care routine just yet. When teamed up with good ol’ brushing and flossing on the daily, it can play a preventive role2. Picture it as the sidekick, helping to keep bad breath at bay, stains under control, and more!

Oh, and if you’re battling the dreaded dry mouth, we’re all in for some pre-bedtime oil pulling. It could be that extra boost of hydration that you need. 

So, in a nutshell, oil pulling is like a trusty sidekick in your oral hygiene journey, but it can’t do all the heavy lifting alone. Keep it company with your regular brushing and flossing routine, and you’ve got a winning team!

Let’s dive into the benefits of oil pulling next!

Benefits of oil pulling 

Having issues with your teeth can really impact how you feel and go about your daily life, agreed? 

Plus, it is believed that there is a strong link between problems in your mouth and other conditions that may be present in your body. Taking care of things like cavities and gum disease not only helps your teeth, but also is thought to help lower the chance of getting diabetes or heart problems.3 

Benefits of Oil pulling by Queen of the Thrones
Plus, some folks believe that oil pulling with sesame oil or coconut oil helps with gum health by easing inflammation and bleeding, as well as supporting dry mouth, throat, and chapped lips. And, as an added perk, it might even give your teeth a natural whitening effect!4 It’s like a natural, chemical-free way to say goodbye to those pesky stains.

Sounds wonderful, agreed?

And, because most toxins are lipophilic (meaning attracted to fats), the idea is that as you swish oil around in your mouth, toxins are absorbed into the oil to be spit out of your body.

Why use Castor Oil for oil pulling

Castor Oil is well known for its antimicrobial properties5 6, so it could be battling against harmful bacteria, plaque, and other germs that can set up camp in your mouth. 

It’s like sending in the cavalry to keep your oral environment in check!

Plus it’s been studied in periodontal medicine as a natural alternative to conventional denture cleansers, for its ability to break down biofilm7 8 9

Biofilm is a protective layer that bacteria creates to stop you from killing it… Think about that fuzzy feeling you get when you don’t brush your teeth for awhile. 

There are only a few natural substances that are able to break down biofilm, and Castor Oil is one of them! This is why you only need to swish for 1-2 minutes with Castor Oil, as opposed to the 20-30 minutes of swishing that are typically suggested for sesame or coconut oil. 

So, here’s to giving it a try and maybe uncovering a new dimension of self-care for your pearly whites!

Are you wondering how to do this natural practice? Read on for your easy steps!

How to oil pull with Castor Oil

Have you tried oil pulling before, but couldn’t stick to it because of the lengthy 20-30 minutes of swishing? Who’s got the time for that, right? 

How to do oil pulling with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered on the ‘how-to’ for oil pulling with Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil, that only takes 1-2 minutes!

How to do oil pulling at home:

    1. Pour 1 tbsp of Queen of the Thrones® Golden Castor Oil onto a spoon.
    2. Place the oil in your mouth and swish it around for 1-2 minutes.
    3. Spit the frothy, white oil into the trash when finished.
    4. Brush teeth and rinse your mouth thoroughly.

      That’s all there is to it! With practice, you can extend the duration of your oil pulling sessions as you become more used to the practice.

      Would you like a simple video tutorial on oil pulling with Castor Oil? Check out the easy how-to below!

And there you have it, the secret weapon in your wellness arsenal! 

Castor Oil, the unsung hero that seamlessly transitions from supporting your Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs to becoming the cornerstone of your oil-pulling journey.

So, as you embark on your daily routine, envision Castor Oil as your loyal sidekick, standing guard not just over your royal throne, but also over the brilliance of your smile. It’s more than just oil-pulling; it’s a journey into self-care, with Castor Oil leading the way.

Let this dynamic duo — your Castor Oil Packs and oil-pulling practice — weave a story of holistic well-being, from the soothing moments of self-care, to the daily dance of oral hygiene.

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references
  1. Shanbhag VK. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Jun 6;7(1):106-109. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.05.004. PMID: 28053895; PMCID: PMC5198813.

     

  2. Woolley J, Gibbons T, Patel K, Sacco R. The effect of oil pulling with coconut oil to improve dental hygiene and oral health: A systematic review. Heliyon. 2020 Aug 27;6(8):e04789. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04789. PMID: 32923724; PMCID: PMC7475120.

     

  3. Naseem M, Khiyani MF, Nauman H, Zafar MS, Shah AH, Khalil HS. Oil pulling and importance of traditional medicine in oral health maintenance. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2017 Sep-Oct;11(4):65-70. PMID: 29085271; PMCID: PMC5654187.

     

  4. Peng TR, Cheng HY, Wu TW, Ng BK. Effectiveness of Oil Pulling for Improving Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Oct 11;10(10):1991. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10101991. PMID: 36292438; PMCID: PMC9602184.

     

  5. Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus cmmunis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827. PMID: 29084706

     

  6. Al-Mamun MA, Akter Z, Uddin MJ, Ferdaus KM, Hoque KM, Ferdousi Z, Reza MA. Characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of crude protein extracts isolated from the seed of Ricinus communis in Bangladesh. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jul 12;16:211. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1185-y. PMID: 27405609; PMCID: PMC4942971.
  1. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.PMID: 24789291
  1. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334. PMID: 28678952
  1. Marcela Moreira Salles, Maurício Malheiros Badaró, Carolina Noronha Ferraz de Arruda, Vanessa Maria Fagundes Leite, Cláudia Helena Lovato da Silva, Evandro Watanabe, Viviane de Cássia Oliveira, Helena de Freitas Oliveira Paranhos, Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study. Randomized Controlled Trial J Appl Oral Sci Nov-Dec 2015;23(6):637-42. doi: 10.1590/1678-775720150204. PMID: 26814466 

How to Use Castor Oil for Vaginal Dryness

How to Use Castor Oil for Vaginal Dryness

Queen of the Thrones Castor oil and vaginal dryness

How to Use Castor Oil for Vaginal Dryness

Written by: Heather Tanti R.P.N (non-practicing)

Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.

Est. reading time: 7 minutes

In our lives, there are chapters that remain unspoken, hidden in the shadows. One such chapter is the silent struggle of many women- the battle against vaginal dryness and atrophy (thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls).

Queen of the Thrones Castor oil and vaginal dryness

It’s a topic wrapped in whispers, yet its impact on our lives can be profound… 

Can you relate?

Thankfully, in the midst of these struggles, there’s a natural remedy that offers a gentle, comforting approach- Castor Oil.

This blog touches on the emotional and physical aspects of vaginal dryness and atrophy, sharing with you the nurturing touch of Castor Oil for your mind and body.

What is vaginal atrophy?

Vaginal atrophy and dryness are more than just medical terms; they’re experiences that can significantly impact a woman’s life, both emotionally and physically. Emotionally, it can feel like a silent struggle, often shadowed in shame or embarrassment. It affects self-esteem, body confidence, and even intimate relationships…  The physical aspects are equally challenging.  Vaginal dryness can lead to irritation, discomfort, and even painful intercourse1, while vaginal atrophy can make daily activities like sitting or walking painful. It’s like living with a constant reminder that your body is changing, and not in a way you’d hoped for.  But here’s the beautiful part: while these conditions can be challenging, they don’t define who you are. They’re chapters in a much larger story, and with the nurturing qualities of Castor Oil, relief and empowerment can still be within reach.

Is vaginal dryness common?

Queen of the Thrones what to know about vaginal dryness

If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one dealing with vaginal dryness, it’s time to take a collective sigh of relief- you’re not alone.

Believe it or not, vaginal dryness is far more common than you might think. In fact, it’s a pressing issue that women of all ages can experience, although it becomes more common as we get older.2

What’s to blame? Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. But, vaginal dryness can also be triggered by factors like stress, certain medications, or even emotions.

So, if you’re navigating this challenge, know that you’re part of a larger community of women who have walked this path. Afterall, vaginal dryness isn’t just about the physical symptoms; it’s also about the emotional weight it carries, agreed?

Did you know that more than 75% of women experience vaginal discomfort as a result of hormonal changes during menopause?3 

Furthermore, almost 17% of women aged 17 to 50 may encounter painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness.4

 Approximately 60% of women going through menopause experience vaginal dryness as a symptom.5 This is a significant portion of women in this stage of life, and it can greatly affect their overall well-being.

Perhaps you’re navigating the postpartum stage of your life, is this you? After childbirth, vaginal dryness can affect up to 43% of women6, further adding to the already uncomfortable transition you’re experiencing as you care for your newborn and begin your own recovery. But were you aware that vaginal dryness can be caused by other means, including certain medications? It’s true, certain medications such as some antidepressants and antihistamines can contribute to this uncomfortable symptom7. Stats like the above make it clear that vaginal dryness is not an isolated problem to feel shame or embarrassment over, but rather an issue that affects women across the world.

Vaginal atrophy symptoms

Vaginal Atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis’, is a common but often under-discussed condition. Symptoms can include:
    • Painful intercourse due to insufficient lubrication
    • Continuous vaginal dryness 
    • Thinning of the epithelial lining 
    • Vaginal spotting, caused by small tears 
Additionally, women often report urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and incontinence as well.8 According to research, nearly 70% of women experiencing symptoms choose not to discuss them with their healthcare provider.  This is primarily due to feelings of embarrassment or reluctance to talk about their symptoms, seeing them as a natural part of the aging process.9 The impact of vaginal atrophy on daily life is undeniable, but you don’t have to suffer in silence with natural remedies like Castor Oil.

Natural relief for vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness affects many women at various stages in their lives. It often leads to unpleasant symptoms like we touched on above, and can have a serious impact on a woman’s quality of life.

While yes, there are several available creams and medications available at your local pharmacy to try and support these symptoms, there’s one natural remedy that is gaining traction for its potential benefits in addressing vaginal dryness– Castor Oil.

Castor Oil is derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), and has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various ailments. Known for its moisturizing and emollient properties, Castor Oil has increased in popularity for its ability to support vaginal dryness and more.

How can Queen of the Thrones Castor oil can help-with vaginal dryness
How Castor Oil can help: 1. Moisturization: Castor Oil is rich in fatty acids10, which may help bring moisturization to dry, irritated vaginal tissues. Applying a small amount of organic Castor Oil to the external genital area may help relieve discomfort with dryness. 2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The ricinoleic acid in Castor Oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties may help ease inflammation11 and itching caused by dryness, leading to improved comfort and overall well-being. 3. Antimicrobial Effects: Castor Oil also has antimicrobial properties12, which may help maintain a balanced vaginal flora, which is beneficial in preventing dryness-related infections and irritation. 4. Circulation Support: Castor Oil is known to promote nitric oxide, an antioxidant that supports blood flow12. And when combined with a Castor Oil Pack in the pelvic area, you may be helping to bring more circulation to this region. This may help stimulate the body’s natural lubrication production.
It is important to note that not all Castor Oil is created equally. Be sure to do your research before you get started.  For your peace of mind, Queen of the Thrones® Organic Golden Castor Oil is always:
    • 100% organic
    • Extra-virgin
    • Hexane-free
    • Cold or Expeller-pressed
    • Always bottled in amber glass
Best uses of Queen of the Thrones Castor oil for selfcare

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness isn’t just a physical issue; it has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, and confident in your body.

So, as we wrap up this discussion, let’s not forget to acknowledge the emotional side of this common concern amongst women. These uncomfortable symptoms can cause self-esteem issues, making you hesitant to engage in intimate moments, or even diminishing your overall quality of life.

It’s a vicious cycle, agreed?

And because physical discomfort can lead to emotional distress, symptoms like vaginal dryness can become exacerbated.

While Castor Oil isn’t a magic wand, it is certainly your natural ally, offering support on your journey to wellness. When you take the time to support these symptoms, you help to enhance your emotional well-being.

Sounds good, right? Plus, feeling physically better can often translate into a more confident and positive outlook!

Special note: Castor Oil is for topical use only. Always consult with your healthcare professional if vaginal dryness is a persistent issue, or before beginning any new practice you may be unsure of.

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Kingsberg SA, Wysocki S, Magnus L, Krychman ML. Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women’s VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey. J Sex Med. 2013 Jul;10(7):1790-9. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12190. Epub 2013 May 16. PMID: 23679050.

2. Palma F, Volpe A, Villa P, Cagnacci A; Writing group of AGATA study. Vaginal atrophy of women in postmenopause. Results from a multicentric observational study: The AGATA study. Maturitas. 2016 Jan;83:40-4. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Sep 14. PMID: 26421474.

3. Eubanks A. Hormone Therapy: Menopausal Hormone Therapy. FP Essent. 2023 Aug;531:15-21. PMID: 37603881.

4. Goncharenko V, Bubnov R, Polivka J Jr, Zubor P, Biringer K, Bielik T, Kuhn W, Golubnitschaja O. Vaginal dryness: individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures. EPMA J. 2019 Mar 2;10(1):73-79. doi: 10.1007/s13167-019-00164-3. PMID: 30984316; PMCID: PMC6459457.
5.
Peacock K, Ketvertis KM. Menopause. [Updated 2022 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/

6. O’Malley D, Higgins A, Begley C, Daly D, Smith V. Prevalence of and risk factors associated with sexual health issues in primiparous women at 6 and 12 months postpartum; a longitudinal prospective cohort study (the MAMMI study). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2018 May 31;18(1):196. doi: 10.1186/s12884-018-1838-6. PMID: 29855357; PMCID: PMC5984394.

7. Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S. Antidepressant-Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 Sep;91(9):1280-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033. PMID: 27594188; PMCID: PMC6711470.

8. Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT. Vulvovaginal atrophy. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010 Jan;85(1):87-94. doi: 10.4065/mcp.2009.0413. PMID: 20042564; PMCID: PMC2800285.9. Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal Atrophy. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559297/

9.
Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus c0mmunis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827. PMID: 29084706

10.Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362

11.Mascolo N, Izzo AA, Gaginella TS, Capasso F. Relationship between nitric oxide and platelet-activating factor in castor-oil induced mucosal injury in the rat duodenum. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1996 May;353(6):680-4. doi: 10.1007/BF00167187. PMID: 8738301.

Why Do You Feel Hungover After Just One Drink?

Why Do You Feel Hungover After Just One Drink?

Hungover Without Drinking Alcohol by Queen of the Thornes

Why Do You Feel Hungover After Just One Drink?

Written by: Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (Inactive)

Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.  &  Joanna Teljeur

Est. reading time: 7 minutes

Here’s why sugar overgrowth in your gut contributes to hangover symptoms and what you can do to help restore balance in your gut microbiome.

I had one drink last night, and I woke up with a cluster headache, foggy brain and feeling like total sh*t. All from just one drink? One drink! What’s up with that?! This never used to happen to my body before. I mean come on… It was just ONE drink!!! Has this ever happened to you

Why do I get hangover symptoms without drinking?

So you go out and you don’t even drink alcohol, but you wake up the next morning feeling hungover. How can this be, right? It makes absolutely NO SENSE, agreed?

Actually, and to be honest, it makes perfect sense, because I’ve seen this so often in clinical practice, and I’ve experienced it myself as well. So, I’m going to explain to you why you get a hangover after just one drink or even without drinking at all – and what you can do about it.

We don’t often realize these little signs and what they tell us about our bodies. If you know me, you know I love educating about poop, but there are so many more clues about what our body says about us. This “alcohol-less hangover” is one of them, and it actually shows a lot about what is going on in our gut.

What does a one drink hangover tell you about your gut? 

One hint? It has everything to do with your microbiome! So, read on to learn more.

Whenever you are afflicted by hangover symptoms, think of them like the drama in a Mexican telenovela. The symptoms of a hangover add turmoil, turbulence, and some painful excitement to our lives. You know, like the drama you talk about with your friends – the kind you try to figure out like a detective. You see, these hangover symptoms are the tune our basic biochemistry is singing. And for some, this singing is getting pretty loud and cacophonous which is basically an expression of our bodies in distress.

Feeling hungover after minimal amounts of alcohol or food is clearly not the norm, but when it becomes your norm, it gives us valuable information about WHY your biochemical song is out of tune.

How does sugar overgrowth affect your hangover symptoms?

Well, it all comes down to this. Any food or drink that you ingest eventually turns into one basic molecule, and that molecule is sugar.

Starches, alcohol, fruits, and vegetables all become instant forms of sugar for our bodies. Fats and proteins on the other hand, need to be modified into a different form before they can serve as an energy source, and that takes a lot longer.

Think of it like this: Alcohol, sugary pop, pastries, fruits, and certain foods like high starch breads, and basically anything that has sugar in it… is already sugar in your intestines.

And it’s important to remember that when you eat, your gut bacteria eats too!

What causes sugar fermentation and yeast overgrowth?

Your body, and especially your gut, is the home for trillions of  bacteria and yeasts that all feed on the foodstuff that we ingest.

Eight things that cause candida by Queen of the Thrones

Yeast, otherwise known as Candida albicans, can overgrow quite easily. If you have a history of taking antibiotics, birth control pills, or if you have estrogen dominance, you’re already at a higher risk for Candida overgrowth. Hmm, sounds like almost every woman that I know! Is this you too? 

So, these critters are all hanging around in the closed system known as your gut microbiome.  Now, if you’ve ever baked bread, you know that something dramatic happens when you pour sugar into a bowl with water and yeast.

What happens?  

You get a mini explosion as the yeast gobbles up the sugar. And when you leave the sugar and yeast long enough, you get fermentation. You know how the dough rises because of the yeast? That’s the same thing that happens in your belly (think bloating). 

But, in your gut microbiome fermentation creates alcohol and acetyl aldehydes that inhibit your body’s ability to detoxify and cleanse. In short, it creates the dreaded symptoms of a hangover! 

How to stop Candida overgrowth?

When you have a big buildup of yeast in your body, you are already what I like to call your very own “personal alcohol factory”, A.K.A. Super Fermenter (insert your name here). So, if you have hangover symptoms after just one drink, you’re feeling crummy because you’re already producing your own alcohol internally, and then by drinking alcohol or consuming high sugar food/drinks, your gut microbiome quickly creates more alcohol and pushes you over the edge! Believe it or not, it’s like drinking two bottles of wine, all on your own!

Basically, we are all one big biochemical factory. So, what do you do to cleanse the Candida? Well, you can start by:

  • Taking a good-quality probiotic supplement
  • Eating a low sugar, low starch diet – similar to the Paleo Diet
  • Avoiding alcohol until you get things under control

And now for my secret weapon when it comes to yeast overgrowth in the gut… the Castor Oil Pack.

It’s always about working on your microbiome, the bacteria and yeast balance in your body. Yeast grows in a gut environment that is hospitable to it. If you have slow moving intestines, low nutrient levels, high inflammation, stress and bad bacteria, your gut microbiome is becoming a comfy cozy home for yeast to set up shop.

But there is hope! Castor Oil Packs works on all of these factors to help make our gut an inhospitable place for yeasts to grow. Bye-bye one drink hangovers!

Four ways to help candida by Queen of the Thrones

How do Castor Oil Packs help balance the microbiome and support a hangover?

Have you ever heard your parents or grandparents talk about using Castor Oil as a laxative? Well, it’s true! When you drink it, it works really well as a very strong stimulant laxative, which is exactly why I don’t recommend drinking it to my patients.

But when you use Castor Oil with a less-mess Castor Oil Pack, the experience is all together different!

Castor Oil Packs may help support colon cleansing, constipation, and better bowel movements

A study was done in an old age home where the researchers compared Castor Oil Packs to conventional laxatives. Lo and behold, Castor Oil Packs were shown to be just as effective for constipation as oral laxatives but without cramping and the intense urgency to run to the bathroom1.

Better still, Castor Oil contains ricinoleic acid which has been shown to support peristalsis of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract2. In other words, Castor Oil Packs worn on your abdominal area may help support your intestines as they move waste through your system. And this is exactly what you want for better cleansing, better detox, and as a result, a more balanced microbiome.

And if that isn’t convincing enough, some recent research in periodontal medicine has shown that Castor Oil is one of the only natural substances that can break down biofilm3,4,5 – a protective layer created by bad bacteria that prevents you from killing it. What does this mean? Basically, you can only do a true Candida cleanse if you can get through the protective biofilm of the yeast… and a natural way to do this may be with Castor Oil.

In short, Castor Oil Packs may help support balance in your gut microbiome. Pretty amazing, agreed?

Castor Oil Packs may help support your gut nutrient balance

OK, so Castor Oil is a heavy hitter when it comes to nutrients. It’s a thick, rich oil replete with Omega 6 and 9, vitamin E and polyphenols6 and may also promote and preserve the antioxidants nitric oxide7 and glutathione8. So you might be wondering why this matters?

Here’s the deal – nitric oxide which has been shown to reduce Candida albicans9 while your body’s top-dog antioxidant, glutathione is essential for detoxification and cleansing.

When you wear a Castor Oil Pack with 100% pure, certified organic, extra virgin and hexane-free Castor Oil bottled in amber glass, you may help support better gut nutrient levels.

And in case I haven’t already mentioned it, Castor Oil is also an amazing carrier oil. It has the ability to penetrate the skin deeply and may carry nutrients across your skin barrier – allowing them to absorb deeper. And in this case, Castor Oil worn on your skin over your liver area in a Castor Oil Pack, may help support the absorption of these vital nutrients into your digestive tract.

Bottom line: Castor Oil Packs may help support a better balance in your gut. Brilliant, don’t you think?

Castor Oil Packs may help support inflammation balance

Remember how I said that Castor Oil contains ricinoleic acid? Well, to be more specific, Castor Oil contains 90% ricinoleic acid. This is an amazing asset, because in an animal study, ricinoleic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties via reduction of substance P10

What is substance P? Well, without going into an entire biochemistry lesson, substance P is a mediator of pain. When you reduce substance P, you reduce pain. It’s that simple. 

Castor Oil may also help support PGE3 (prostaglandin E3), which creates a similar result in the body that happens when you take fish oils. Basically, Castor Oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory11 properties, and when you wear Castor Oil Packs, you may help support a better balanced environment for your gut microbiome. And a balanced gut environment is a happy place for GOOD bacteria to thrive.

Castor Oil Packs may help support stress balance

You might be wondering if you can enjoy all these benefits by just rubbing Castor Oil on your skin. Is this you?

Well, this is where the compress part of Castor Oil Packs come into play.

You see, the gentle compression of the pack on your body may help move you into a relaxed state12, and support your love and connection hormone, oxytocin13. If you’ve ever used a weighted blanket then you know exactly what I mean. The only difference is that Castor Oil Packs are like a micro version of a weighted blanket, but they may still provide that comfy, cozy, and RELAXING sensation.

Basically, oxytocin helps balance cortisol14 (the stress hormone). So when you have more oxytocin, you can naturally shift more easily into the relaxed state. But this can’t be achieved with Castor Oil alone. The pack is a must!

But that’s not the only benefit. Castor Oil Packs are made with soft organic cotton flannel, and that luxurious feeling combined with the warm oil on the skin may activate the pleasure centers in your brain15,16, and help support dopamine production – a feel-good hormone that helps you feel satisfied.

Castor Oil Packs may help to get rid of bad bacteria

So, now we know that hangover symptoms are a reflection of gut health and Candida (or yeast) overgrowth, let’s break down how Castor Oil Packs affect the bad bacteria in your gut.

When bad bacteria is present and flourishing in your gut, yeast sneaks in and has a blow-out party. And that party, my friends, is Candida overgrowth. So when this happens, the bad bacteria create this mucus-like film around themselves called biofilm for protection.

Not many substances are able to break down this yucky layer, but fortunately, Castor Oil is one of them3, 4, 5! And if you want to balance your gut microbiome, stop yeast overgrowth, and subsequently mitigate hangover symptoms, you’ve got to break through that biofilm as the first order of business!

So, in a nutshell, balance can be achieved in your microbiome. And when you achieve this balance, you will stop having one-drink-hangovers AND the factors that caused the yeast in the first place, like loss of good bacteria from antibiotics or estrogen dominance, may also improve! Fantastic, right?

So what’s the best thing for hangover symptoms?

Well my friends, if you’re feeling hungover with any of these symptoms…

  • A cluster or migraine headache that feels like you spent all night banging your head against a wall
  • Lethargy so bad it feels you’re carrying the world on your shoulders and can barely move
  • Dark circles under your eyes that would win in the raccoon category at your local beastly pageant
  • An extra foggy brain after only one drink (or none!)

…don’t be dismayed

There really is a natural biological cause. Truly! It’s not your fault, and there really is something that you can do about it!

Get started with your very own super easy, less-mess Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack.

It’s time to support your biology so you can feel better, live your best life, feel freer, and have fun! So there you go, with regular practice, over time, it is POSSIBLE to reset your gut!

Natural recipe for a hangover 

While you’re working towards better microbiome balance, you might find some hangover relief with this very easy recipe that can help replenish your electrolytes – hangover or not! One of the benefits of this recipe is that you’ll be able to support your fluid balance after drinking alcohol, after exercising, or even after being sick! 

You see, electrolytes are essential minerals that your body needs to function properly. When you replenish your electrolytes, your gut, muscles, and nerve function will all be on the receiving end of something wonderful! Besides that, it’s just delicious and refreshing! 

A Natural Electrolyte Remedy

Prep time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups sparkling water
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Pinch of Himalayan salt
  • Dash of cayenne pepper (optional) 

Directions:

  1. Pour 1.5 cups of sparkling water into a glass.
    2. Then add the juice of ½ a lemon.
    3. Add Himalayan salt, and the cayenne pepper (optional). Stir and enjoy!

Conclusion

So, the next time you feel those dreaded hangover symptoms after having only one drink, remember that your discomfort is actually your body telling you it’s a little off balance and that your gut microbiome is in need of a little TLC. 

In the meantime, you can start working towards better microbiome balance today by wearing your Castor Oil Pack regularly. 

Don’t forget to share this with your friends on social media, through email and to like us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about  joining the movement so that we can all have an improvement!

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

 

  1. Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18.  
  2. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22615395
  3. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.
  4. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334.
  5. Marcela Moreira Salles, Maurício Malheiros Badaró, Carolina Noronha Ferraz de Arruda, Vanessa Maria Fagundes Leite, Cláudia Helena Lovato da Silva, Evandro Watanabe, Viviane de Cássia Oliveira, Helena de Freitas Oliveira Paranhos, Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study.
  6. Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus cmmunis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827.
  7. Mascolo N1, Izzo AA, Autore G, Barbato F, Capasso F.Nitric oxide and castor oil-induced diarrhea.J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1994 Jan;268(1):291-5.
  8. Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in optisol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013.
  9. Stasko N1, McHale K2, Hollenbach SJ2, Martin M2, Doxey R2. Nitric Oxide-Releasing Macromolecule Exhibits Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity and Utility as a Topical Treatment for Superficial Fungal Infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 Jun 26;62(7). pii: e01026-17. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01026-17. Print 2018 Jul.
  10. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8
  11.  Boddu SH1, Alsaab H2, Umar S3, Bonam SP2, Gupta H2, Ahmed S3. Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery. Int J Pharm. 2015 Feb 1;479(1):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.051. Epub 2014 Dec 24. PMID: 25542985 
  12. Rolls ET et all. Representations of pleasant and painful touch in the human orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices. Cereb Cortex. 2003 Mar;13(3):308-17.
  13. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19.
  14. Uvnas-Moberg K1, Petersson M.[Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. Z Psychosom Med Psychother. 2005;51(1):57-80. PMID: 15834840 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15834840
  15. Francis S, Rolls ET, Bowtell R, McGlone F, O’Doherty J, Browning A, Clare S, Smith E. The representation of pleasant touch in the brain and its relationship with taste and olfactory areas. Neuroreport. 1999 Feb 25;10(3):453-9. PMID: 10208571 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10208571
  16. Löken LS, Wessberg J, Morrison I, McGlone F, Olausson H. Coding of pleasant touch by unmyelinated afferents in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2009 May;12(5):547-8. Epub 2009 Apr 12. PMID: 19363489 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19363489

 

What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

What Is A Castor Oil Pack and Why Do It?

What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A.

Est. reading time: 7 minutes.

Your Complete Guide On How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

Are you wondering what to expect after using the Castor Oil Pack for Liver?

Or, are you curious to know more about the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack before you add it to your daily self-care routine?

Is this you? This blog discusses everything you need to know about Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs and how the two work together to support both your liver and overall wellness.

So, what is a Castor Oil Pack?

Castor Oil Packs are an ancient self-care practice and foundation of naturopathic and functional medicine popularized in the early 1900s by Edgar Cayce.

This traditional natural wellness practice involves applying Castor Oil to a cotton compress and wearing it on the body (typically over the liver) to support liver detox, deeper sleep, less stress, better bowel movements, and more.

The Castor Oil Pack lost its appeal because of its messy and time-consuming nature and difficulty accessing quality organic materials. Makes sense, agreed?”

So, we made this practice easy for the 21st century with the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver, a tried and true modernized Castor Oil Pack that’s heatless, less-mess, and easy to use.

Would you love to know 3 vital body functions you can support with Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs?

Well, we have an Infographic for you that explains the 3 key benefits of Castor Oil Packs, loved and recommended by wellness practitioners.

With consistent use, Castor Oil Packs can support your body from the outside in. So much so that many people who love and use Castor Oil Packs think of it as a game changer.

Queen of the Thrones happy customer testimony

Where to wear your Castor Oil Pack?

Castor Oil Packs can be worn all over the body from your thyroid, your tummy, your pelvic area, your joints, and even your eyes – but they are thought to have the most systemic benefit when worn over the liver area. This is because the liver area is where the regulatory systems of your body all intersect and interconnect (your hormonal, immune, nervous and digestive systems). Many people assume that you need to wear your Liver Pack right on your liver to get the benefits. Is this you too? However, this is not the case. Anatomically, the liver is located near the top of your right ribcage under the right breast. It would be a little difficult to wear your pack there, agreed? 
Liver location in the body by Queen of the Thrones

The ideal placement for your Castor Oil Pack is your liver area, over top of the dermatomes connected to your liver.

You see, the anti-inflammatory component of Castor Oil called ricinoleic acid1 permeates the epidermis because of its molecular weight, this is where your circulatory and lymphatic vessels lie. And when placed over your liver area, these Packs activate the somatic and visceral reflexes (response to a stimulus) supporting the activity of internal detox and cleansing organs like the liver, kidney, gut, gallbladder, and more.

So, this is why it’s ideal to wear the Pack over your liver area, below your ribs on the right side of your body. This covers your T5-T12 dermatomes which support the gallbladder, liver, diaphragm, stomach, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, appendix, adrenals, uterus and colon.  

How to use your Castor Oil Liver Pack?

It’s as easy as following the two-step process so you can support your body from the outside in.

Step One: Apply 1 tbsp of Organic Castor Oil to the soft organic cotton flannel side of your Pack. 

*Always add your Organic Castor Oil to the middle of the pack to help keep the oil from the seams, as the Pack is not 100% impermeable.

Dermatomes of the Body Supported by The Castor Oil Pack for Liver

Step Two: Place the soft cotton flannel side of your Castor Oil Pack over your liver area (under your right rib cage) and tie it in place with the soft, stretchy, adjustable straps.

*Remember: Castor Oil WILL STAIN clothing & bed sheets so take extra care when preparing your Pack. Of course, you can always wear an old t-shirt over your Pack just in case.

With regular practice, you will train your body to respond better to stress. Amazing, agreed? 

And the best part…

You can wear your Pack for one hour before bed, and even better, wear your Pack overnight to help you cleanse while you sleep.

You see, your body naturally cleanses when you’re sleeping. So, by wearing your Castor Oil Liver Pack overnight you’re supporting natural liver detoxification, lymphatic drainage2, and colon cleansing3,14

Learn how to use Castor oil Packs for liver designed by Queen of the Thrones

How do Castor Oil Packs support your liver?

Castor Oil is a unique vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It contains 90% ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid structure strikingly similar to that of prostaglandin E1. In simple terms, it is a strong anti-inflammatory4 agent in our body. Here’s how it works… Mechanical: The compression of your Castor Oil Pack placed over the liver (slightly covering the lower free ribs under your right rib cage), combined with the movement of your breathing muscles, serves like a pump to your lymphatic system, encouraging lymphatic drainage2. Amazing, agreed? Neurological: When placed on specific dermatomes, this activates the somatic visceral reflexes triggering the activity of internal detox and cleansing organs like the liver, kidney, gut, gallbladder, and more. A combination of both mechanical and neurological: The Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack stimulates the body’s skin receptors that stimulate the natural oxytocin5 feedback loop activating the vagus nerve, shifting the body into the ‘rest and digest’ state where liver detox is optimized. This gentle compression of the Castor Oil Pack stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system6,7,8. Amazing, right?
Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil OAcks supports detox and digestion

 You can learn more about the 3 vital body functions you can support with Castor Oil Packs in your FREE infographic.

What are the key benefits of Castor Oil Liver Packs?

First, let’s look at the most important function of your Castor Oil Pack, which is to help…

1. Balance inflammation

Did you know that inflammation is part of your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it (like infections) in an attempt to heal and protect itself?

So, when something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response from your immune system10. It’s a natural process, but inflammation is often out of control in today’s modern world.

When you are inflamed, your body is acidic. However, the enzymes in your body don’t function properly in an acidic environment, as they require an alkaline environment11

Inflammation is like fire, and what does a firefighter do to put out a fire? They put water on it. Central abdominal bloating and weight gain are often caused because our body sends water to the site of inflammation to ‘put out the fire’. Makes sense, agreed?

So, since Castor Oil contains ricinoleic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory1-4, it may support the natural reduction of water retention and swelling.

Castor Oil also supports detox by helping to…

2. Preserve glutathione status

Glu…tat…what?

Well, glutathione is the master detoxification agent of the body12. But, unfortunately, it can quickly be depleted mainly because of chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

Studies on rats have shown that Castor Oil is supportive of preserving glutathione levels13.  You see, glutathione is an antioxidant that pulls toxins out of your body, and that’s why we get depleted so quickly. 

Castor Oil also supports the elimination of waste from your body by…

3. Help move your bowels

lOne of the major processes of your body is your bowel movements. If you can’t eliminate (a.k.a go to the bathroom), you self-intoxicate.

Remember those anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that Castor Oil mimics? Well, these are the same ones that attach to the receptors of smooth muscle14 in the body, namely your gut and uterus.

So, this physical smooth muscle function moves things out of the body, and your Castor Oil Liver Pack helps stimulate it3,14 so you can go to the bathroom naturally and rid yourself of feeling backed up. Sounds wonderful, agreed?

Lastly, Castor Oil aids in maintaining your general wellness by helping your body…

4. Microbiome balance

The microbiome and bacteria in your gut are a mix of good and bad bugs. The balance of the two influences your well-being. So, when the balance is off, you feel unwell. Makes sense, right? Biofilm is a big bad barrier that bad bacteria can produce in the microbiome. It keeps the bad bugs in and the good bugs out. Unfortunately, this causes severe stress on the body, inhibiting cleansing and detoxification. Castor Oil is one of the only natural substances that can breakdown biofilm15,16,17, allowing your body to maintain a balanced ecology (environment). 
Smart Bowel movements with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs

In combination with a good diet, adequate fluid intake (water/tea), flow (urine, poop) mindset, and exercise, Castor Oil Packs are one of the cornerstones to supporting your bowels.

All in all, starting with your tried and true Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver, you will be able to support… 

  • Gentle liver detox
  • Colon cleansing3,14
  • Lymphatic drainage2

However, not all Castor Oil Packs are made equal.

Your checklist for good quality Castor Oil (like Queen of the Thrones®): 

  • 100% pure
  • Organic
  • Extra virgin
  • Hexane-free
  • Bottled in amber glass

Your checklist for a good quality Castor Oil Pack (like Queen of the Thrones®)

  • Organic cotton, wool, or linen touching the skin
  • No synthetic blends or chemically treated materials touching the skin (i.e., velour, bamboo)
  • No uncomfortable belts, buttons, or velcro

Try it for yourself to see!

You can also learn more about the best practices for your Castor Oil Pack with your FREE infographic. Would you love that?

Common questions

1. Why do I have to replace it after two months of regular use?

The traditional way of doing Castor Oil Packs was to use the SAME compress over and over and over. This was okay, before the industrial revolution when our environment wasn’t as toxic.

We now know that the increasing environmental toxicity impacts wellness. This is why it’s important to add fresh oil every time and replace your pack every 2 months for ease of use, comfort, and sanitation.
 

2. Why can’t I just drink Castor Oil or rub it on my skin?

Castor Oil orally is a stimulant laxative that causes cramping and makes you poop. Simply rubbing it on your skin and wearing a T-shirt overtop only gives you about 50% of the benefits. You need the pack to help move your body into a relaxed state via gentle compression to support liver detox, lymphatic drainage, and colon cleansing.

 

3. Why can’t I use organic bamboo or any old cloth?

ONLY use organic cotton, wool or linen! Other materials like ‘organic’ bamboo are highly processed with chemicals. Old clothing may be made with harmful dyes, bleach, and flame retardants that you don’t want to absorb into your body.

4. What if I’m on medications, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, IUDs, or supplements?

Castor Oil Packs are safely combined with any medication and supplement and may even help them work better. There are no known contraindications or interactions with medication, and they are safe to use with hormone replacements, TTC medicines, birth control pills, and IUDs.

5. Isn’t it messy?

That’s why we created this LESS-mess pack. It’s not entirely messless, but LESS messy than a DIY pack. Castor Oil does stain, so always wear an old T-shirt.

6. Don’t I have to add heat?

Extra heat isn’t necessary because it’s engineered to hold in your body heat naturally.

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362”
2. Moore JE Jr, Bertram CD. Lymphatic System Flows. Annu Rev Fluid Mech. 2018 Jan;50:459-482. doi: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-122316-045259. PMID: 29713107; PMCID: PMC5922450.
3. Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18. PMID: 21168117
4. Boddu SH1, Alsaab H2, Umar S3, Bonam SP2, Gupta H2, Ahmed S3. Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery. Int J Pharm. 2015 Feb 1;479(1):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.051. Epub 2014 Dec 24.
5. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19. PMID: 28162847.
6. Rolls ET et all. Representations of pleasant and painful touch in the human orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices. Cereb Cortex. 2003 Mar;13(3):308-17. PMID: 12571120.
7. Francis S, Rolls ET, Bowtell R, McGlone F, O’Doherty J, Browning A, Clare S, Smith E. The representation of pleasant touch in the brain and its relationship with taste and olfactory areas. Neuroreport. 1999 Feb 25;10(3):453-9. PMID: 10208571.
8. Löken LS, Wessberg J, Morrison I, McGlone F, Olausson H. Coding of pleasant touch by unmyelinated afferents in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2009 May;12(5):547-8. Epub 2009 Apr 12. PMID: 19363489.
10. Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, Fang J, Zuo Z, Deng J, Li Y, Wang X, Zhao L. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget. 2017 Dec 14;9(6):7204-7218. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.23208. PMID: 29467962; PMCID: PMC5805548.
11. Hopkins E, Sanvictores T, Sharma S. Physiology, Acid Base Balance. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.
12. Silvagno F, Vernone A, Pescarmona GP. The Role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 16;9(7):624. doi: 10.3390/antiox9070624. PMID: 32708578; PMCID: PMC7402141.
13. Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in optisol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013. PMID: 24260265
14. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395
15. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.
16. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334.
17. Salles MM, Badaró MM, Arruda CN, Leite VM, Silva CH, Watanabe E, Oliveira Vde C, Paranhos Hde F. Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study.J Appl Oral Sci. 2015 Nov-Dec; 23(6):637-42.

 

    Disclaimer

    Disclaimer: Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including information providers, are those of the respective authors or distributors. Neither Queen of the Thrones® nor any third-party provider of information guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content. This communication does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Information provided does not replace the advice of your health care practitioner. If you happen to purchase anything we promote, in this or any of our communications, it’s likely Queen of the Thrones® will receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, we only promote content and products that we truly believe in and share with our friends, family and patients. If you ever have a concern with anything we share, please let us know at care@queenofthethrones.com. We want to make sure we are always serving Our Queendom at the highest level.

    7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

    7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

    Top Best Uses for Castor Oil by Queen of the Thrones

    7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

    Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
    Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
    Full bio

    Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A.

    Est. reading time: 7 minutes.

    Use #6 is our favorite!

    Have you been curious about how you can use Castor Oil and/or Castor Oil Packs? Maybe you’ve been told to give them a try from your practitioner but would love to know more.

    You see, Castor Oil Packs are a legendary practice that dates back to ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Ancient Egyptians, and Mediterraneans all used Castor Oil for its rejuvenating health and beauty benefits. Amazing, agreed?

    The castor bean plant has even been given the special name of the ‘Palm of Christ’, as Castor Oil is mentioned in the Bible as an anointing oil.

    Plus, Castor Oil on its own or on a Castor Oil Pack (more on Castor Oil Packs soon), has been called an absolute game-changer by many who have used them.

    Would you love to know 3 tried & true Castor Oil Pack protocols used by practitioners so you can restore your body from the inside out?

    But, you might be wondering, “what are the best uses of this oil?” Well, you’re in the right place because this blog will uncover the 7 best uses of Castor Oil (supported by science). You’ll see why and how the topical use of Castor Oil may be your new go-to for your natural wellness routine.

    Are you ready?

    One of the first and most important functions is that…

    #1. Castor Oil supports lymphatic drainage

    Did you know that your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fighting against infections and balancing your fluid levels?

    And when your lymphatic system is clogged, like your hair-filled shower drain, your body can’t cleanse properly and you might feel lethargic because your body’s fluids are unbalanced.

    This also means you might have too much harmful bacteria, making you feel like you just came off the tilt-o-whirl. Does this sound like you?

    So, where does Castor Oil come into play? Well, when applied topically on your skin, Castor Oil works its way into your tissues and stimulates lymphatic drainage via the Peyer’s patches1, a small group of lymphatic tissues.

     

    You can further enhance the effect of Castor Oil with a Castor Oil Liver Pack. The compression of the Pack placed over your liver area (over your right rib cage), combined with the movement of your breathing muscles, acts like a pump for your lymphatic system, encouraging lymphatic drainage.2

    Plus, you can also enhance lymphatic flow by simply adding a Lymphatic Lymphatic Dry Brush to accompany your Castor Oil Pack practice so you can…

    • Reduce inflammation that’s taking up space in your body.
    • Increase circulation so you can truly reconnect to your body.
    • Engage your lymphatic system and organs to help your body cleanse naturally.

    Amazing, right?!

    Another wonderful use for Castor Oil is…

    #2. Using it as an anti-aging tool

    You see, Castor Oil is rich in fatty acids, which contain skin-nourishing nutrients like omega 6 and 9, vitamin E, and polyphenols3,4 like quercetin.

    These nutrients have anti-aging5 properties that reduce wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness under the eyes. Sounds wonderful, agreed?

    So, you can use a Castor Oil Eye Compress as a vehicle for your Castor Oil to work its anti-aging magic. Plus, the Eye Compress stimulates both the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

    Bonus tip: You can also use Castor Oil as an eye makeup remover and a gentle moisturizer.

    So, that brings us to our next use for Castor Oil. Are you ready?

    #3. You can use Castor Oil for thicker eyelashes and brows

    Various factors like stress, bacterial growth, immune reactions, thyroid and hormonal imbalances can cause thinning of eyebrows and eyelashes. Can you relate?

    So, regular use of a Castor Oil Eye Compress (while you sleep) can nourish the hair follicles and enhance circulation6. All you need to do is apply Castor Oil to your lashes and brows, and your Eye Compress helps keep the oil from rubbing off. Makes sense, right?

    Plus, wearing an Eye Compress7,8,9 to bed helps to naturally balance your sleep hormone, melatonin10,11, so you can sleep deeper. Would you love that?

    Queen of the Thrones recommend Castor Oil Packs to sleep well and recharge
    So we talked about your brows and lashes, but what about using Castor Oil for the hair on your head? We have all the information you need in this blog post. When used on your scalp, the Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit nourishes, hydrates, and repairs hair deeply from your roots to tips.

    So what’s next?

    #4. Castor Oil also helps naturally manage inflammation

    You may have heard that Castor Oil can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory for your bowels, right? Have you also heard that it can be helpful for inflammation during your period and for inflammation in general?

    But how does it work? Well, Castor Oil stimulates the smooth muscles12 of the digestive tract as well as the uterus.

    Have you noticed that you poo more often before and during your period? That’s because the same hormones and messengers of the body stimulate your digestive tract to move and your uterus to expel the blood.13

    By acting on your smooth muscles, Castor Oil Packs can even help with your cramping.

    While we’re on the subject of pain, it’s important to discuss another common cause of pain — inflammation, which can be found all over your body in varying degrees.

    Castor Oil Packs are wonderful, natural tools for inflammatory pain.

    You see, the unique active component of Castor Oil — ricinoleic acid — is an anti-inflammatory14 and analgesic (pain reliever)15 agent. So, that paired with the gentle compression of your Castor Oil Pack works together so the Castor Oil can permeate deeper into your skin.

    Queen of the Castor Oil helps naturally to manage inflammation
    You can also use Castor Oil to support arthritis, sore joints, lower back, hip and sciatic pain. Plus, it can be used on your skin as an anti-inflammatory for breakouts/acne and on your gums. Amazing, agreed?

    Are you wondering how exactly Castor Oil Packs work and if you can get the same anti-inflammatory benefits from just rubbing Castor Oil on your liver/abdomen? Find out everything you need to know in this blog post.

    The best part? Castor Oil not only fights inflammation but also…

    #5. Fights unhealthy bacteria and promotes healthy bacteria

    You see, a balance between healthy and harmful bacteria is crucial for your skin and scalp health.

    So, when applied to the skin, scalp, and mucus membrane, Castor Oil can help to support a healthy microbiome.16,17,18,19

    Cleansing your skin with Castor Oil can help balance the bacteria propionibacterium acne,20 which can cause skin breakouts.

    When you use Castor Oil on your scalp, it can naturally balance the microbiome of the scalp and may help reduce inflammation of hair follicles and dandruff relief. Amazing, agreed?

    And, now, it’s time for our favorite use of Castor Oil. Ready?

    #6. Castor Oil + a Castor Oil Pack supports constipation relief

    Your digestive system is much more complicated than just the food you eat because your gut is also highly regulated via hormonal and nervous system pathways. In fact, your gut is known as the second brain.

    But why? Because it relies on the brain to tell it what to do and is the only organ that can work independently.

    This means you could take it out of the body and it’d function entirely on its own. This system is called the enteric nervous system, which dictates what goes on in the gut. How interesting is that!

    But, there are only a few ways to engage the gut’s action. The easiest is the tried and true Castor Oil Liver Pack.

    Studies have shown that Castor Oil Pack over the liver helps to relieve constipation and improves the smooth muscle function of the digestive tract.21 This allows you to get rid of all the junk in your digestive system and start having regular healthy bowel movements. Sounds wonderful, agreed?

    Traditionally, Castor Oil has been recommended by pharmacists to be taken orally as a strong stimulant laxative.21,22

    However, Castor Oil Packs have been shown to be just as effective and better tolerated for relieving constipation when applied topically as a gentle Castor Oil Pack, compared to conventional laxatives.

    The cherry on top? Castor Oil Packs can also reduce stress23,24,25,26 and support balanced hormones, similar to a weighted blanket, which brings us to the last best use of Castor Oil…

    #7. The topical use of Castor Oil supports natural hormone balancing

    Do you find it difficult to sleep, feel tired, or have digestion problems?

    If yes, it’s likely you have higher stress levels, which ultimately affects your hormones.

    The soft compression of your Castor Oil Packs on your skin calms your entire system and stimulates the release of feel-good “love and connection” hormones so you can naturally promote the production of our feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine25, as well as our love and connection hormone, oxytocin.23

    Topical use of Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil supports natural hormone balancing

    Plus, oxytocin also lowers cortisol (your stress hormone) and balances blood pressure,27 leading to healthy levels of progesterone.

    Why does this matter? Well, studies show a connection between higher anxiety levels and high progesterone levels.28

    But remember, rest and relaxation take practice when you use Castor Oil consistently. The best part? Your Castor Oil Pack gives your body a chance to practice over and over again, so be gentle with yourself.

    But with all practices, it’s as important that when you do it, you make sure to do it with the right ingredients, and as with all natural health products, quality matters.

    Especially in this case. The Castor Oil and the material placed against your skin should always be of great quality.

    Your checklist for good quality Castor Oil (like Queen of the Thrones®):

    • 100% pure
    • Organic
    • Cold-pressed & extra virgin
    • Hexane-free
    • Bottled in amber glass

    Your checklist for a good quality Castor Oil Pack (like Queen of the Thrones®):

    • Organic cotton, wool, or linen touching the skin
    • No synthetic blends or chemically treated materials touching the skin (i.e., velour, bamboo)
    • No uncomfortable belts, buttons, or velcro

    So, you see not just Castor Oil, but the Castor Oil Pack is a tried and true self-care tool with anti-aging qualities for both health and beauty since the beginning of humanity.

    Try it for yourself to see!

    Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

    Click here for references

    1. Holmes GM, Browning KN, Babic T, Fortna SR, Coleman FH, Travagli RA. Vagal afferent fibres determine the oxytocin-induced modulation of gastric tone. J Physiol. 2013 Jun 15;591(12):3081-100. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.253732. Epub 2013 Apr 15. PMID: 23587885; PMCID: PMC3832121

    2. Moore JE Jr, Bertram CD. Lymphatic System Flows. Annu Rev Fluid Mech. 2018 Jan;50:459-482. doi: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-122316-045259. PMID: 29713107; PMCID: PMC5922450.

    3. Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus communis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827. PMID: 29084706

    4. Patel, V. R., Dumancas, G. G., Viswanath, L. C. K., Maples, R. & Subong, B. J. J. Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production. Lipid Insights 9, 1–12, (2016). PMID: 27656091

    5. Mary Fu, BA, MA Jennifer Brusewitz, ND Castor Oil & Age-Related Cataract – A Case for the Therapeutic Order NDNR Posted May 1, 2018 In Anti-Aging

    6. Coonen. L.P “Herodotus on Biology”. The Scientific Monthly. Vol. 76. No. 2, 1953. Pp.63-70. JSTOR.

    7. Rong-fang Hu, Xiao-ying Jiang, Yi-ming Zeng, Xiao-yang Chen, You-hua Zhang. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Published online 2010 Apr 18. PMID: 20398302

    8. Khoddam H, Maddah SA, Rezvani Khorshidi S, Zaman Kamkar M, Modanloo M. The effects of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients admitted to coronary care units: A randomised clinical trial. J Sleep Res. 2022 Apr;31(2):e13473. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13473. Epub 2021 Sep 12. PMID: 34514653.

    9. Miller MA, Renn BN, Chu F, Torrence N. Sleepless in the hospital: A systematic review of non-pharmacological sleep interventions. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2019 Jul-Aug;59:58-66. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.05.006. Epub 2019 May 24. PMID: 31170567; PMCID: PMC6620136.

    10. Bitar, R.D., Torres-Garza, J.L., Reiter, R.J. and Phillips, W.T. 2021. Neural glymphatic system: Clinical implications and potential importance of melatonin. Melatonin Research. 4, 4 (Dec. 2021), 551-565

    11. Li Y, Zhang J, Wan J, Liu A, Sun J. Melatonin regulates Aβ production/clearance balance and Aβ neurotoxicity: A potential therapeutic molecule for Alzheimer’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Dec;132:110887. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110887. Epub 2020 Nov 2. PMID: 33254429.

    12. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395

    13. Camerino C. The New Frontier in Oxytocin Physiology: The Oxytonic Contraction. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 21;21(14):5144. doi: 10.3390/ijms21145144. PMID: 32708109; PMCID: PMC7404128.

    14. Boddu SH1, Alsaab H2, Umar S3, Bonam SP2, Gupta H2, Ahmed S3. Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery. Int J Pharm. 2015 Feb 1;479(1):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.051. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

    15. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. PMID: 11200362.

    16. Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, Dhakan DB, Hegde P, Veeranagaiah MM, Saha S, Souverain L, Roy N, Breton L, Misra N, Sharma VK. Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2018 Oct 4;8:346. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00346. PMID: 30338244; PMCID: PMC6180232.

    17. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.

    18. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334.

    19. Salles MM, Badaró MM, Arruda CN, Leite VM, Silva CH, Watanabe E, Oliveira Vde C, Paranhos Hde F. Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study.J Appl Oral Sci. 2015 Nov-Dec; 23(6):637-42.

    20.Orchard A, van Vuuren S. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi: 10.1155/2017/4517971. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28546822; PMCID: PMC5435909.

    21. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptorsProc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109PMID: 22615395

    22. Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18. PMID: 21168117

    23. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19. PMID: 28162847

    24. Rolls ET et all. Representations of pleasant and painful touch in the human orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices. Cereb Cortex. 2003 Mar;13(3):308-17. PMID: 12571120

    25. Francis S, Rolls ET, Bowtell R, McGlone F, O’Doherty J, Browning A, Clare S, Smith E. The representation of pleasant touch in the brain and its relationship with taste and olfactory areas. Neuroreport. 1999 Feb 25;10(3):453-9. PMID: 10208571

    26. Löken LS, Wessberg J, Morrison I, McGlone F, Olausson H. Coding of pleasant touch by unmyelinated afferents in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2009 May;12(5):547-8. Epub 2009 Apr 12. PMID: 19363489

    27. Uvnas-Moberg K1, Petersson M.[Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. Z Psychosom Med Psychother. 2005;51(1):57-80. PMID: 15834840

    28. Reynolds TA, Makhanova A, Marcinkowska UM, Jasienska G, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Maner JK. Progesterone and women’s anxiety across the menstrual cycle. Horm Behav. 2018 Jun;102:34-40. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.04.008. Epub 2018 Apr 24. PMID: 29673619.

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