There’s a good chance you’ll never forget that saying: “from boobs to pubes!” Good! Because I want it ingrained in your brain 🙂
What I’m referring to is where on your body you should be applying this magical and healing oil known as Castor Oil.
Now I’m not referring to the oil you use for your car, I’m referring to a plant oil that has miraculous healing properties and is a beautiful oil to use on your skin.
Years ago, you may have heard how women would drink castor oil to help induce labor. It’s true, castor oil can ‘get things moving’ in your system, and fast! I remember a friend of mine back in the day decided to drink the oil and within 15 minutes, she went into labor! I would definitely caution against this!
When I was studying women’s health and endocrine disorders a few years ago, I learned how Castor oil can be used to help shrink cysts and fibroids. I also learned how great it is to use over the liver for cleansing properties. In fact, its even great for inflammation and pain. Castor oil can help to dissolve scar tissue making it a great oil to keep on hand if you are an athlete or recovering from a surgery.
Ever heard of a Castor oil pack? It’s traditionally used to help detox the liver. I used to do this regularly before bed and before I knew it I was sound asleep. Not only does the oil have an amazing affinity to help cleanse and ‘move’ toxins out through your system, but it’s also very calming.
I want to share with you a few ways you can use this amazing oil for shrinking cysts, detoxing the liver and even for skin health (yes, that means gorgeous glowing skin!).
First up…
The Castor Oil Pack:
How-to: Take a piece of flannel, approximately the size of your hand and saturate it with a high quality cold pressed castor oil. Lay the flannel on top of your liver (located on the right side, just under your ribs) and place a hot water bottle on top. Lay down, close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Benefits: The oil actually penetrates deep through the layers of your skin to help cleanse and remove toxins from your liver. The healing components of the oil, known as ricinoleic acid, penetrate directly into your tissues.
Add-ins: You can infuse your castor oil with dried lavender or add a few drops of lavender essential oil for an extra calming effect.
Notes: You can use warm water and soap to wash the oil off, or if you aren’t bothered by the oil, you can leave it on your skin all night and go to bed. It can sometimes stain your clothes and/or sheets. I haven’t had a problem with this myself and just prefer to leave the oil on. You can reuse your piece of flannel over and over and over. Store in a zip lock bag or container and add a few extra drops of oil each time you reuse it. Replace the flannel once it starts to change colour.
From Boobs to Pubes: Cysts and Fibroids
How-to: This is my favorite way to use castor oil! A little bit of castor oil goes a long way. Take 1-1.5TB and apply oil “from boobs to pubes.” Massage all over your breasts, stomach, liver and all the way down to your pubic bone and over ovaries. Be surety wear a baggy old shirt when doing this method, it is oil after all!
Benefits: Because castor oil encourages lymphatic drainage, it can help to shrink cysts and fibroids. Application increases the efficiency of circulation to your pelvis. Good circulation is required for supportive nutrients to be delivered to the cells, and for waste products and inflammatory factors to be removed. Your liver is responsible for the metabolism of hormones, which is why it’s important to apply the oil over your liver.
Add-ins: Just as above, you can also use dried lavender or lavender essential oil. Lavender seems to be the most popular and best choice for blending.
Notes: Due to the oil increasing circulation, you may want to avoid using the oil during your period if you tend to have a heavier flow. Typically, the oil can help to decrease menstrual cramping and breast tenderness, so apply onto body the week prior to your period. Otherwise, be sure to monitor your flow if you do decide to use throughout your period. As noted above, I like to leave the oil on all night and go to bed. I find I sleep more soundly and it helps to relax me. However, you can leave it on your skin for at least 30 minutes, then wash off.
Glowing Skin Oil:
How-to: When applying castor oil to your face, it would be best to mix with another lighter oil, as noted above. Olive oil, coconut or sweet almond oil would work well in this case. A mixture of 25% castor oil and 75% olive, coconut or sweet almond will do the trick. Apply a small amount of oil to your skin and massage gently for several minutes. Soak a wash cloth in warm water, and with circular motions, gently massage your skin, working to remove the oil. Not all oil will be removed completely, however, it will absorb into skin.
Benefits: This is a ‘gypsy’ method of cleansing the skin. Most people will tend to avoid using oils to cleanse the skin. Using pure plant oils is the most nutritive and beneficial way to clean the skin and restore radiance. Plus, using plant oils means using less ingredients, no chemical agents or toxins. Plant oils are amazing for dry, oily or balanced skin. This blend is also great for removing eye makeup.
Add-ins: You can get creative with your blend and add in a few drops of Seabuckthorn or Rose Hip to add antioxidants and help with healing and scarring.
Notes: For very dry skin, use less castor oil, approximately 10% of mixture.
So there you have it! The many uses of castor oil. Remember to purchase high quality oils (preferably in glass!) and to also infuse your oils with organic essential oils as well. Being that the oils penetrate deep into our tissues, we want to be sure we are using organic and high quality all the time.
I would love to hear from you and your experiences using castor oil or what blends you come up with! Share with us!
