I for one place a lot of faith in castor oil packing as a beneficial naturopathic technique. Administered for its anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties, it has been used as a natural remedy in countries across the world for centuries.
Naturally occurring in India, castor oil has long been used in Ayurveda, a school of eastern medicine. Believed to be possessed of ‘hotness’, it was traditionally harnessed as a tool for resolving digestive issues and expelling toxins.
However, its medicinal benefits extend far beyond this, to include:
• Pain relief and the reduction of inflammation
In modern medicine, drugs are widely prescribed to help combat pain and inflammation, despite evidence indicating their potential to adversely affect the digestive tract and hinder the ability of joint tissues to heal and repair. Castor oil can be used as a safer alternative, with topical application of it shown to be highly effective.
• Detoxification and improved liver function
Castor oil can also be effective in supporting detoxification and liver function. One theory suggests that this efficacy is due to its emission of white light, which is believed to penetrate deep into the tissues, and stimulate cellular energy to reduce congestion and the stagnation of fluids.
• Resolving constipation
Understandably, constipation can inhibit effective detoxification, as well as causing bloating, discomfort, and ineffective nutrient absorption, but castor oil can help with this too. Generally applied alongside some form of heat, such as a hot water bottle, it can relax the muscles and sphincters in the colon to allow easy passage for faecal matter.
• Improving skin health
Castor oil has long been used to effectively treat inflammatory skin conditions. Increasing the presence of T-lymphocyte immune cells that exist below the surface of the skin, it supports the body’s immune response to help combat these unfortunate and often uncomfortable issues.
• Healing cysts
The anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties of castor oil packing have the additional boon of helping to manage cysts, both internal and external.
• Fixing dry eyes
Last but not least, castor oil is commonly used to help remedy dry eyes. Frequently caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction, its application can significantly lessen symptoms and improve lubrication.
Word of Caution: Castor oil packing should only be applied on the recommendations of a registered naturopath or practitioner.
