Caster oil is used as a topical application (a pack/poultice) to support your lymphatic system, detoxification, and to help break up scar tissue, adhesions and congestion.
By using castor oil topically in a pack that you apply onto your skin it can be helpful for a variety of issues such as:
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
Constipation
Swollen lymph glands
Boils
Ovarian cysts
Scar tissue healing
Thyroid nodules
Liver congestion
Fibrocystic breasts
Given that I work with predominately women my favourite application for Castor Oil is to help with your periods, to help with breaking up adhesions and scar tissue.
Castor Oil is a fascinating oil, and the consistency of it means it penetrates the skin more readily than many other types of oil.
An important component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, which has a molecular weight of 298DA, meaning it can pass through the superficial layer of skin into the dermis which is where it works it’s magic. (It is this component that acts on a type of receptor called EP3 which when ingested causing the laxative effect).
The dermis is where the majority of our lymphatic vessels lie, so this is why castor oil packs can be so supportive to the lymphatic and circulatory system.
Castor Oil has properties that allow it to break up congestion, stimulates circulation and lymphatic function and subsequently scar tissue and adhesions, so those with painful clotty periods of an inflammatory nature will really benefit from this.
Use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt and is native to east Africa, however recently it is predominately grown in India.
Warnings.
The water soluble components of the castor oil seeds are extremely toxic, so only the oil is considered safe.
Do not use if you are pregnant, as the consumption of castor oil can stimulate your bowel motions so much it may bring on contractions. It is uncertain whether the laxative properties will pass onto baby, possibly causing GIT aggravation in baby.