Guest Post: How can you use castor oil for menstrual cycles and pain?
Over 80% of the female population face menstrual pain at a particular stage of their lifetime, and around 5%-10% of them have faced severe pains hampering their day to day activities. Along with that, three in four women suffer from premenstrual syndrome symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, and irritation along with menstrual pain. Causes of menstrual pain vary from biological reasons to an unhealthy lifestyle of individuals. There are several effective home remedies for menstrual cramps, among which castor oil stands out to be the most effective one. Letโs see how.
Why castor oil?
For thousands of years, castor oil has been used in many cultures for the natural healing of the reproductive system. It is beneficial for pelvic floor congestion, improved blood circulation in the uterus and ovaries, softening different scars due to C- sections, cervical dysplasia, laparoscopic surgery, cramps during periods, digestive disorders during initial stages of pregnancy, fibroids, and cysts. Castor oil also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which makes it suitable for exterior vaginal health. Generally, this oil must be used externally as it has negative impacts on your internal health if ingested. It has three significant effects on your body, such as detoxifying your body, improving the lymphatic and circulatory system, and supporting liver function. These are essential for healthy periods and the reproductive processes.
How to use castor oil
Castor oil packs help in getting rid of menstrual pain, detoxifying your liver, and providing relief
from fibroids. Apart from these, it is effective in almost all gynecological issues.
Making castor oil packs for menstrual pain
Ingredients to be used for making this pack are castor oil (pure and hexane-free), thick flannel cloth (cotton or silk), saran wrap, and an electric heating pad.
Open the folded flannel cloth and apply the castor oil on one side of it. Do so until the cloth is saturated, not dripping. Place the saturated portion on the lower abdominal area (below the belly button and lower pubic bone). Cover this cloth with the saran wrap. This wrap helps trap the heat in the covered area and contain any oil drippings.
Now place the electric heating pad on top of it. Leave it for half an hour to one hour. Do this for four days regularly. But it is better to use it before periods i.e., 1-2 days before your periods. Avoid doing it during your periods. If you have less pain, use it for three days regularly or thrice in a week.
Hygiene of oil packs
When you remove this pack, clean the skin area with the paper towel, or you can clean it with a mix of baking soda and water. After the usage of cloth, store it in a glass bottle or plastic bag. You can either store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Flannel can be used for up to six sessions then it should be washed. However, in case it is too saturated or dirty, wash it.
Situations in which castor oil packs should be avoided
The application of this pack leads to increased flow during menstruation. So make sure
you are not using it if you have heavy flows. If you have gastrointestinal problems, extreme sensitivities in the skin, and pregnancy, avoid this application.
Other benefits of castor oil
Apart from getting rid of menstrual cramps naturally, it has several different benefits that indirectly strengthen your reproductive system. Letโs see each of them one by one.
Strengthens the lymphatic system
Castor oil treatment helps in the release of T-11cell lymphocytes, which are the vital weapons of your immune system to fight off different diseases. As per the studies, a healthy immune system is essential for maintaining fertility in women. Apart from that, it also detoxifies the cells of your body. This makes your body inflammation free and lowers the chances of developing diseases. Due to improved detoxification, your reproductive organs may avoid different infections and menstrual delays.
Increased blood flow
Along with detoxification, it also stimulates your circulatory system for the free flow of T- 11 cells in the bloodstream. The toxins are safely carried to your bloodstream by T-11 cells such that they get detoxified by your kidneys. This spike in the circulatory system helps in the formation of oxygenated blood to flow across the body and your reproductive system. This provides it with self-healing capabilities and active defense against different diseases.
Getting rid of fibroids
Applying castor oil packs over the fibroid area for over 20 minutes to one hour helps in shrinking them. It does so by cutting off the supply of blood to them.
Liver detoxification
The castor oil packs can also be applied on the right side of your stomach to detoxify your liver. The liver is the important detoxifying organ in our body, which also helps in strengthening your lymphatic system for detoxification. It also assists in breaking down the toxins which are carried from the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
In conclusion, castor oil is effective in getting rid of overall health symptoms of the female reproductive system. However, there are certain restrictions for specific health conditions such as pregnancy, heavy menstrual flow, and gastrointestinal problems. Apart from all this, you also should avoid ingesting this oil. Consult your doctor before using this remedy.
Author Bio
Emylee is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal experiences related to natural remedies, yoga, and fitness through her writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural remedies.