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So what’s the deal with castor oil for gut health?

Let’s explore it today.

In case you’re not on the list yet, I send out a Supplement Sunday newsletter each Sunday.

At the end of each newsletter, I always ask if there is a supplement or gut health / gut healing tactic you want me to explore in more detail.

Well, after I sent the newsletter last Sunday, someone responded with,

Please go over castor oil packs for the gut.

And then, after a coaching call I did a day later, the same question was asked.

So I figured now was the time to address it!

What is Castor Oil?

By the most basic definition, castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the Ricinus communis plant, which is common in the Eastern areas of the world. 

It is made of castor beans, and the oil is produced by cold pressing ripe seeds from the the castor oil plant.

And though it’s picking up a lot of steam and chatter now, it’s been used for thousands of years in the medical realm, due to its positive natural medicinal properties.

In other words, this is nothing new – but we are simply seeing the benefits of and thus talking about it now.

While we are going to focus on castor oil for gut health today, here is a list of 10 indications and potential benefits for castor oil:

1. Hair growth (due to hair loss, including eyelashes and eyebrows)
2. Moisturizer
3. Wound healing
4. Labor induction for pregnant women
5. Anti-inflammatory positive effects
6. Laxative properties
7. Acne treatment and skin health
8. Chronic constipation relief; aiding in regular bowel movements
9. Lymph mover for the lymphatic system
10. Boost eye health and reduce dry eyes

Castor Oil for Gut Health

Click HERE to save this article on castor oil for gut health for later.

Today I’m focusing on the use of castor oil for digestive issues, since this is a digestive health and wellness website.

Castor Oil as a Natural Laxative

While people are using a castor oil solution as natural remedies for various gut health purposes, technically it’s only been approved by the FDA for the purposes of acting as a natural laxative.

This is not to say that that’s what I personally believe, but that’s a fact. (p.s. The FDA also says “Patients typically experience better results and satisfaction with other laxatives such as sennosides, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and bisacodyl.” PEG is found in antifreeze. I rest my case.)

It works as a stimulant laxative by helping the muscles in the intestines move stool. And it does this through its main ingredient, ricinoleic acid, which is the primary fatty acid that’s found in castor oil. 

The ricinoleic acid binds to receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the intestinal walls.

The EP3 receptor then becomes active on the muscle cells of the intestine and uterus, which in turn stimulates intestinal activity.

Note: This is also why castor oil can be indicated for pregnant people and inducing labor, as it has a similar effect on the uterus.

I would, of course, mention this use – as a laxative – for castor oil, but not without making some important points:

1. Using castor oil for it’s laxative effects should only be done for occasional constipation. If used for the long-term, like other laxatives, your bowels could become dependent on its use, since the muscle tone in the intestines will diminish. 
2. Use caution, making sure to work with your healthcare provider if you have inflammatory bowel disease. (“Contraindications to stimulant laxatives also include various abdominal pathologies such as gastrointestinal obstruction, appendicitis, perforation, and inflammatory bowel disease.”)

​I would choose castor oil, Intestinal Movement formula, and even high doses of Vitamin C as effective laxatives over MiraLax any day!

Source: HERE

Castor Oil for Digestive Health Overall Health

In addition to using castor oil as laxative, there are two other castor oil benefits for the digestive system.

1. Using castor oil as a pack placed over the abdomen to help reduce gut inflammation. The NIH states, “Observational studies indicate that topical application of ricinoleic acid (RA), the main component of castor oil, exerts remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.”
2. If you have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), castor oil can help with intestinal movement, circulation, and and help with lymphatic drainage. Because castor oil also has antimicrobial effects, it might help to fight off the unwanted digestive tract bacteria. 

How to Use Castor Oil?

I have long been using castor oil, as the liquid – a carrier oil – for eyebrow and eyelash regrowth. 

I also use it here and there on my kids’ natural hair because I was told there were many beneficial effects from using it.

So, in these regards, it’s just a bottle of castor oil, and THIS is the one I use.

However, the Queen of the Thrones has a fantastic Organic Golden Castor Oil as well.

The other most widely known way to use castor oil for gut health is via a Castor Oil pack.

What is a Castor Oil Pack?

A Castor Oil Pack is simply a cloth that’s been soaked in castor oil and then applied to the skin.

You can place these really anywhere on the skin, depending on how you make (or buy) the cloth (shape, size, etc.). 

If you want to make your own, here is what you need:

• High-quality, cold-pressed castor oil
• Soft, natural fabric (e.g., organic cotton flannel or wool cloth)
• Plastic wrap or a plastic bag (optional, to prevent mess)
• Heating pad or hot water bottle
• Large towel
• Old clothes or a blanket (to protect from oil stains)

Steps to Make Your Castor Oil Pack

Click HERE to save these steps for later.

Step 1: Prepare the Area

• Choose a comfortable, flat surface like your bed or couch.
• Lay down a large towel to protect your surface from oil stains.

Step 2: Soak the Cloth

• Fold the cloth into a size large enough to cover your abdomen or the area you want to treat.
• Pour a generous amount of castor oil onto the cloth, ensuring it is thoroughly saturated but not dripping.

This is the part that can get sort of messy.

Step 3: Apply the Pack

• Place the oil-soaked cloth directly onto your skin over the targeted area.
• Optional: Cover the pack with plastic wrap or a plastic bag to contain the oil.

Step 4: Add Heat

• Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of the pack.
• Ensure the heat is warm but not too hot to avoid burns.

3 heating pads I love:

1. Microwave Heating Pad
2. Glow Heating Pad with Flaxseed & Lavender
3. Electric Heating Pad

Step 5: Relax

• Lie down in a comfortable position and relax for 30-60 minutes.
• Use this time to meditate, read, or rest.

p.s. If you want to learn more about this and why it’s also great for gut health, read Meditation vs. Yoga.

Step 6: Clean Up

• Remove the pack and wipe the area with a damp washcloth to remove excess oil.
• Store the cloth in a sealed bag or container for reuse (up to 25 uses).

Step 7: Care for the Pack

• Replace the cloth if it becomes discolored or smells off.

Note: Because of the materials needed to use a castor oil pack (including a heating pack), the benefits of castor oil via pack run far wider than those I have outlined in this article. Secondary issues from IBS and/or IBD are things like joint pain, Vagus Nerve irregularities, and various skin issues can be helped through the use of a castor oil pack.

Can I Just Buy a Castor Oil Pack?

Now, while I love making my own Sourdough and digestive bitters, and a whole host of other things, I realize that not everyone wants to do this on their own.

While it might be easy to make your own, it can also be somewhat of a mess and, well, time. 

If you’re wanting to try a castor oil pack, but not wanting to make it on your own, there are plenty of options to help you achieve it.

There are multiple high-quality castor oil packs on the marketplace.

Here are 3 well-researched and high-quality Castor Oil packs to consider:

1. Queen of Thrones Castor Oil Pack
2. Organic Cotton Flannel, Queen of Thrones
3. Pure Castor Oil with 100% Cotton Organic Flannel

You have likely seen Queen of Thrones everywhere on social media, and what I love most about them is that this, the art of castor oil, is all they focus on.

So you know when you purchase from them that they have already done all the research and know​ what they are doing.

Can You Apply Castor Oil Directly to the Belly Button?

One question I’ve been getting is,

Can you apply castor oil directly to the belly button for improving digestion and reducing inflammation?

Can you? Yes. And the way proponents of it do this is by directly placing a few drops of the oil in the belly button.

In Ayurvedic health this is known as navel pulling.

The claim is this,

The belly button, or navel, is rich with over 72,000 veins, making it a vital center for absorbing the healing properties of oils like Castor. By using Castor oil for this method, you can reap a variety of benefits, from improved digestion to enhanced skin health, all while naturally supporting your body’s detox processes.

However, mainstream media says there is no scientific evidence for it.

Where do I personally stand?

Well, since I’m a huge advocate for all things Ayurveda, I think there is absolutely no harm in trying navel pulling.

You really don’t have anything to lose.

Castor Oil Pack vs Oral Castor Oil

There are two primary ways people tend to take castor oil: via the pack (described above) or simply orally via the liquid.

According to Dr. Michael Ruscio, “If you’re hoping to target constipation and joint pain, the oral liquid probably has an edge over the packs—it’s also mess-free.”

And if you’re using it for constipation, the general guidelines for internal use (adult dosage) are about 1–4 Tablespoons (15–60mL/day). Children 2 to under 12 years of age: 1 to a maximum of 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 mL) in a single daily dose.

To improve the taste, it can be taken with juice.

​To Try or Not to Try Castor Oil?

​Whether or not you decide to give castor oil a try is up to you and your healthcare professional. 

Too much castor oil for an extended period is not likely to do you any favors, but using small amounts here and there seems to provide many health benefits with fewer potential side effects. 

Because I healed my gut through the foundational 3 pillars to ultimate gut healing, including massive lifestyle changes, I personally have no reason to take castor oil orally. 

However, I do think there is massive value in using castor oil packs for gut health, lymphatic draining and even menstrual cramps!

When deciding if it’s right for you, you’ll need to understand the full list of pros and cons and also know exactly why (for what) you’re using it for. 

And again, your health care provider can help you navigate this for best results.

If you liked this article on castor oil for gut health, you might also enjoy:

1. What are Digestive Enzymes?
2. Personalized Weight Loss Plan for My Body
3. Constipation Printable List of High Fiber Foods

Xox,

SKH