Are you also asking how to use castor oil for period pain? Well, here’s an article just for you! This remedy falls under the natural cure for period pain and is known to have mild to no side effects.
Castor oil is a thick, mildly scented oil that comes from castor plant seeds. The oil is known to have health benefits. Castor oil has been a prominent part of kitchens and makeup kits. Moreover, it has been a part of makeup kits for a long time, and people use it for lash growth.
Castor oil for period pain may be something you are hearing for the first time. It is usually used for hair growth and moisturizing severely dry skin and scalp. The thickness of the oil has led to its vigorous use in the automobile industry. With the manufacturing of dyes, coatings, lubricants, inks, brake fluids, and even perfumes!
This article will focus on the benefits of castor oil in relieving period pain.
How Castor Oil Helps Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are a common phenomenon that individuals with menstrual cycles experience. Menstruation is a natural process that leads to the discharge of the inner lining of the uterine wall, which is prepared for the implantation of a fertilized egg.
Colloquially known as ‘periods,’ some people think it is the impure blood that people experiencing menstruation lose. The only way to eliminate this misconception is through informative articles, where wee writers step in.
Menstrual cramps are due to the movement of the uterus that is trying to shed the inner lining after an unsuccessful cycle. Unsuccessful because of the implantation that did not take place.
There are different effects of these cramps on experiences. These are as follows:
- Unbearable pain
- Throbbing pain in the lower abdominal
- Continuous and dull ache
- Radiating pain in the lower back and thighs
- Some extreme cases of menstrual cramps also note the following:
- Nausea
- Loose stool
- Dizziness
- Headache
Castor oil for period pain is something that has been investigated in the recent past. If you (like millions of us) like to cozy up and feel warm during your periods, castor oil will soon become your best friend.
Castor oil’s ability to relieve cramps comes from its use in ancient times. Especially in Rome, Greece, Persia, Egypt, Persia and China. The oil is known to have healing properties that help in relieving pain.
As an underrated remedy for menstrual pain, this oil is known to have a variety of uses, as mentioned above. It is also known to have healing properties popularized in the 18th century.
Medically known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain begins after the first period, shortly after which the individual starts ovulating.
How does Castor oil help?
Castor oil is a rich source of ricinoleic acid, a monosaturated 18-carbon fatty acid. This is an unusual fatty acid that is present in a high range. The oil was once used to induce labor in pregnant women. However, there is no clinical evidence to back this up.
However, the American Cancer Society claims it does not cure skin cancer or other diseases.
As per a recent study, castor oil for period pain makes sense due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and vaso-constrictive properties. These fancy scientific terms translate to inflammation-preventing, pain-relieving, and excess blood flow-stopping characteristics.
Moreover, the oil has antispasmodic effects, which means it can prevent spasms, which are sudden involuntary muscular contractions. This property is what castor oil boasts, providing significant relief from muscle cramps during the period. The oil was first used for its antispasmodic effects, which help reduce inflammation.
The reduction of inflammation is another characteristic of this oil that helps relieve menstrual cramps. The topical application of castor oil for period pain can be helpful because of its healing properties.
This is partly because it stimulates blood flow, which relaxes the muscles. Stimulating blood flow helps bring oxygen-rich, fresh blood to the uterus, creating a healthy endometrium lining. This helps decrease menstrual cramps as the endometrium can shed quickly.
Moreover, the oil helps in the contraction and expansion of the lymphatic vessels, which provides a soothing effect, especially during periods. The innervation of the lymphatic vessels helps to soothe the menstrual cramps.
Moreover, for people with endometriosis, the oil is a boon! The pack (we’ll be having a look shortly) helps control flare-ups. The oil helps naturally provide relief from the pain that an individual with endometriosis experiences.
What Else Does The Oil Do?
The lymphatic system is an essential part of our body that keeps toxins at bay. This oil is a wonderful tool against these toxins as it invigorates the lymphatic system, promoting proper functioning. In addition, the oil’s use during period pain helps in proper lymphatic circulation, thus protecting menstruating individuals against infections due to sanitary napkins or tampons.
Moreover, combating menstrual cramps requires a healthy functioning liver as it helps in maintaining optimal hormonal balance. Thus, even for people with endometriosis, the use of castor oil for period pain will prove to be effective due to its ability to promote hormonal balance.
Castor Oil Packs for Menstrual Cramps
A pack that is warm and helps get rid of the period pain? Now we’re talking! Menstrual cramps can be the worst for some of us, whereas God’s favorites hop and skip through their periods! I am happy for the other group of people, but it is also important that we are aware of the ways we can lessen the pain.
This castor oil pack is for you to say bye-bye to your period pain. Follow along to know just what you need to do!
What Supplies do I need?
- A cotton towel or an old T-shirt
- Castor oil
- Plastic food bag or Ziplock bag
- Plastic saran wrap
- Cotton flannel or wool cloth
- An optional item is:
- Heating pad
How do I Prepare my castor oil pack?
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have your pack of castor oil for period pain!
Step 1: Fold the cotton flannel or wool cloth in two to four layers that are in a suitable size to cover your lower abdomen.
Step 2: Soak this folded pack in castor oil poured into a container. Wring out the excess oil so that there is no mess! You can avoid it from dripping out everywhere during application. Make sure the pack has enough castor oil to cover it.
How do I apply the pack?
Step 3: Your pack is ready for application! Apply this soaking pack to your lower abdomen.
Step 4: Place a Ziplock or closed food gallon bag on the pack.
Step 5: Secure these layers with saran wrap so that there is no leakage of the oil onto your clothes or linen. This will help protect your clothes from staining. Moreover, you can wear an old T-shirt to make the messy process of laundry a little easier.
Step 6: Once you are sure the pack is secure and there’s no way for it to budge, place a heating pad on the pack. Start with the intensity at medium, then gradually increase it if needed.
Step 7: Make sure you do not fall asleep with the heating pad on. Continue this treatment for 15 minutes, and take a break before starting it again if needed.
Step 8: The application process is complete, and you can now proceed to relax. The cramps will eventually decrease with time. Once you are done with the pack, fold the pack upward on itself inside the storage bag.
What is the Frequency of use?
You can reuse this pack a couple of times. Use a new piece of saran wrap with each application for the best results.
You can store the wrap in a refrigerator container or in a plastic bag. If you use cotton flannel, you can reuse it by washing or dry cleaning. It is also important that you wash it separately from other clothes as the oil’s smell might seep into them.
Enjoy your much-needed rest with the warmth of a pack with castor oil for period pain.
Conclusion
To conclude, you know that castor oil for period pain is quite beneficial for a menstruating individual. There are several benefits of using castor oil, such as stimulating circulation and alleviating pain.
However, not everyone may benefit from the use of castor oil for period pain. Thus, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider about the compatibility of the oil for you.
