I talk a lot about how much I love my castor oil pack and why I recommend it to every client, colleague and friend. Today I want to share how this simple practice can be supportive during perimenopause and menopause.
Castor oil and castor oil packs have been a health practice dating back as early as 4000 BC. Placing a compress with castor oil onto the body has been recommended for centuries to support healing and balance within the body. There are many benefits but I’ll touch on 3 benefits that are especially helpful for women 40 +.
Regular Bowel Movements
Our stools are how we get rid of waste, bacteria, toxins and hormones that can be harmful to our health. We need to have regular bowel movements and eliminate this waste daily.
Sufficient progesterone levels are required to maintain bowel motility. When progesterone levels are low, estrogen is left unopposed, creating a state of estrogen dominance which can cause constipation. Because progesterone levels are declining during perimenopause, many women will start to be more constipated.
The castor oil pack helps relieve constipation and supports regular bowel movements by improving smooth muscle function of the intestines.
Calms the Nervous System and Promotes Restful Sleep
Midlife women often spend much of their time in a state of stress (sympathetic nervous system)- always on the go, trying to cross things off the never-ending to-do list, feeling exhausted, but unable to sleep.
Managing stress, winding down, relaxing and getting restful sleep are critical at this time of life. Wearing the castor oil pack activates the parasympathtic nervous system to help us do that. It also stimulates feel good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin which lowers cortisol and promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Supports Liver Function & Detoxification
The liver has over 500 functions that support the entire body. When the liver is overwhelmed, it affects our digestive, immune hormone and nervous systems. Castor oil supports liver function and detoxification, which is why the castor oil pack is typically worn over the liver. A castor oil pack is a simple way to support the liver which in turn helps with proper hormone metabolism, digestive health and even weight management.
Quality matters when choosing castor oil
The oil will be placed on your body to support health, so it should be high quality and toxin free. Castor oil should always come in a glass bottle, certified organic, cold-pressed and extra virgin to maintain the quality of the oil. Never in plastic.
This is another reason that I use and recommend Queen of the Thrones
Health Practice for a Lifetime
I began a regular practice of castor oil packs a few years ago (in midlife) and have been amazed at how quickly it became one of my all time favorite practices.
Hormone changes through midlife can be difficult to navigate. Finding health practices that work gently to support healing and balance cannot be overlooked in our graceful aging journey.
