Castor Oil: Ancient yet Modern Medium for Self-care

CASTOR OIL FOR INTERNAL SCAR TISSUE

Castor oil is derived from the plant Ricinus communis, with a global history of use reaching deep into our past. This is a story about how I used it to treat genital, vaginal, and abdominal scars. I learned about castor oil and scar tissue at the Shiatsu Massage School of California in the late 1990s. I was beginning to think about how to help women suffering from sexual pain after perineal tears, episiotomies, C-sections, and other injuries after giving birth.

Wondering whether castor oil could be used on internal scars, I jumped on the chance to ask my client trained in pharmacology. He was seriously old school, with a keen interest in traditional remedies, and cheerfully confirmed that castor oil is safe for internal vaginal and anal use. I had plenty of opportunities to observe castor oil’s efficacy first hand as I began using it to work with postpartum scars. If you’re curious to know more about this work, my doctoral dissertation dives into it in excruciating detail 😄. During the next ten years, I accumulated substantial experience working with hundreds of people using castor oil for all manner of scars, both internal and external.

In 2010, in partial fulfillment of requirements for my doctoral program, I was invited by Joseph Kramer to co-teach the inaugural Sexological Bodywork training in Australia. During this training, I contributed a variety of new materials to the profession, including basic genital anatomy and treatment techniques for abdominal and pelvic floor scar tissue. Since then, feedback from hundreds of practitioners continues to confirm castor oil as a safe, effective, ancient-yet-modern medium for working with topical, genital, and intrapelvic scars.

Sexological Bodyworkers and many other practitioners across the globe use castor oil for the reduction of pain and alleviation of scar tissue restrictions in joints, genitals, the chest, abdomen, and pelvic floor. Not only is castor oil used locally on pelvic floor scar tissue to treat painful sex after childbirth, but it is also helpful for alleviating pain and restrictions caused by injuries and accidents in the groin, genital confirmation surgeries, prostatectomy, hysterectomy, circumcision, and chest and breast surgeries. Having worked with people who are recovering from each of these conditions, I’ve found the results of working with castor oil to be nothing short of miraculous.

I remember one workshop where I was working with a trans-woman who had quite a lot of pain in her vagina after genital confirmation surgery. She described feeling as if shards of glass were poking her from inside during any attempt at self-pleasure or penetration. Mixed with coconut oil, I used castor oil as a lubricant, locating remnants of erectile tissue, now present in her vaginal walls. As those remnants of tissue engorged, her face lit up as she re-connected her proprioceptive dots. She found out it was possible to feel pleasurable sensations again in those moments – and connect to memories of sexual life before genital confirmation surgery. I believe it was the anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities of castor oil that enabled the alleviation of her painful scars. Using castor oil allowed her to stay present during gentle tissue manipulation long enough to rewire her ability to reconnect to pleasure.

CASTOR OIL: HISTORY & DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN USE

Castor oil has an impressive history of human use. Hieroglyphics describe the use of castor oil dating back to 1500 BCE in the Egyptian Ebers papyrus. In the Near East, pollen records verify the cultivation of Ricinus communis all the way back to the late Bronze Age! Castor oil has even been found on and near 4000-year-old mummies of Egyptian priests as an ingredient in their mummification balm. Other uses for castor oil in the ancient world include labor induction, skin healing, and as a laxative. In ancient Greece, castor leaf remedies were used to counter breast congestion.

In India, Ayurvedic texts refer to the cultivation of castor plants between 4000-3000 BCE, where its use was documented as a therapeutic agent for cleansing vaginal tissue. The classic Ayurveda text Sushruta Samhitha, dated between the first millennia BCE and 500 CE, mentions castor oil for neurological conditions such as rejuvenation, treatment, and improvement of memory and intellectual abilities, as well as inflammatory skin conditions, abscesses, headache, and middle ear infection. More uses in Ayurveda include healing vaginal lesions, promoting lactation, in enemas, and for treatment of vaginal infections.

Use of castor plants and oil has worldwide distribution – from Madagascar to China, Haiti, India, and Pakistan. Across Africa, Mexico, Central America, and Brazil, leaves of the castor plant have been used to treat chest inflammation. In addition to Chinese medicine, many global folk medicine traditions treat maladies such as bronchitis, colds, and asthma with tonics made of the leaves of Ricinus communis. In the laboratory, castor leaf extracts show activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Aspergillus niger. Castor plant-based remedies are also used for bone deformities and pain, rheumatism, inflammation, sciatica, and lumbago. In ancient Greece, castor leaves were known for their anti-inflammatory properties against mastitis, and are still in use for this condition in India and the Canary Islands. Compresses containing Ricinus leaves are used to increase lactation and initiate milk letdown in poultices placed on infected milk ducts and inflamed breast tissue.

CASTOR OIL & MIDWIFERY

Abundant research about the use of castor oil continues to accumulate in midwifery practice. From ancient Egypt to the present, castor oil has been used to induce labor when taken orally. Midwives currently report that it is used to ripen, or thin and soften the cervix before labor. Further research documents its use to soften scar tissue in the os (cervical opening) from scar-producing procedures, such as dilation and curettage (D&C) after C-section and cervical biopsy. The use of castor oil for radiation dermatitis has been shown to speed healing after radiation therapy. I have seen dramatic improvements in the aftermath of radiation treatments after anal cancer. As an ingredient in wound dressings, castor oil has been shown to prevent infection after mastectomy, oral surgery, and other procedures.

Ricinoleic acid is one of the active ingredients in castor oil. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, and hepatoprotective (liver protective) properties. In 2012, cellular receptors sensitive to ricinoleic acid, an active compound in castor oil, were identified among the smooth muscle cells of the intestines and uterus. This research explained castor oil’s effects as a laxative, and for the induction of labor. The action of E3 and E4 prostaglandin receptors range from controlling blood clots to changing the structure of neurons, a potential explanation the analgesic effects of castor oil.

Castor seeds are reportedly used to prevent conception in the traditional medicines of East Africa, Mexico, Algeria, and India. Ricinoleic acid is shown to prevent implantation of fertilized ova in mice and rats, and the use of castor seeds and ricinoleic acid has been well studied and utilized for pest control. Medicine and poison are often two sides of the same chemical coin. Ricin, (a deadly nerve gas) is also derived from castor beans or seeds.

CASTOR OIL & EDGAR CAYCE

In the first half of the 20th century, visionary healer Edgar Cayce recommended the use of castor oil frequently during his trance readings. Medical doctor and Cayce scholar William McGarey reports that during trance-states, Cayce suggested the use of castor oil packs to increase lymphatic and “lacteal” drainage. Casey was convinced that the lacteals (what we now know as gut-associated lymphoid tissue or GALT) required castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties for decongestion. Cayce often told clients to use castor oil packs on the liver and gall bladder region of their abdomen. The liver is a giant lymphatic sponge, and when it becomes congested, is unable to successfully fulfill its function as a blood filter. Because of its fatty structure, castor oil is not taken up directly by blood, but rather by the lymph. It was through propagating the movement of stodgy, stagnant lymph that Casey understood castor oil to have a reliably potent effect.

There has been little medical study to substantiate health claims made for the work of Edgar Cayce, but the efficacy of his treatments and ensuing reputation were such that he is referred to as the father of American holistic medicine. What has been substantiated beyond question is that castor oil has a rich and extensive history of use. It helps a wide variety of health issues: as an anti-inflammatory, a laxative, an analgesic, a soother of irritated mucosal membranes, a treatment of uterine fibroid tumors, a treatment for vaginal lesions, and a treatment for genital and topical scars as well as intestinal strictures and adhesions.

If you have birth-related scars or sexual pain, you can book a session here. If you have long-standing scar issues from prior injuries or surgeries that are not birth-related, learn more about the assessment process here. Once you have completed your assessment, together, we will work out a plan of action for your scar tissue. For assessment clients who are ready to get support while they work through recommendations from their assessment map, coaching starts with a review of this graphic health profile. During coaching, we work together to mend your scar tissue one step at a time.

If you’re not sure you’re ready for a full assessment, but would like to explore some basic questions about your scars in an introductory session, learn more here. To read about what others have said about their assessments and coaching with me, see the testimonials.

FURTHER READING

1. Williams, S. (2012, May 21). Just a spoonful of castor oil [Weblog post]. Retrieved from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2012/05/just-spoonful-castor-oil
2. Bryan, (1930). Ancient Egyptian medicine: The papyrus Ebers. Chicago Ridge, IL: Ares Publishers.
3. Scarpa, A., Guerci, A. (1982) Various uses of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis L.) a review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 5, 117-137.
4. Kulkarni & Ramanamurthy, (1977). Castor (Ricinus communis Linn.)-Rev. New Delhi, India: Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
5. Short, (2009). Imhotep and the origins of ancient Egyptian military medicine. ADF Health, 10(1), 48–50. Retrieved from www.azkurs.org/pars_docs/refs/6/5697/5697.pdf
6. Tipton, (2008). Susruta of India, an unrecognized contributor to the history of exercise physiology. Journal of Applied Physiology, 104(6), 1553–1556.
7. Tunaru, Althoff, Nüsing, Diener, & Offermanns, (2012). Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(23), 9179–9184. Retrieved from http://www.pnas.org/content/109/23/9179.short
8. Tchapla, Méjanelle, Bleton, & Goursaud, (2004). Characterisation of embalming materials of a mummy of the Ptolemaic era. Comparison with balms from mummies of different eras. Journal of Separation Science, 27(3), 217–234. doi:10.1002/jssc.200301607
9. Aboelsoud, (2010). Herbal medicine in ancient Egypt. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(2), 082–086. doi:10.5897/JMPR09.013
10. Azhari, Pirdadeh, Lotfalizadeh, & Shakeri, (2006). Evaluation of the effect of castor oil on initiating labor in term pregnancy. Saudi Medical Journal, 27(7), 1011–1014.
11. Kelly, Kavanagh, & Thomas, (2013). Castor oil, bath and/or enema for cervical priming and induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews,. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003099.pub2
12. Dash, (2001). Materia medica of ayurveda: Based on Madanapala’s nighantu. New Dehli, India: B Jain Publishers.
13. Gabbay, (2010). History of castor oil and health. Retrieved from http://www.ict- energyschool.com/ICT/GrassrootsBlog/Entries/2010/12/21_Healing_Benefits_of_ Castor_Oil_1.html www.eumundimedicineman.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/CASTOR-OIL.pdf
14. Tirtha & Uniyal, (2007). The ayurveda encyclopedia: Natural secrets to healing, prevention, and longevity. Bayville, NY: Ayurveda Holistic Press.
15. Bhakta & Das, (2015). In praise of the medicinal plant Ricinus communis L.: A review. Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine, 4(5), 95. Retrieved from http://gjrmi.com/Upload/May2015/Sonali Bhakta et al., (2015)_ GJRMI 4(5)_ 95-105.pdf
16. Kumar, Kshitij, & Nishteswar, (2013). Ricinus communis Linn. (eranda) – An ayurvedic and research perspetives. International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 3(3), 71–90.
17. Jena & Gupta, (2012). Ricinus communis Linn: A phytopharmacological review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(4), 25–29. Retrieved from http://www.ijppsjournal.com/Vol4Issue4/4695.pdf
18. Vieira, C., Fetzer, S., Sauer, S. K., Evangelista, S., Averbeck, B., Kress, M., . . . Maggi, C. A. (2001). Pro-and anti-inflammatory actions of ricinoleic acid: Similarities and differences with capsaicin. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 364(2), 87–95. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s002100100427

19. Williams, (2012). Castor oil’s health benefits tied to ricinoleic acid chemistry. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/21/castor-oils-health-benefits- ricinoleic-acid_n_1534787.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false
20. Kota & Manthri, (2011). Antibacterial activity of Ricinus communis leaf extract. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(5), 1259. Retrieved from http://ijpsr.com/bft-article/antibacterial-activity-of-ricinus- communis-leaf-extract/?view=fulltext
21. Nada, A., Hassabo, A., Fayad, W., Awad, H., Sleem, A., Shaffie, N., & Zeid, N. (2015). Biomaterials based on essential fatty acids and carbohydrates for chronic wounds. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 5(Supp 3), 13–21. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2015.510.S3

22. Yari, Yeganeh, Bakhshi, & Gharibi, (2014). Preparation and characterization of novel antibacterial castor oil based polyurethane membranes for wound dressing application. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 102(1), 84–96. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.34672

23. Phukan, Bawari, & Sengupta, (2015). Promising neuroprotective plants from north-east India. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacheutical Science, 7(3), 28–39.
24. Azeem & Nada, (2015). Chitosan liposomal microspheres for ricinoleic acid encapsulation. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. Retrieved from http://imsear.hellis.org/handle/123456789/166889
25. Rana, Dhamija, Prashar, & Sharma, (2012). Ricinus communis L.—A review. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 4(4), 1706–1711. Retrieved from http://sphinxsai.com/2012/oct-dec/Pharmpdf/PT=48(1706- 1711)OD12.pdf
26. Chauhan, (2015). Ricinus communis. Retrieved from http://www.doctorayur.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21 1:ricinus-communis-&catid=34:health-guide
27. Garry, Figueroa, Guillaume, & Cucco, (2000). Use of castor oil in pregnancies at term. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 6(1), 77. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10631825
28. S. Shealey personal communication, September 2, 2013
29. Babycos, Barrocas, Mancuso, & Turner-Marse, (1990). Collodion as a safe, cost-effective dressing for central venous catheters. Southern Medical Journal, 83(11), 1286–1288.
30. McDougall, Franklin, Gresle, & Long, (2005). Management of radiation dermatitis in a patient after mastectomy. Journal of Wound Ostomy & Continence Nursing, 32(5), 337–339. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/jwocnonline/Abstract/2005/09000/Management_of_Radi ation_Dermatitis_in_a_Patient.13.aspx
31. Reilly & Brod, (1975). The Edgar Cayce handbook for health through drugless therapy. Virginia Beach, VA: A.R.E. Press.
32. McGarey, 1970). Edgar Cayce and the palma Christi. Virginia Beach, VA: A.R.E. Press (Association of Research & Enlightenment).
33. McGarey, W. (1993). The oil that heals: A physician’s success with castor oil treatments. Virginia Beach, VA: A.R.E. Press.
34. McMillin, Richards, Mein, & Nelson, (1999). The abdominal brain and enteric nervous system. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 5(6), 575_586. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.1999.5.575
35. Noble, Carr, & Gonzalez, (1989). Use of a trypsin, Peru balsam, and castor oil spray on the oral mucosa: Case report and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, 9(6), 386–388. doi:10.1002/j.1875-9114.1989.tb04154.x
36. Buhrman, (1996). Ayurvedic approaches to women’s health. Protocol Journal of Botanic Medicine, 1(4), 2–7. Retrieved from http://ayurvedicsolutions.com/media/ayurvedic_approaches_women’s_health.pdf
37. Patel, (2011, September 3). How to release and dissolve scar tissue [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://blog.listentoyourgut.com/how-to-release-and-dissolve-scar- tissue/