Parasitic infections are so common these days, mainly due to excessive consumption of raw meat (pork and fish- especially) and other contaminated foods. So, these common infections should be eliminated naturally to minimize the side effects of conventional medicine, even though they work fast and are effective. Recently, many people have been turning to alternative therapies for holistic wellness. They take great interest in natural cleansing and detoxification methods. One such practice is castor oil packs for body detox. But “Is it okay to use castor oil packs when on a parasite cleanse?” Read below to know it all.
Key Highlights:
In this article, you’ll learn:
Parasites are microscopic or macroscopic living organisms that inhabit your body's environment, absorb nutrients from there, reproduce, and release their body wastes in the body. They can be ectoparasites (meaning they live on the human body) or endoparasites (meaning they live in the human body). Endoparasites that inhabit your gut include protozoa and helminths (worms) such as nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms), and trematodes (flatworms and schistosomes).
These gross worms absorb essential nutrients from your intestinal villi, causing malnourishment. If left untreated, the condition may become worse and lead to anemia. These parasites also release their body wastes and toxins, more precisely neurotoxins, into your body, altering your normal brain function and causing confusion, headache, fatigue, and damage to the nervous system.
When parasites invade and reproduce in your body, they cause the following symptoms. Nevertheless, when they die inside, they cause other specific symptoms called the Die-off symptoms discussed in the FAQs section.
A parasite cleanse, or a parasite detox, is a dietary supplement that helps remove parasites from your gut. Natural supplements, such as wormwood oil, black walnut, diatomaceous earth, clove, grapeseed extract, neem, olive leaf, barberry, propolis, and Oregon grape, can perform this job. Amongst these, wormwood oil has shown antiparasitic activity against dwarf tapeworms, according to a 2018 study on animals, while the effectiveness of all other detox supplements needs more scientific proof and evidence.
So, as we initially talked about natural holistic approaches and how people turn to these natural ways to address their specific health concerns like parasite infestation, how about castor oil packs while on a parasite cleanse? Is it okay to do castor oil packs when on a parasite cleanse?
It's okay, safe, and effective to do castor oil packs when on a parasite cleanse because the oil aids in stimulating the laxative effect, relieving constipation caused by parasite infestation, and removing the worms in the poop. Castor oil also helps promote detoxification, essential for detoxifying the neurotoxins released by dying parasites following a parasite detox or medication. Also, ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory principle, drastically reduces inflammation in the intestinal walls caused by parasites and facilitates their removal. Read more about “ How Do Castor Oil Packs Work for a Parasite Cleanse?”
When you put a castor oil pack on your abdomen and apply some heat, the heat helps the oil penetrate your skin and deep tissues, regulating, stimulating, and activating several pathways that altogether aid in removing parasites and facilitating the function of parasite detox. As discussed earlier, castor oil contains ricinoleic acid- the principal active ingredient and a potent anti-inflammatory and stimulant laxative.
The ricinoleic acid stimulates EP3 prostanoid receptors in the smooth muscles of the intestines. Activation of these receptors stimulates GI proteins and reduces cAMP levels. Reducing cAMP levels increases calcium influx and leads to smooth muscle contraction. It's what we call a stimulant laxative effect since contractions add to the peristalsis and help in removing both poop and worms.
Ricinoleic acid also inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, particularly COX-2, which are responsible for producing PGE2 prostaglandins. Reduced PGE2 levels mean a decrease in inflammation and associated pain. Moreover, ricinoleic acid inhibits the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and boosting immune function. This is how castor oil packs work.
Though the scientific evidence to prove the clinical efficacy of castor oil packs for boosting a parasite cleanse is limited, anecdotal evidence and experience of people practicing Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine systems recommend their use for natural wellness. So, how do you use castor oil packs when on a parasite cleanse? Well, it's pretty easy and simple.
Gather your supplies
You should always consult your HCP before beginning a parasite cleanse. Nevertheless, exercise more care and caution if you are:
Some foods can help support your body during a parasite detox. They either help you as a laxative, anti-parasitic, or immune system booster.
|
Foods |
How Do They Help? |
|
Garlic |
Contains allicin- a potent antimicrobial and antiparasitic |
|
Papaya |
Contains an enzyme papain, shown to have antiparasitic properties |
|
Pineapple |
It contains an enzyme bromelain, shown to have anti-inflammatory properties |
|
Berries |
They are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation |
|
Leafy greens |
Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support detoxification and immune function |
|
Ginger |
It has antimicrobial properties and supports the digestive system |
|
Turmeric |
It contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory |
|
Pumpkin seeds |
It contains a compound called cucurbitacin, shown to have antiparasitic effects |
|
Fiber-rich foods |
Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and flush out parasites from the gut |
|
Extra virgin coconut oil |
It contains healthy fats and exhibits antiparasitic properties |
|
Probiotic foods (kombucha, fermented foods, or yogurt) |
Replenishes gut microbiome |
|
Fennel tea |
It is mildly laxative and antiparasitic |
Just as the scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of castor oil packs for a parasite cleanse is insufficient, it is also unclear what type of parasites are killed by this treatment. More research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of COPs for a parasite cleanse. Nevertheless, Ayurvedic experts say that ricinoleic acid's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and stimulant laxative properties (in castor oil) are crucial in eliminating worms from the body.
Die-off symptoms are also known as Herxheimer or detox reactions that appear due to the neurotoxins released by the dying parasites. These neurotoxins are released into the interstitial fluid surrounding the body tissues, from which they enter the lymphatic system and are filtered. Common die-off symptoms of a parasite cleanse include:
Firstly, keep yourself hydrated and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help remove toxins from your body. You can also consume foods or dietary supplements such as artichoke, milk thistle, dandelion root, or turmeric to support your liver function (detoxification). Also, Epsom baths are suitable for removing toxins from the skin. So, for this, add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt in warm water and soak for about 20-30 minutes. You can also reduce the dose of your detoxifying supplement following consultation with your HCP to lessen the severity of your die-off symptoms.
Experts recommend using castor oil packs about 3-4 times weekly for several weeks or months for the best results. Nevertheless, the frequency and duration of application vary greatly depending on individual health status, severity of parasitic infection, personal preference, and the specific treatment protocol the HCP recommends. Observing your body's response to this holistic therapy and following a good diet rich in antioxidants and probiotics to support your gut health and best immune function is essential.
Also Read: Castor Oil Packs For Detoxification: How Often To Use?
Intestinal parasites are the worst invaders. They absorb all essential nutrients from your gut and make you sick with their release of neurotoxins. It is essential to treat parasite infestation as soon as possible; for this, several parasite cleanses, medications, and natural ways are available. If you enjoy natural wellness, castor oil packs are your one-stop solution. They work as anti-inflammatory and stimulant laxatives to remove worms from your intestines. You can safely use them when on a parasite cleanse, and you only need to adjust the frequency according to your body’s response. Nevertheless, consult your HCP to avoid allergies, drug or food interactions, or complications.
