How To Use Castor Oil For Thyroid?

A thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the lower front side of your neck. It performs incredibly vital roles in your body, i.e., regulating its metabolism, growth, and development by constantly releasing the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Sometimes due to trauma, infection, endocrine dysfunction, iodine deficiency, or local inflammation, the release of thyroid hormones in a regulated way gets disturbed. Such disturbance may cause goiter, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism. You may feel low or high, cold or warm than usual.

So, besides conventional treatment, you can incorporate natural remedies into your life to maintain a good balance of your thyroid hormones. Such natural cures are alone enough if your condition is mild and manageable at home. Castor oil is one of nature’s wonders that people have been using for ages. Castor oil is also known as Ricinus oil, extracted from the castor beans of the Ricinus plant. The secret behind the healing power of castor oil is its therapeutic nature, making it suitable for healing every organ from head to toe.

Castor oils' active therapeutic principle is ricinoleic acid, comprising about 90% of its composition. The remaining include tocopherols, antioxidants, amino acids, and other fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid- a potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, emollient, and laxative. But ‘what does castor oil do for the thyroid?’ Read below to learn how it works and how to use castor oil and castor oil packs to restore thyroid function normally.

What Does Castor Oil Do For Thyroid?

Goiter

Castor oil is the best healing elixir for goiter, a condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Regularly applying castor oil to the thyroid gland helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with goiter. The active principle of castor oil, ricinoleic acid, also promotes blood and lymphatic circulation in the thyroid gland, aiding the gland in performing its function appropriately.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces more than normal thyroid hormones. This condition leads to rapid or irregular heart rate, anxiety, hand tremors, and weight loss. Castor oil does not directly reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Still, it supports the liver's function in regulating metabolism and endocrine function, calming the thyroid gland and relaxing your body.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce the required thyroid hormones. This condition leads to weight gain, fatigue, feeling low, lethargy, and depression. Castor oil massage and packs help boost blood and lymph flow to the thyroid area, providing each cell with ample oxygen and nutrients. More nutrients, including iodine, help support thyroid function. Moreover, enhanced lymph flow helps boost the immune system, detoxify the body, and increase body energy.

How To Use Castor Oil For Thyroid?

Gather supplies

The Goodbye Company Castor Oil
Bowl
Old towel
Microwave or any other heating device

Steps to follow

Take a small bowl and pour a tablespoon or two of The Goodbye Company castor oil into it.
Warm the oil in a heating appliance for a few seconds.
Spread an old towel from the neckline of your shirt to avoid oil stains.
Massage the oil on your front neck in an up-down and circular motion.
Wipe your hands and let the oil sit for 5-15 minutes.

How To Use Castor Oil And Cayenne Pepper For Thyroid?

Castor oil is anti-inflammatory, while the cayenne pepper is a stimulating agent. Though it's a great combination to boost the activity of ricinoleic acid in reducing inflammation, cayenne pepper can irritate bare skin. Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin that may cause burning and irritation to the skin when used in large amounts. Therefore, if you wish to use this pepper and avoid its side effects, use it cautiously in a small amount.

For direct application to the skin, add about a pinch of cayenne pepper to a tablespoon of castor oil and massage it on your neck. The warmth from your hand while doing the massage will be enough to accelerate the activity of ricinoleic acid. Therefore, do not warm the oil; it will increase the pepper's heat and burn your skin. For application through castor oil packs, use the mixture and pour it on the pack. Wear the pack, wrap it with a cling-film sheet, and relax for about 5-10 minutes (for hyperthyroidism) or 15 minutes (for hypothyroidism). You can also use a heating pad to significantly reduce the inflammation of your thyroid gland.

Besides cayenne pepper, you can incorporate lemongrass, Nigella sativa (black seed), frankincense, or lavender to heal hyperthyroidism naturally. On the other hand, peppermint, spearmint, rose geranium, or myrrh oil with castor oil can be used to support thyroid function in case of hypothyroidism.

How To Use Castor Oil Pack For Thyroid?

Gather supplies

The Goodbye Company castor oil
The Goodbye Company castor oil pack
Old towel
Plastic wrap/cling film sheet
Heating pad

Steps to follow

Unwrap your CASTOR OIL PACK and pour a tablespoon or two of The Goodbye Company castor oil into it.
Spread an old towel from the neckline of your shirt to avoid oil stains.
Wear your soaked castor oil pack and wrap it loosely with a plastic sheet.
Using a heating pad, heat your thyroid gland to reduce inflammation and boost circulation efficiently.
Relax for 5-1o or 15 minutes as per your concern.
Nevertheless, always do a patch test before using a natural remedy to avoid allergic reactions.
Discontinue use if you develop a rash on your skin due to hypersensitivity to ricinoleic acid. Wash your skin with cold water and consult your HCP if it hasn't calmed down.
Adjust the frequency of application according to your body's response and needs.

How To Make A Castor Oil Pack For Thyroid?

Well, there's no need to make a castor oil pack when ready-to-wear castor oil packs are available at The Goodbye Company. Nevertheless, if you bought The Goodbye Company's extra-virgin castor oil and wish to make your own customized pack for your thyroid, follow this quick method below.

Gather Supplies

The Goodbye Company extra-virgin castor oil
A small piece of cotton flannel
Needle and thread
Glass jar with a lid

Steps to Follow

Take a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it in multiple layers to make a thick pack. If you live in colder regions, you can also use wool flannel.
At this stage, you can secure the edges by sewing them to make the pack easy to use.
Pour two tablespoons of the castor oil over the pack and put it in a glass jar with the lid on.
Put the jar in the refrigerator for as many applications as possible. For the best results, refill the jar with castor oil before every use.

Risks and Side Effects

Besides the magical therapeutic properties and benefits of castor oil, some potential side effects associated with its long-term use and an allergic reaction that may occur immediately after exposure in hypersensitive people exist. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of such unwanted consequences and appropriately use castor oil and packs to avoid them. Firstly, it is essential to rule out if you are allergic to castor oil. For this, apply a few drops of oil on the inside of your wrist and rub it. Then, notice if a rash appears; if not, you can safely use this magical potion to heal your impaired thyroid gland.

Secondly, be cautious while using this oil topically. Do not apply to open wounds, cuts, or areas with a skin condition (eczema, rash, insect bite, or psoriasis) without consultation with an HCP. Also, do not overuse castor oil, as excessive absorption into the blood through the skin may cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Such overapplication while you have hyperthyroidism may be even more dangerous. Therefore, it is advisable to begin with a small dosage, like a tablespoon of castor oil per massage every week. You can then increase the frequency of applications to twice weekly for hyperthyroidism and 3-4 times weekly for hypothyroidism.

FAQs

How Does Castor Oil Help Thyroid?

Castor oil naturally reduces pain and inflammation in the thyroid gland. It also increases blood and lymphatic circulation in the neck region, supplying the gland with essential oxygen and nutrients, particularly iodine. Enhanced lymph flow helps neutralize more wastes and toxins and increases the supply of immune cells, thereby fortifying the immune system.

Castor Oil Packs On Thyroid How Often?

It is safe to apply castor oil packs to the thyroid thrice or four times weekly, particularly if you have hypothyroidism. Yet, a once—or twice-weekly application is better for patients with hyperthyroidism or goiter. Nevertheless, always test your sensitivity before using a natural remedy like this—some people might be highly allergic to the component of castor oil called ricinoleic acid.

How Long to Leave Castor Oil on Thyroid?

If you suffer from hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, you can leave castor oil or castor oil packs on your front neck for 5-10 minutes. However, do not use a heating pad in such cases, or you will get hyperthermia. On the other hand, if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease, apply a castor oil pack with a heating pad for 15-20 minutes. This will help your thyroid gland get enough energy to perform its functions well.

Can Castor Oil Cure Goiter?

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. The topical application of this natural potion helps relieve swelling and pain in the thyroid gland caused by a condition known as goiter. Castor oil also enhances blood circulation in the neck region, providing thyroid cells with sufficient nutrients and oxygen. This reduces stress on the thyroid cells and helps the gland function well.

Outlook

Castor oil, also known as Ricinus acid, is a natural healing elixir with exceptional anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These therapeutic properties help cure several diseases, including impairment of thyroid gland function that may result from inflammation. Due to the rich concentration of ricinoleic acid, castor oil significantly reduces inflammation and pain in the thyroid gland. The oil also boosts blood and lymphatic circulation in the neck region, providing thyroid cells with ample oxygen and nutrients, improving their function, and regulating thyroid hormone release.

So, if you wish to heal your thyroid concerns naturally, apply castor oil or wear castor oil packs at least thrice weekly for 5-15 minutes (longer duration for hypothyroidism and shorter for hyperthyroidism). Read above to learn how to use castor oil for thyroid and acknowledge the risks and associated side effects to avoid dire consequences and get the good ones only.