Home Remedies – Castor Oil

I was thinking of writing this in such a way that I included resources for Castor Oil and even research sites that confirm what I already know by my personal experience. I realized that people may just need to know what I did with my children who are all very capable adults now and who also use many of these remedies. I also have thought about what I would be doing if they were still home in this coronavirus quarantine. As I read articles and talk to my doctor, I am compiling a list of remedies many of which I already have in my tool box and have used for other illnesses.  Sometimes responding to symptoms early on can reduce the severity of an illness. Castor Oil is one of those. It can used orally and topically.  In my own journey for remedies that let me treat many things at home, I have found castor oil to be very inexpensive and a good “tool” to keep handy. 

I have used Castor Oil on my little babies and children topically to help break up congestion in their lungs and for myself for bronchitis and pneumonia.  I have found it useful to treat sinus infections and swollen tonsils.  I have watched swollen tonsils shrink with each application. I have used it internally to induce labor for my three home births at the recommendation of my midwife. I know it can be used for many other things.  It has been in use for 1000’s of years.  

When my children were babies and they had a bad cough that other remedies were not working on, I learned to spread the Castor Oil over their chest. Sometimes I would do it on their back too. Maybe it just made me feel better to have something to do.  I was trained to do this by my naturopathic physician.  He also taught me how to use mustard plasters and  other natural remedies. After applying the castor oil, I would take a wash cloth or a piece of flannel and get it wet. I would squeeze the excess water out of it and put the cloth in a plastic bag. Next, I would warm it in the microwave for about 15 seconds and then cool it off until it wasn’t too hot before placing it on the baby or child’s chest.  I’d would cover it with plastic to hold the moist heat in and then put a towel over that. Sometimes I use a heating pad or a bag full of dried beans or wheat  warmed in the microwave to hold the heat. This usually did the trick to break up the cough.  With serious congestion, this needs to be done multiple times until the congestion is broken up.

A few weeks ago, I had a Thermography appointment in which heat is used to identify areas of inflammation. It can also help find if there is cancer or other issues present.  I am learning that Castor Oil can be used almost anywhere on the body and will help lymphatic drainage. One site I looked at said Castor Oil may well improve immune function and that it has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Most illness involves some kind of inflammation which causes pain. If there is a more natural remedy to release that congestion without using some kind of drug, I’m all for it.

Here are a couple of sites I looked at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/castor-oil/ https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-castor-oil/

Years ago,  a friend encouraged me with the verse in Hosea 4:6 that says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge”.  “The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. But I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.  I also think of James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.”  

Daily as a mother, a wife, a worker, a daughter, where ever we are, we need wisdom.  We need God’s perspective on what we are going through.  I find that seeking wisdom from women who are older than I has helped me gain perspective when I did not know what to do.  Sometimes I need younger women to help me too because they understand other things that I don’t – like how to set up the live Facebook function on my @fiddlefamilyfarm Facebook page!

My daughter set us up to listen to David Barton’s Wallbuilder podcasts. I am finding them very helpful, balanced and keep my eyes focused on where they need to be which is on Jesus Christ and God’s wisdom.  https://wallbuilderslive.com/chinese-coronavirus-what-can-we-learn/#

A good health practitioner /doctor /massage therapist or whatever, will teach people how to take care of themselves at home.  With the order to stay home, I hope to continue posting some remedies that will help families take care of themselves in place. God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.”   2 Timothy 1:7 I welcome questions of things you would like to know about. 

What are you finding that gives you hope and helps calm your fears?