How to know if you’re sensitive to gluten or dairy?

How to know if you’re sensitive to gluten or dairy?

Gluten and dairy sensibilities by Queen of the Thrones

How to know if you’re sensitive to gluten or dairy?

Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A. 

Est. reading time: 7 minutes.

The clue to having gut glue

Having frequent digestive problems means not knowing when it will strike. During an important work presentation, a first date, or at the movies. Can you relate?

You’re at the mercy of loose stools, constipation, painful gas or bloating. And these symptoms might especially come after specific food items, unfortunately, many of which are your favorite, including pizza, fettuccine alfredo, or grilled cheese. This may make you wonder if gluten and dairy are the cause of your stomach problems?

Well, it might not be that one or the other is causing problems. It’s more so the combination of gluten with dairy.

You see, studies have shown that poor food combining can produce fermentation, indigestion, putrefaction, gas and bloating! 1

Like consuming dairy with wheat, this combination could create, what I like to call, “gut glue”! Yes, you read that right… gut GLUE!

Frequent consumption of these food combinations may result in exhausting and frustrating problems.

The good news: knowing what to have or avoid can allow you to feel fresh and be healthy even after consuming your favorite food items.

While you’re here, would you love to know how you can use Castor Oil Packs to support your gut health, and ease digestive problems?

Before we talk about gut glue, I would love to discuss a bit about gluten and dairy on their own.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein commonly found in barley, wheat, and rye.

If you have tried gluten-free cookies, you know they are typically drier and crumble easily.

This is because gluten protein provides the elasticity associated with pasta and baked products.

And these gluten-free products are becoming increasingly popular, as the media has made many believe that this protein is bad for your health. Sound familiar?

But before getting on the gluten-free bandwagon, let’s understand whether it’s really all bad.

Gluten isn’t all bad

Frankly, what thoughts come to your mind when you think about gluten?

For most, it is sticky bowels or bloating, agreed?

However, it’s essential to understand that humans have been consuming gluten as long as the discovery of bread. It’s a great source of soluble fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

 

 

Let’s get scienc-y for a minute.

Your digestive system produces the enzyme protease, which breaks down proteins. But this enzyme can’t entirely break down gluten, and undigested gluten moves through your bowels.

Most people can manage undigested gluten.

So, the nutrients from gluten are beneficial for those who can tolerate it.

Studies have linked consumption of whole grains to lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The participants of the study daily consumed two to three servings of grains daily, including wheat.2

Moreover, gluten also acts as a prebiotic, supporting the growth of “good” bacteria in your body. It can also help imbalance of bad and good bacteria associated with gut dysbiosis.

What about dairy?

Eating dairy products is the easiest way to get vitamin D, calcium, and proteins needed for the healthy heart, bones, and muscles.

It helps maintain bone density and reduces the risk of fractures.

Studies have even suggested that the right kind of dairy may prevent heart disease.3

So, why is there so much discussion about dairy-free foods?

Well, similar to gluten, your digestive system releases the enzyme lactase to digest sugar in dairy products called lactose.

If you have a problem producing lactase, you probably have symptoms of lactose intolerance, including stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Makes sense, agreed?

Moreover, evidence suggests that dairy products may improve body composition by reducing waist circumference and fat composition.4

A review of 25 studies also found that various types of yogurt were linked to the lower risk of metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.5

With this in mind, let’s understand more about gut glue.

What about dairy?

My best and favorite example of this is how glue is made.

White school glue, if you didn’t know, is actually edible. You can essentially make it at home with milk, flour, and baking soda, and then the ingredient that is the pièce de résistance is vinegar.

This combination is basically what happens in your belly, when you combine bread (flour) with cheese (dairy/milk) and you swallow it down into your stomach that contains your stomach acid (like vinegar, because it’s acidic!) and bicarbonate (like baking soda).6

Guess what, you’ve got glue in your belly!

So imagine what your gut is like, if you are consuming glue.

Let’s talk anatomy for a second. Ready?

Your small intestine is lined by finger-like projections called villi, that help you absorb nutrients from your food.

Gut glue could cause these projections to get stuck together and reduce your ability to properly digest your food!

In addition, because the carbohydrates and protein don’t digest well together, you get this glue moving all along your digestive tract.

All in all, it’s rarely only one thing that is causing discomfort. It is often multifactorial and there are many contributing factors and culprits.

 

This is simply an example where combining gluten and dairy together may not be ideal for digestion (they also happen to be some of the most common food sensitivities and allergies that people deal with).

This is not it.

According to the traditional Ayurveda medicine, excessive amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats should not be taken together as this leads to a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.7

Plus, milk is considered as a complete food.

It contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins, good fats, amino acids, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, lactose, and all nutrients necessary for a healthy body.

That is why in Ayurveda it has been advised not to take wheat products with milk.

What can you do about your digestion problems?

When we choose nourishing food combinations, time our meals accordingly, and create healthy habits like proper chewing, we reduce the chances of these uncomfortable, and sometimes painful symptoms.

Plus, adding the practice of Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs after your meal may further help with inflammation regulation and help to improve liver detoxification, lymphatic drainage and colon cleansing, which means less digestive problems. Amazing, right?

Would you love to know how Castor Oil Packs work and how they can support your gut health?

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Cömert ED, Gökmen V. Effect of food combinations and their co-digestion on total antioxidant capacity under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Feb 17;5:414-422. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.02.008. PMID: 35243354; PMCID: PMC8866489.

2. Ye EQ, Chacko SA, Chou EL, Kugizaki M, Liu S. Greater whole-grain intake is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain. J Nutr. 2012 Jul;142(7):1304-13. doi: 10.3945/jn.111.155325. Epub 2012 May 30. Erratum in: J Nutr. 2013 Sep;143(9):1524. PMID: 22649266; PMCID: PMC6498460.

3. Lordan R, Tsoupras A, Mitra B, Zabetakis I. Dairy Fats and Cardiovascular Disease: Do We Really Need to be Concerned? Foods. 2018 Mar 1;7(3):29. doi: 10.3390/foods7030029. PMID: 29494487; PMCID: PMC5867544.

4. Abargouei AS, Janghorbani M, Salehi-Marzijarani M, Esmaillzadeh A. Effect of dairy consumption on weight and body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Int J Obes (Lond). 2012 Dec;36(12):1485-93. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2011.269. Epub 2012 Jan 17. PMID: 22249225.

5. Khorraminezhad L, Rudkowska I. Effect of Yogurt Consumption on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: a Narrative Review. Curr Nutr Rep. 2021 Mar;10(1):83-92. doi: 10.1007/s13668-020-00344-y. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33405074.

6. G. Lynn Carlson. A New approach to the baking soda-vinegar reaction. J. Chem. Educ., 1990, 67 (7), p 597 DOI: 10.1021/ed067p597. Publication Date: July 1990

7. Sabnis M. Viruddha Ahara: A critical view. Ayu. 2012 Jul;33(3):332-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.108817. PMID: 23723637; PMCID: PMC3665091.

Top 5 Self-Care Gifts for Natural Wellness Lovers

Top 5 Self-Care Gifts for Natural Wellness Lovers

Top 5 Self Care Gifts for Natural Wellness Lovers by Queen of the Thrones

Top 5 Self-Care Gifts for Natural Wellness Lovers

Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A

Est. reading time: 7 minutes.

 

Self-care gifts are an excellent way to convey your love and care for anyone. It shows that you’re thinking of them, and they should also take a moment to think and care for themselves.

These natural wellness tools also make great gifts for the overworked practitioner, stay-at-home mom, determined athlete, or the self-care aficionado in your life. Self-care is for everyone, right?

Would you love tried and true gift ideas for natural health and wellness? You’ve come to the right place because here are the five best natural wellness gifts for the holiday season.

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil and Castor Oil Pack

The best part? You won’t have to scramble at the last minute to find something your friends and family will use and adore.

Let’s start here: can you think of anyone in your life who’s complained about feeling bloated, tired, ‘bunged up’ or perhaps feeling stuck in their own body?

All signs point towards a lack of lymphatic drainage and flow. Now, you might be wondering… “Is there a simple natural wellness tool to help enhance lymph drainage and flow?” Yes!

5. The Castor Oil Dry Brush Kit supports lymph drainage

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Dry Brush Kit supports lymph drainage

You see, dry brushing has been commonly used in Ayurveda for centuries as it has multiple health benefits. It’s a relatively simple technique to improve blood flow, metabolism, and energy, while reducing cellulite.

Dry brushing supports lymphatic drainage1 and detox. It also offers physical exfoliation by sweeping away dry, flaky skin.

Plus, dry brushing stimulates receptors in the skin that connect to your nervous system which may be beneficial for your mental health.

If you dry brush when you wake up in the morning it’s almost like an alarm clock for your body, because dry brushing helps to gently stimulate cortisol, your alert hormone, at the time of the day when cortisol is naturally supposed to rise.

To enhance the benefits of dry brushing, it can be combined with Castor Oil, aka the Palm of Christ, as it’s packed with skin-loving nutrients like vitamin E, omegas, and polyphenols2 that hydrate and nourish your skin and further support lymphatic flow.

Simply apply a thin layer of Castor Oil to your skin before dry brushing for enhanced benefits. So easy, agreed?

Get them together with the Queen of the Thrones ® Castor Oil Lymphatic Dry Brush Kit! Your kit comes with an easy to hold circular brush with bamboo bristles as well as a 3.38 oz (100ml) amber glass bottle of 100% pure, certified organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free Castor Oil.

Now that we’ve talked about waking up, what about falling asleep?

Sleep problems are far too common, agreed? The next natural wellness tool will have you and your loved ones covered!

4. Sleep helper: Castor Oil Eye Compress Kit

You might be wondering, how can a Castor Oil Eye Compress improve sleep?

Well, the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Eye Compress Kit was created so you can help gently reset your sleep-wake cycle and support your circadian rhythm.

How does it do this? Wearing the Eye Compress when you go to bed at night naturally promotes your sleep hormone, melatonin3-4 so you can fall asleep easier. Then, because of the light color of the compress, it allows sunlight in to wake you up in the morning.

Plus, like we talked about above, once you’re awake, you can greet the day with your Castor Oil Dry Brush to stimulate cortisol and further support gently resetting your sleep-wake cycle.

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs support a healthy life quality

The best part? The combination of Castor Oil and your Eye Compress allows it to function as a weighted, warm compress to help promote oxytocin. Castor Oil is a great source of moisture and hydration, soothing and rejuvenating tired-itchy eyes7 due to its natural antihistamine properties8.

Castor Oil Eye Compresses are also commonly used to relieve styes in the eyes, supporting relief from inflammation9. It may also result in the reduction of dark circles and wrinkles around your eyes.

Are you wondering… “Is Castor Oil good for eyelashes?”

And the answer is “Yes”. The fatty acids that make up Castor Oil are believed to be extremely nourishing to the skin and hair follicles, and it helps naturally promote nitric oxide15, which increases circulation. Regular application of Castor Oil may help with thicker, longer eyelashes and eyebrows.

So, while your loved one is falling asleep, they’re also giving their eyelashes and eyebrows nourishment and care.

To further promote relaxation, your loved one can include an aromatherapy experience by simply spraying essential oils in the room.

And using organic home fragrance oils is an excellent aromatherapy option.

3. Great for aromatherapy: Eau de Throne®

Queen of the Thrones Eau the Thrones is made of  a blend of organic essential oils
Eau de Throne® is a pure blend of organic home essential oils of lavender, rosemary, clove, and citrus (limonene) that neutralizes odors and purifies the air in your home and bathroom while promoting relaxation and healthy digestion.

Who wouldn’t want to leave the throne (the toilet) with an odor they are proud to own?

Organic home fragrance oils not only smell amazing but also have additional health benefits. Some of these essential oils can neutralize bacteria, calm the nervous system, and support digestion.

Eau de Throne® includes…

  • Lavender: Acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, calmative, and antioxidant action10.
  • Rosemary: Supports hormone balance, circulation, and digestion. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-cramping, and antioxidant11.
  • Clove: Improves digestion, reduces gas and bloating, and fights infection12.
  • Limonene(terpene from the lemon peel): Supports healthy digestion and works as an antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory agent13.

You can spray it in your bathroom after going number 2, your living room before having guests over, in your gym bag, or use it as part of an at-home spa day.

So, Eau de Throne® is an excellent choice for aromatherapy and essential oil lovers.

Additional tip: Aromatherapy is a natural stress reliever and a great choice for someone who’s stressed. After all, we want our loved ones to be happy and stress-free, right?

Stress not only affects your mental health but can also cause physical symptoms, including hair loss or thinning14.

Fortunately, Castor Oil can also support healthy hair.

2. Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit: Practical tool for hair and scalp care

The Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit nourishes, hydrates, and repairs hair deeply from your roots to tips, making it a great natural wellness gift

One of the major benefits of Castor Oil for hair growth17 is that it helps naturally balance the microbiome18-19-20 of the scalp, and may help reduce inflammation of hair follicles dandruff relief.

Castor Oil Hair Growth by Queen of the Thrones is the most recommended health solution for your hair and scalp

And that’s not it…wouldn’t it be great to enjoy an easy, relaxing ‘hot oil’ hair treatment with less mess and no heating required? The Hair Wrap does this for you by holding in your natural body heat!

The Hair Kit is great for those dealing with hormonal hair loss, including PCOS and thyroid disorders.

We’ve talked about Castor Oil for hair care, what about skincare, and what’s going on beneath?

You know, tense neck muscles, cellulite, and tender knots. Is there a simple way to support this? Yes! Your tried and true…

1. Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller: Body & skincare tool for pain-relief

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller Kit support smoothing out cellulite and lymph massage
Fascia Massage Rollers appear to be everywhere, from gyms to the shelves of your local big box store. The most common use of the Castor Oil and Fascia Massage Roller is to support smoothing out cellulite, lymph massage, and scar tissue breakdown.

Like Gua sha, a Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller Kit can also be used for sore muscles and migraines. Bonus tip: you can enhance your experience by putting your Roller in the fridge or freezer.

Plus, by applying Castor Oil before using your Roller, due to its anti-inflammatory properties21-22, the Oil combined with the Roller…

  • naturally engages enhanced circulation
  • supports lymphatic drainage
  • releases tension and stress

In turn, hormone balance, fertility, and gut health are supported when the flow has been restored to your body. Amazing, agreed?

Now for the pièce de résistance…

The all-in-one tool: Castor Oil Pack for Liver

We saved the best one for last!

This BONUS natural wellness gift option is the most exciting gift as it is the one practice we can’t live without.

You see, the Castor Oil Pack for Liver has been used in self-care for centuries to support liver detox, lymphatic drainage23, colon cleansing24, hormonal balance, and gut health.

Castor Oil Pack for Liver by Queen of the Thrones is the ideal health tool for liver detox

It calms the body down like a weighted blanket. Hundreds of testimonials speak to how it’s a game-changer to feel better, sleep better, feel less stress25-26-27-28 and poop better29.

Plus, it’s a key foundational practice for all stages of life (except during pregnancy), as the liver is the hub of cleansing and detox in your body30, which we all need to truly thrive.

Are you curious to know how and why the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack works? We have the answers for you in this blog post.

That’s it, that’s all on the top 5 tried and true gift ideas for natural health and wellness using the ancient practice of Castor Oil.

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Thompson, B., Gaitatzis, K., Janse de Jonge, X. et al. Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature. J Cancer Surviv 15, 244–258 (2021).

2. Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus cmmunis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827. PMID: 29084706

3. Rong-fang Hu, Xiao-ying Jiang, Yi-ming Zeng, Xiao-yang Chen, You-hua Zhang. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Published online 2010 Apr 18. PMID: 20398302.

4. Khoddam H, Maddah SA, Rezvani Khorshidi S, Zaman Kamkar M, Modanloo M. The effects of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients admitted to coronary care units: A randomised clinical trial. J Sleep Res. 2022 Apr;31(2):e13473. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13473. Epub 2021 Sep 12. PMID: 34514653.

5, 26. Rolls ET et all. Representations of pleasant and painful touch in the human orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices. Cereb Cortex. 2003 Mar;13(3):308-17. PMID: 12571120.

6, 27. Francis S, Rolls ET, Bowtell R, McGlone F, O’Doherty J, Browning A, Clare S, Smith E. The representation of pleasant touch in the brain and its relationship with taste and olfactory areas. Neuroreport. 1999 Feb 25;10(3):453-9. PMID: 10208571.

7. Goto E, Shimazaki J, Monden Y, Takano Y, Yagi Y, Shimmura S, Tsubota K. Low-concentration homogenized castor oil eye drops for noninflamed obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. Ophthalmology. 2002 Nov;109(11):2030-5. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(02)01262-9. PMID: 12414410.

8, 9, 22. Al-Mamun MA, Akter Z, Uddin MJ, Ferdaus KM, Hoque KM, Ferdousi Z, Reza MA. Characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of crude protein extracts isolated from the seed of Ricinus communis in Bangladesh. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jul 12;16:211. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1185-y. PMID: 27405609; PMCID: PMC4942971.

10. Shi JL, Tang SY, Liu CB, Ye L, Yang PS, Zhang FM, He P, Liu ZH, Miao MM, Guo YD, Shen QP. Three new benzolactones from Lavandula angustifolia and their bioactivities. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2017 Aug;19(8):766-773. doi: 10.1080/10286020.2016.1264394. Epub 2016 Dec 14. PMID: 27967214.

11. Aruoma OI, Spencer JP, Rossi R, Aeschbach R, Khan A, Mahmood N, Munoz A, Murcia A, Butler J, Halliwell B. An evaluation of the antioxidant and antiviral action of extracts of rosemary and Provençal herbs. Food Chem Toxicol. 1996 May;34(5):449-56. doi: 10.1016/0278-6915(96)00004-x. PMID: 8655093.

12. Chaieb K, Hajlaoui H, Zmantar T, Kahla-Nakbi AB, Rouabhia M, Mahdouani K, Bakhrouf A. The chemical composition and biological activity of clove essential oil, Eugenia caryophyllata (Syzigium aromaticum L. Myrtaceae): a short review. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):501-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2124. PMID: 17380552.

13. Astani A, Schnitzler P. Antiviral activity of monoterpenes beta-pinene and limonene against herpes simplex virus in vitro. Iran J Microbiol. 2014 Jun;6(3):149-55. PMID: 25870747; PMCID: PMC4393490.

14. Thom E. Stress and the Hair Growth Cycle: Cortisol-Induced Hair Growth Disruption. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Aug 1;15(8):1001-4. PMID: 27538002.

15. Mascolo N1, Izzo AA, Autore G, Barbato F, Capasso F.Nitric oxide and castor oil-induced diarrhea.J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1994 Jan;268(1):291-5. PMID: 8301570

17. Coonen. L.P “Herodotus on Biology”. The Scientific Monthly. Vol. 76. No. 2, 1953. Pp.63-70. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/20629

18. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.

19. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334.

20. Salles MM, Badaró MM, Arruda CN, Leite VM, Silva CH, Watanabe E, Oliveira Vde C, Paranhos Hde F. Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study.J Appl Oral Sci. 2015 Nov-Dec; 23(6):637-42.

21. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362

23. Moore JE Jr, Bertram CD. Lymphatic System Flows. Annu Rev Fluid Mech. 2018 Jan;50:459-482. doi: 10.1146/annurev-fluid-122316-045259. PMID: 29713107; PMCID: PMC5922450.

24, 29, 30. Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in opti-sol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013. PMID: 24260265

25. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19. PMID: 28162847

28. Löken LS, Wessberg J, Morrison I, McGlone F, Olausson H. Coding of pleasant touch by unmyelinated afferents in hu-mans. Nat Neurosci. 2009 May;12(5):547-8. Epub 2009 Apr 12. PMID: 19363489.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including information providers, are those of the respective authors or distributors. Neither Queen of the Thrones® nor any third-party provider of information guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content. This communication does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Information provided does not replace the advice of your health care practitioner. If you happen to purchase anything we promote, in this or any of our communications, it’s likely Queen of the Thrones® will receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, we only promote content and products that we truly believe in and share with our friends, family and patients. If you ever have a concern with anything we share, please let us know at care@queenofthethrones.com. We want to make sure we are always serving Our Queendom at the highest level.

4 Scientifically Backed Ways To Support Your Breast Health

4 Scientifically Backed Ways To Support Your Breast Health

4 Scientifically Backed Ways To Support Your Breast Health by Queen of the Thrones

4 Scientifically Backed Ways To Support Your Breast Health

Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A.

Est. reading time: 7 minutes.

 

Hint: It Also Involves Your Circadian Rhythm

“I learned to put myself first.”

“It was up to me to decide what to do with my life.”

You’ll hear phrases like this from women who’ve made significant changes following breast cancer. Can you relate? Or maybe right now, you or the people you serve are wondering, “how can I keep my breasts healthy?”

You see, it’s often when women are at their weakest emotionally and physically — after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy — when they start making significant lifestyle changes.

And while this is common, it’s not ideal for changing your perspective on what really matters when a problem strikes. So, you can start making changes right now to support your breast health.

Would you love to know how you can use Castor Oil to support your breast health? Now’s your chance to get 2 easy DIY Castor Oil recipes so you can support your breasts and lymphatic flow.

The old adage “prevention is better than cure” is highly relevant for breast troubles. Perhaps you’ve also heard the phrase, “a pill for an ill”. Can you relate?

Most breast cancers are linked to lifestyle factors by Queen of the Thrones

Before giving away the reason behind this statement, let’s first look at a surprising number.

About 30 to 40% of breast cancers are linked to lifestyle factors.1

Yes. That’s true. While many believe breast disorders/conditions are genetic, hereditary connections are responsible for less than 10% of the cases.2

However, there are lifestyle changes you can make right now to support your breast health.

It’s crucial to understand that it might not be easy to talk about your breast changes. You might be aware of certain changes happening but feel uncomfortable discussing them, right?

You may even avoid examinations like mammograms or thermograms because you’re worried about discovering something abnormal.

But, visiting your healthcare professional is the best reassurance to understanding your unique body and the best steps to take.

With this in mind, let’s look at a few things that can influence your breast health.

The link between inflammation and breast health

You may have noticed soreness or pain in the breasts, especially around your menstrual cycle. You aren’t alone. These symptoms affect two-thirds of women, especially during the childbearing age.3 Are you wondering why this happens? Well, the answer lies in the breast structure.

You see, breasts comprise four main tissue structures: fat tissue, milk ducts, glands, and connective tissue.

The fat tissue is influenced by fluctuations in fluid volume. So, this can cause your breasts to swell, resulting in soreness or tenderness.

“What causes increased fluid?” A common reason for increased fluid volume is inflammation. In flammation is kind of like a fire, and what do you use to put out a fire? Water.

Inflammation is part of your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it (like infections) in an attempt to heal itself.

So, when something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response from your immune system. It’s a natural process, but in today’s modern world, inflammation is often out of control.

Did you know that lymphatic blockage can also cause inflammation?4

Lymph vessels are hollow tubes in your lymphatic system that allow lymph fluid to drain out of your breast.

But, if your lymph vessels are blocked, this can cause your breast to become red, swollen, and inflamed. Makes sense, agreed?

Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, near the collarbone, or both.

Disturbed sleep can also contribute to breast inflammation.

Let’s dive into more about this and the connection between your…

Circadian rhythm and breast health

Imagine having a hectic week, with only four hours of sleep every night for 7 days in a row.

Sounds pretty terrible, right? You’d probably be irritable, frustrated, or even sad, agreed?

But, sleep isn’t only about the quantity, it’s also about quality. Even if you can sleep eight hours a day, but you wake up every two hours, you’ll wake up in the morning feeling exhausted. Is this you?

Learn with Queen of the Thrones how Circadian rhythm and breast health are related

This is because your body’s internal 24-hour clock runs in the background and regulates your sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and even cell division.

But, if your sleep-wake cycle is off, so is your circadian rhythm.

You see, different systems of your body follow circadian rhythms that are synchronized with a master clock in your brain.

This master clock is directly influenced by environmental cues, especially light, which is why circadian rhythms are tied to the cycle of day and night. Makes sense, right?

When properly aligned, a circadian rhythm can promote consistent and restorative sleep.

But, when your circadian rhythm is thrown off, it can create significant sleeping problems, including insomnia. Does this sound like you?

Research also reveals that circadian rhythms are integral to diverse breast health aspects.5

Now, beyond sleep, have you ever wondered if there’s a connection between your gut health and breasts?

Gut microbia and breast health

Gut microbia are microflora in your digestive tract. While it may sound dangerous, these bacteria are helpful and regulate various body functions.

From protecting against disease-causing bacteria to regulating immune function, these bacteria support your health in various ways.6

The gut bacteria influences estrogen metabolism and adiposity, which are both associated with breast health.

Immune interactions with gut microbiota and microbial effects on host DNA also play a role in developing breast conditions. Makes sense, agreed?

How can I keep my breasts healthy?

Now that you know the importance of breast health and the influencing factors, let’s look at four things you can do to support your breast health. Are you ready?

Eating healthy is necessary for a healthy breast by Queen of the Thrones

1. Eat healthy because food matters

You are what you eat. Have you heard this before? Some ways you can support your breast health nutritionally are:

  • Limiting your sugar intake
  • Eating whole foods including healthy fats, hearty proteins, and heaps of vegetables
  • Avoiding processed foods
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Eating foods rich in flavonoids, such as broccoli, onions, celery, parsley, and green tea

2. Counting sheep to sleep? Not anymore

Getting adequate sleep is one of the crucial steps to naturally support your breast health. Start by…

  • Having a consistent daily sleep routine: It’s ideal to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Being active: Regular exercise supports melatonin production, your sleep hormone. It can also sync your other body systems with your circadian rhythm.7
  • Avoiding caffeine in the evening: Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake.
  • Limiting screen time: The blue light from your tablet/cellphone alters your melatonin production, disrupting your circadian rhythm.8
  • Wearing a Castor Oil Eye Compress to bed: Using this compress makes you feel relaxed as your Eye Compress gently blocks out distracting lights and makes you feel sleepy because it supports melatonin production.9,10
Queen of the Thrones eye compress supports better sleep

It’s truly relaxing, and it also delivers anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin E, polyphenols, and omegas and stimulating lymphatic flow.11,21,13

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller Kit enhance your lymphatic flow

3. Use a Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller to enhance your lymphatic flow

Did you know that a well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial for your breast health?

The good news: there are multiple ways to support your lymphatic system, including a Castor Oil Fascia Massage Roller

You see, a Fascia Massage Roller acts as a gentle massage around your breasts so you can naturally increase blood supply to your muscles, support the movement of lymphatic fluid, and assist in removing toxins from your body.

 

The network of lymph is directly connected to the fascia, which sits right underneath the skin.

So, moving the Fascia Massage Roller relieves muscle tension, activates your lymphatic system, and reduces pain and soreness. Plus, adding Castor Oil can further boost the benefits of the roller.

4. A simple massage can make a difference

Did you know that healthy breasts largely come from having a healthy liver?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, negative liver emotions such as frustration, anger, and resentment can result in the accumulation of toxins in the body, adversely affecting your breasts.14

So how can you easily support your liver?

Massaging the liver aids in the removal of stagnated toxins, protecting and boosting breast health.15

Plus, wearing a Castor Oil Pack for Liver may also support breast health.. But how? Read on!

Firstly, it’s mechanical, with the compression of the pack placed over the liver (under your right rib cage), in combination with the movement of your breathing muscles.

This acts like a pump to your lymphatic system, encouraging lymphatic drainage. Amazing, agreed?

Secondly, it’s neurological, when placed on specific dermatomes, this activates the somatic visceral reflexes triggering the activity of internal detox and cleansing organs like the liver, kidney, gut, gallbladder, and more.16

Thirdly, it’s a combination of both mechanical and neurological because the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack stimulates the body’s skin receptors which stimulate the natural oxytocin feedback loop activating the vagus nerve, shifting the body into a rest and digest state where liver detox is optimized.17

This direct effect of the Castor Oil Pack compress stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. Amazing, right?

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Liver Packs improves parasympathetic tone

Plus, the penetration of the Castor Oil into the tissues may help reduce inflammation via the Peyer’s patches.18

Without the pack, Castor Oil will not penetrate as deeply and act much more like a skin emollient, so the full range of benefits of the oil are enhanced with the pack itself.

Even though the Castor Oil Pack is traditionally worn over the liver for breast health, you can also wear a pack over the breasts. But don’t use the same pack for your liver as you do for your breasts.

It’s unknown if substances with toxicity may come out via the skin with Castor Oil Packs, especially over the liver since it’s the hub for cleanup of toxic substances in our bodies. To prevent the transfer of toxins to sensitive areas, only use the designated pack on its respective area.

Would you love to know how you can use Castor Oil to support your breast health? Click the button below to get 2 easy DIY Castor Oil recipes so you can support your breasts and lymphatic flow. Amazing, agreed?

So, gorgeous, your breast health is in your hands. Try and add these four healthy habits as part of your life.

They will not only support your breasts’ health but also help support more energy, less stress, and a more balanced mood!

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Natural & easy ways you can support your breast health

Natural & easy ways you can support your breast health

Gluten and dairy sensibilities by Queen of the Thrones

Natural & easy ways you can support your breast health

Written by: Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive) Christine Ruggeri Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive)
Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. is an award-winning author and founder of Queen of the Thrones® line of products including the original less-mess Castor Oil Pack
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. 

Est. reading time: 5 minutes.

So you’ve heard of heart health and gut health, but what about breast health?

Maybe you, your patients/the people you serve have fibrocystic breasts, aka lumpy breast tissue. But you wish there were natural ways to support your breast health and in turn, your cystic lumpy breasts. Can you relate?

You’re in the right place. Would you love to know how you can use Castor Oil to support your breast health? Check out Queen of the Thrones®️ free eGuide with 2 easy DIY Castor Oil recipes to support your breast and lymphatic flow. Amazing, agreed?

Do you ever ask yourself…

Why do I keep getting benign breast lumps and cysts?

Now, are you wondering if there’s an easy way you can counteract your estrogen dominance and low iodine?

You see, everyone is unique and of course, what works for someone else right away, may take more time for another, etc. But, the good news?

Here’s what you can do to support cystic and lumpy breast tissue

Most of these at-home methods support reducing the amount of estrogen in your body.

  1. Eat more broccoli family foods (cruciferous veggies4).
  2. Reduce your alcohol intake5.
  3. Reduce your theophylline intake, in coffee, tea and chocolate.
  4. Wear a Castor Oil Eye Compress to bed – they naturally increase melatonin6-7, which is a powerful anti-cancer hormone in the body8.
  5. Of course, do a Castor Oil Pack for Liver daily, because it helps with cleansing and detox9, microbiome balance10-11-12, inflammation13, and stress reduction14-15, which all impact your hormonal balance.

Curious to know more ways you can use Castor Oil to support your breast health?

Do you resent your fibrocystic breasts because of how they look/feel?

I used to look at my breasts in the mirror, pulling one up and comparing it to the other. Do you do this too?

I longed to have perky, stand-up-here breasts instead of pendulous, way down-there-puppies with sparkling, multicolored stretch marks.

Whether you think your breasts are too large or too small, they’re a source of shame for many. But, it’s time to take this inappropriate thought pattern and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine.

Although, this is easier said than done because judgement seems to be everywhere, right?

But what if it’s the judgement that’s actually hindering us from taking care of our breasts. Stay with me here.

My first encounter with the dangers of judgments made on breasts wasn’t my own, but my mother’s. When she was a dashing young lady in the 1960’s, she had gone to the doctor’s office to have her yearly check-up and breast exam.

Upon taking off her shirt to be examined, the doctor gasped at how large her breasts were. My mother turned red as a lobster and got dressed immediately.

So, because of this encounter, she never had another breast exam again until it was too late.

You see, judgments can damage our psyche and cause pain and shame. After all, no one asks the doctor to comment on how large they are, but rather how healthy they are, agreed?

Breast exams are important

Forty years later, my mother waited until blood came out of her nipple and had a mass so large before she got examined. The diagnosis was stage 4 breast cancer with little to no time to act.

Because of this experience, I got over my own breast embarrassment and got into owning one of the most beautiful, female, flourishing features of my health. Yes, they can be lumpy, but I now know them well.

For this reason alone, when I was working in clinic, every single woman in my naturopathic practice got a yearly breast exam, done by our skilled naturopath assessment hands.

Breast exams are extremely valuable. My mother was fortunate because even though she was an extreme case, she survived with a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy as well as naturopathic medicine.

Cystic breasts or not, self-examination is invaluable

But maybe you don’t know what you’re looking for.

The comment I always got in clinic was that most women don’t know what normal feels like, can you relate? They might feel like they have cysts in their breasts and lumpy breast tissue.

But let me tell you, the first time I did a breast exam I thought exactly the same thing! How was I going to identify anything going wrong if I can’t notice anything different?

Do you know what changed it? Practice, the mother of all skills.

So it’s amazing what Queen of the Thrones® partner Dr. Véronique Desaulniers (two-time breast cancer survivor) has done to make this easy.

She created “My Breast Friend”, a breast self-examination tool. It’s basically a model of the breast so you can get to know your breasts.

And what if you find lots of lumps and bumps? Make your way to your doctor and get checked out. It never hurts to be extra cautious.

You might be wondering…

What’s the difference between lumpy breast tissue and smooth breast tissue?

Well, that’s why you need to get to know your boobies!

Now I love my breasts, I treat them better every single day and prioritize my breast health because they’re an important part of who I am. They share my story.

What’s next? Check out Queen of the Thrones® free eGuide for 2 Castor Oil recipes you can use for your breast health and lymphatic system. Sounds good, right

Here you go!

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Greenblatt RB, Samaras C, Vasquez JM, Nezhat C. Fibrocystic disease of the breast. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 1982 Jun;25(2):365-71. doi: 10.1097/00003081-198206000-00019. PMID: 7105513.

2. Rappaport J. Changes in Dietary Iodine Explains Increasing Incidence of Breast Cancer with Distant Involvement in Young Women. J Cancer. 2017 Jan 13;8(2):174-177. doi: 10.7150/jca.17835. PMID: 28243321; PMCID: PMC5327366.

3. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60. PMID: 8221402.

4. Kendra J. Royston, B.S.1 and Trygve O. Tollefsbol, D.O. Ph.D. The Epigenetic Impact of Cruciferous Vegetables on Cancer Prevention. Curr Pharmacol Rep. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 Feb 1. Published in final edited form as: Curr Pharmacol Rep. 2015 Feb 1; 1(1): 46–51. Published online 2015 Jan 25. doi: 10.1007/s40495-014-0003-9.

5. Terryl J. Hartman,1 Julia S. Sisti,2,3 Susan E. Hankinson,2,3,4 Xia Xu,5 A. Heather Eliassen,2,3 and Regina Ziegler6 Alcohol Consumption and Urinary Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolites in Premenopausal Women. Horm Cancer. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2017 Feb 1. Published in final edited form as: Horm Cancer. 2016 Feb; 7(1): 65–74. Published online 2016 Jan 4. doi: 10.1007/s12672-015-0249-7.

6. Rong-fang Hu, Xiao-ying Jiang, Yi-ming Zeng, Xiao-yang Chen, You-hua Zhang. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Published online 2010 Apr 18. PMID: 20398302

7. Khoddam H, Maddah SA, Rezvani Khorshidi S, Zaman Kamkar M, Modanloo M. The effects of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients admitted to coronary care units: A randomised clinical trial. J Sleep Res. 2022 Apr;31(2):e13473. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13473. Epub 2021 Sep 12. PMID: 34514653.

8. Giuseppe Di Bella,1,* Fabrizio Mascia,1 Luciano Gualano,2 and Luigi Di Bella Melatonin Anticancer Effects: Review Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Feb; 14(2): 2410–2430. Published online 2013 Jan 24. doi: 10.3390/ijms14022410.

Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in optisol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013.

9. Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in optisol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013.

10. Andrade IM1, Andrade KM2, Pisani MX1, Silva-Lovato CH1, de Souza RF1, Paranhos Hde F1.Trial of an experimental castor oil solution for cleaning dentures. Braz Dent J. 2014 Jan-Feb;25(1):43-7.

11. Badaró MM, Salles MM, Leite VMF, Arruda CNF, Oliveira VC, Nascimento CD, Souza RF, Paranhos HFO, Silva-Lovato CH. Clinical trial for evaluation of Ricinus communis and sodium hypochlorite as denture cleanser.J Appl Oral Sci. 2017 May-Jun; 25(3):324-334.

12. Salles MM, Badaró MM, Arruda CN, Leite VM, Silva CH, Watanabe E, Oliveira Vde C, Paranhos Hde F. Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study.J Appl Oral Sci. 2015 Nov-Dec; 23(6):637-42.

13. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8.

14. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19.

15. Rolls ET et all. Representations of pleasant and painful touch in the human orbitofrontal and cingulate cortices. Cereb Cortex. 2003 Mar;13(3):308-17.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including information providers, are those of the respective authors or distributors. Neither Queen of the Thrones® nor any third-party provider of information guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content. This communication does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Information provided does not replace the advice of your health care practitioner. If you happen to purchase anything we promote, in this or any of our communications, it’s likely Queen of the Thrones® will receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, we only promote content and products that we truly believe in and share with our friends, family and patients. If you ever have a concern with anything we share, please let us know at care@queenofthethrones.com. We want to make sure we are always serving Our Queendom at the highest level.

Are there hormone disruptors in ‘organic’ Castor Oil Packs?

Are there hormone disruptors in ‘organic’ Castor Oil Packs?

Gluten and dairy sensibilities by Queen of the Thrones

Are there hormone disruptors in ‘organic’ Castor Oil Packs?

Written by: Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive) Christine Ruggeri Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive)
Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. is an award-winning author and founder of Queen of the Thrones® line of products including the original less-mess Castor Oil Pack
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.

Est. reading time: 6 minutes.

 

Here’s why you can feel safe with your Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack

So, you likely bought your Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack so you can support your hormone problems because it’s made with organic cotton flannel and manufactured with the cleanest standards possible, right? And now you may be wondering if you can counteract hormone disruptors with your organic cotton Castor Oil Pack?

You see, hormone disruptors (A.K.A. endocrine disruptors) are any compound/chemical that interferes with the natural function of your hormones. They may be connected to health conditions like ADHD, reproductive problems, thyroid conditions, diabetes, different types of cancers and more1.

And hormone disruptors aren’t just in the food you eat or in the air you breathe, but may be in everything you come into contact with (your clothes, sheets, furniture) through your largest hormonal organ2, your skin.

Would you love to know what to look for when you’re shopping so you can avoid hormone disruptors? Get your FREE ‘buyer beware’ checklist below!

And we wonder why almost everyone these days has some type of hormone problem, right? Estrogen overload, low progesterone, thyroid problems… Sound familiar?

But first, let’s start with Castor Oil Packs and why…

Castor Oil Packs must be done with organic cotton

This is important because many women and men do Castor Oil Packs with the goal of supporting their hormonal balance and helping to remove toxins and chemicals from their body.

Except the key is to use the RIGHT materials that come in direct contact with your skin, without hormone disruptors. Your Castor Oil Pack should always be made with organic cotton, wool, or linen that touches your skin. And always with organic Castor Oil in a glass bottle. Why?

 

Well, Castor Oil is the premier carrier oil that can permeate deeply through the upper layers of your skin and through the stratus corneum3. So, you only want to use Castor Oil that is 100% pure, organic, hexane-free, extra virgin, cold pressed, and bottled in glass to avoid the potential of chemicals that could be carried into your body.

So, if you’re using a Castor Oil Pack that:

✗ isn’t Queen of the Thrones®

✗ doesn’t have organic cotton, wool or linen touching your skin directly

✗ is paired with Castor Oil in a plastic bottle

It could actually be counterintuitive for a hormone balance, liver detox and cleansing self-care practice.

It’s every textile product you use, not just Castor Oil Packs!

You may not think about it because you haven’t been told, but, all textiles/materials in your life may be laden with toxins, chlorine, bleach, flame retardants and other harsh solvents/chemicals used during the manufacturing process.

Yes, this includes pads, tampons, diapers and clothes.

The problem with ‘organic’ bamboo in Castor Oil Packs

Most of the other Castor Oil Packs available are made from ‘organic bamboo’.

Bamboo material may feel super soft, but that’s only because it’s been chemically broken down to feel softer than normal cotton. It’s kind of like genetically modified fruits and vegetables that look perfect but have no taste, agreed?

You see, bamboo is known to be as strong as steel in the construction of buildings, with two times the compressive strength of concrete5! Because the fibers are SO strong, many toxic caustic chemicals are used to soften the strong fibers; making it even softer than cotton.

‘Organic bamboo’ uses toxic chemicals when it’s being processed6. The only part that’s truly organic is the initial bamboo plant.

Imagine the type of chemicals you would need to use in order to break down this strong plant to make it softer than all-natural organic cotton.

Sadly, this is common, and it’s truly about ‘buyer beware’. It’s shocking when you start seeing what is happening with Castor Oil Packs and other wellness products in the industry.

It comes down to trusting your supplier. Take note: if you can’t find a website for their company (and even if you do), you may want to proceed with caution. Always ask, read the label, and contact the company if you have any questions or concerns.

Would you love to know what to look for when you’re reading product labels? Get your FREE ‘buyer beware’ checklist below!

Why Choose Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs?

You see, the pack you have in your hands was made by our founder, Dr. Marisol Teijeiro, N.D. (inactive) who first used it when she fell dreadfully sick, she then shared it with her family, patients, and now with you.

As a naturopathic doctor and homotoxicologist with designations in environmental medicine, knowing the effects of using cheap chemical-laden materials, the packs were created to avoid this as much as possible in our world. She knew you needed a tool that would be easy to use AND support wellness, not make you sicker.

So, she selected the quality needed to make Castor Oil Packs easily accessible.

You also want a company you believe in and one that is honest about the deficiencies of their products.

You see, the part that touches your skin with the oil is organic cotton flannel. But, to create the convenience that you want with your pack, the outer layer is polyurethane (PUL) that is heat-bonded to an additional layer of organic cotton flannel.

Heat bonding is a cleaner alternative to chemical bonding, that helps to dissipate the phthalates in the protective layer (instead of adding chemicals to bond it).

Polyurethane is the material used in reusable baby diapers, and is considered one of the safest plastics, but still a plastic nonetheless. This protective layer is what makes the pack less-mess, more convenient, retains natural body heat so no external heat is necessary, and helps increase compliance.

Then these two layers are sewn together by hand in North America.

These modifications have all been made with your feedback and input. When Dr. Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive) first launched a Castor Oil Pack, the entirety was 100% organic cotton. They were a lot more expensive, they leaked rapidly, and the organic cotton straps dug into peoples sides. It wasn’t making you, our most important person, happy.

So, she looked for the best possible midpoint solution that would agree with her standard and make you happy to use it even with these modifications.

To be clear, the part that is 100% organic cotton is the flannel, the part where the Castor Oil goes and the part that directly touches your skin.

Cheap organic vs. expensive organic cotton. Does expensive always mean better?

In Spanish, there’s a saying, “lo barrato sale caro”, which translates into “the cheap often becoming expensive.” So, it’s time for the health consumer like you to truly understand the game.

Remember, cheap becomes expensive and because this is your wellness, you can’t afford cheap. The investment in high quality is key because it’s as important to do self-care right with the right materials. Makes sense, agreed?

Let’s put it this way, we would rather people not do Castor Oil Packs than do them with materials that could be harmful.

It’s a jungle out there, with little regulation about materials.

There’s a huge lack of transparency, as some Castor Oil Pack manufacturers don’t even put labels on their products so you can know what you’re actually buying. How can you trust them if you don’t know what the product is made of?

Why Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs are the cleanest most convenient less-mess option

The self-care practices of Castor Oil Packs are often used to balance stress and inflammation7 as well as supporting natural liver detox8, lymphatic drainage9 and colon cleansing10.

So, one would think it’s imperative to have as clean as possible materials to do this practice, agreed?

Here’s why we feel Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs are your best option:

  1. The cotton flannel layer that touches the skin is organic vs. other packs that use chemically processed fabrics (i.e. bamboo)
  2. It’s been used in clinical practice by thousands who have benefited vs. dozens of capitalistic companies jumping on the bandwagon with no background due to consumer demand
  3. It’s meant to be used with fresh Castor Oil each time, and replaced after approximately 30 uses or 2 months, as its unknown whether or not toxins are transferred from the body into the pack and exposure increases over time as the natural materials break down

Is it perfect? Well, no, because we had to do a few workarounds to get compliance from patients.

All less-mess versions of Castor Oil Packs use a protective layer of some sort, whether it be a harsher plastic like vinyl or other.

Ultimately, the healthiest way is to use only cotton flannel, but you would lose all the convenience of the ‘less mess’ outer layer on the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack.

Plus, that’s why you have the organic cotton flannel side of your Queen of the Thrones® Pack, that’s meant to sit on your skin and be as free of hormone disruptors as possible.

I know what you’re thinking, can’t I just rub the oil on my abdomen instead of using the pack? That won’t work because it’s not the oil that does the work, it’s the gentle compression from the pack WITH the oil.

Would you love to know all the reasons why the pack is essential? I have the answers for you in this blog post.

Because you’re reading this, you’re now aware of the quality of care that you need. If this scared you a little, that’s good because that’ll help you become more aware so you can make the smartest choices for you and your loved ones.

 

Our promise to you:

We are consistently innovating our products based on customer feedback and striving for the cleanest materials presently available on the market while being transparent about our manufacturing processes and materials standards.

Our aim is to create a product that bridges time-honored ancient cleansing, drainage and detox practices with modern day convenience.

Please contact us at care@queenofthethrones.com if you have any questions about your product or need support. We have a dream team to help you!

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Susan Adcox, Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD. What are Endocrine Disruptors? Published on WedMD.com April 7th, 2022 https://www.webmd.com/children/what-are-endocrine-disruptors.

2. Beszterda M, Frański R. Endocrine disruptor compounds in environment: As a danger for children health. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2018;24(2):88-95. doi: 10.18544/PEDM-24.02.0107. PMID: 30300430.

3. Drexler H. Skin protection and percutaneous absorption of chemical hazards. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2003 Jun;76(5):359-61. doi: 10.1007/s00420-002-0423-4. Epub 2003 May 22. PMID: 12761626.

4. De Jong MDT, Harkink KM, Barth S. Making Green Stuff? Effects of Corporate Greenwashing on Consumers. J Bus Tech Commun. 2018 Jan;32(1):77-112. doi: 10.1177/1050651917729863. Epub 2017 Sep 25. PMID: 30034204; PMCID: PMC6044111.

5. Esti Asih Nurdiah, The Potential of Bamboo as Building Material in Organic Shaped Buildings. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 216, 2016, Pages 30-38, ISSN 1877-0428, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042815061844

6. Bamboo Fiber Processing, Properties, and Applications. Biomass and Bioenergy, 2014 ISBN : 978-3-319-07640-9. Sameen Ruqia Imadi, Isra Mahmood, Alvina Gul Kazi

7. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. PMID: 11200362.

8. Holm T, Brøgger-Jensen MR, Johnson L, Kessel L.Glutathione preservation during storage of rat lenses in opti-sol-GS and castor oil. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 19;8(11):e79620. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079620. eCollection 2013. PMID: 24260265.

9. Holmes GM, Browning KN, Babic T, Fortna SR, Coleman FH, Travagli RA. Vagal afferent fibres determine the oxytocin-induced modulation of gastric tone. J Physiol. 2013 Jun 15;591(12):3081-100. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.253732. Epub 2013 Apr 15. PMID: 23587885; PMCID: PMC3832121.

10. Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18. PMID: 21168117.

How to Cleanse & Detox with Castor Oil Packs for Balanced Testosterone

How to Cleanse & Detox with Castor Oil Packs for Balanced Testosterone

How to Cleanse & Detox with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs for Balanced Testosterone

How to Cleanse & Detox with Castor Oil Packs for Balanced Testosterone

Written by: Victoria Williams R.H.N. Victoria Williams Director of Operations at Queen of the Thrones Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Victoria is Head of Operations at Queen of the Thrones®. Victoria obtained a Pre-Health Science Certificate with Honours from Georgian College, which ignited her passion for natural wellness and nutrition.
Full bio

Medically reviewed by: Marisol Teijeiro, N.D. (inactive) & Melanie Swackhammer, BA.

Est. reading time: 12 minutes.

 

Why Men Need to Cleanse and Detox While They Sleep

It’s that time of year again, my friend. When we start our search for a quick and easy cleanse and detox practice so we can look good now and feel better after a long winter of lack, right?

Lack of sun, lack of energy & balance, lack of exercise, lack of a healthy diet…the list goes on, agreed?

One thing we certainly aren’t lacking is a build-up of stress and toxins (also known as ‘garbage’), and the discomforts of possible leaky gut symptoms we experience because of them, wouldn’t you agree?

Then what happens? Well, you start to feel like your body is backed up with all that ‘garbage’. Kind of like a house that never gets visited by the weekly garbage truck. Can you see it?

Cleansing and Detoxing your body is easier with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs

Your easy way to cleanse & detox to boost energy levels

And, for most people, the idea of cleansing and detoxing is crunching on carrot sticks, while almost drowning yourself in 8 cups of water all day and then joining a hot yoga class twice a week after work. And this alone is a deterrent to the thought of even attempting a cleanse, especially for men. Would you agree?

Because, let’s face it, after working in a mentally and physically demanding environment all day, the last thing he wants to do is anything at the end of it.

Even though he would LOVE to feel good with an energy boost from a balanced production of hormones such as testosterone, to start his car rebuild in the garage or finish drywalling the basement, or even for a romantic night out on the town with his partner, he just can’t find the energy.

With the months of fighting with heartburn that feels like fire is going to barrel up your throat like a rocket launcher, to the weeks of constipation that feels like a football is lodged in your large intestine, on top of having to be mentally and physically present every day, how can the idea of anything else be of interest anyway?

Not to mention hobbies and date nights become just another task that is put off over and over again

Cleanse and Detox While You Sleep

Discover how to Reduce Stress and Inflammation with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs

So, how can we as health care practitioners help with improving energy, balance hormones, regulate gut inflammation and address those uncomfortable, energy-draining symptoms from the overburden of toxin accumulation from those long winter months?

With the Queen of the Thrones® Day & Night Detox Kit!

A simple and easy-to-use tool kit to improve hormonal balance and optimize overall health and well-being.

And to restore balance in his day-night cycle by regulating the inflammation in the gut while you or your partner sleeps…it just doesn’t get any easier!

This is a super important step in a detox process, especially for men, to ensure optimal production of his testosterone levels while he sleeps, which will have him waking with that burst of energy he needs to seize the day!

You know the feeling, right? Instead of waking in a sluggish, foggy state, you wake up before your alarm and jump out of bed ready to knock off the list of “to-do’s” that you have been wanting to get done for so long with gusto!

The reality is that without optimal functioning of our clogged-up cleansing and detoxing organs, we tend to wake feeling tired and sluggish more often than not. Would you agree?

Liver detox with lifestyle changes & Castor Oil

(Not Castrol ‘Motor’ Oil!)

So, here is when we begin the practice of cleansing and detoxing. In the morning, on waking, with the dry brushing tool.

Priming our engine with dry brushing in the morning stimulates circulation and influences that healthy flow, rhythm and harmony that our body is so much in need of.

Without this priming, we tend to experience some lag when we hit the gas in the morning, instead of that thrust of pick up and go!

Next, we want to hit the kitchen, where the beet juice is, to begin the day with gut-healing nourishment.

Because nitric acid, the powerful component in beet juice, acts as a healing performance accelerator in the regulation of inflammation in the gut by increasing circulation1, which leads to reducing & removing those fiery symptoms of leaky gut.

Queen of the Thrones Beet Juice Recipe supports circulation and reduce inflammation

Then, in the evening, apply the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack to your liver region where the Castor Oil can begin the process of regulating inflammation2, while the pack brings a wonderful and calming effect on your nervous system by promoting the “feel good” hormones3:

  • Dopamine – our motivator
  • Oxytocin – our love and happiness booster
Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs is a quick and easy cleanse and detox practice

The release of these feel-good hormones will then promote the release of all of the mental, emotional and physical stress from the day, and prepare you for a proper night’s sleep.

Plus, during your slumber, testosterone production begins to increase from the stimulation of circulation with every hour and, on waking, you’ll have more energy than you did the day before creating the balance in your day-night cycle your body has so desperately been craving.

The best part? Your Day and Night Detox Kit also comes with a Castor Oil Eye Compress (a sleep eye mask) so you can naturally increase melatonin4-5, your sleep hormone and gently reset your sleep-wake cycle! Amazing, right?

Cleanse with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs to balance your testosterone levels

The other best part? You can block out light at night and because it’s light in color, your Eye Compress lets light in naturally so you can wake up with the sun. Sounds nice, agreed?

King of Energy and Hormone Balance

Queen of the Thrones Day and Night Detox kit improves your health gut environment

Because a daily ritual of using your Queen of the Thrones® Day & Night Detox Kit, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, will help create a healthy gut environment rewarding you with the relief of those disruptive, painful and uncomfortable symptoms.

You’ll sleep like a king and wake to take on your day with the energy of a champion.

And when your body is no longer going 100 miles an hour while stuck in first gear, your energy will increase at a smooth pace – just like the gradual shifting of gears through butter.

 

So, take the tarp off that old beast in the garage, because you will soon be tinkering with your favorite hobbies from your newfound increase in energy and luster.

Let’s celebrate with a pint to kick off your new Queen of the Thrones® Cleanse and Detox practice.

A pint of nourishing beet juice, of course!

Are you a practitioner, health coach or wellness influencer? If you’re interested in recommending our easy-to-use tools and practically applying them in your health and wellness professional practice, in clinic, or online with the people you serve, you can join now!

Click here for references

1. Zamani H, de Joode MEJR, Hossein IJ, Henckens NFT, Guggeis MA, Berends JE, de Kok TMCM, van Breda SGJ. The benefits and risks of beetroot juice consumption: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(5):788-804. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1746629. Epub 2020 Apr 15. PMID: 32292042.

2. Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11200362

3. Walker SC1, Trotter PD2, Swaney WT2, Marshall A3, Mcglone FP4. C-tactile afferents: Cutaneous mediators of oxytocin release during affiliative tactile interactions? Neuropeptides. 2017 Aug;64:27-38. doi: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 19. PMID: 28162847 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28162847.

4. Rong-fang Hu, Xiao-ying Jiang, Yi-ming Zeng, Xiao-yang Chen, You-hua Zhang. Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment. Published online 2010 Apr 18. PMID: 20398302.

5. Khoddam H, Maddah SA, Rezvani Khorshidi S, Zaman Kamkar M, Modanloo M. The effects of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients admitted to coronary care units: A randomised clinical trial. J Sleep Res. 2022 Apr;31(2):e13473. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13473. Epub 2021 Sep 12. PMID: 34514653.

Disclaimer

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