How Castor Oil May Help Support Hair Loss Due to Menopause

How Castor Oil May Help Support Hair Loss Due to Menopause

How Castor Oil May Help Support Hair Loss Due to Menopause by Queen of the Thrones

How Castor Oil May Help Support Hair Loss Due to Menopause

Written by: Heather Tanti R.P.N (non-practicing)

Medically reviewed by: Melanie Swackhammer B.A.

Est. reading time: 12 minutes

Let’s be honest; your hair can make or break your day at times. A bad hair day can have an impact on everything from your self-confidence, to the way others view you.

But beyond bad hair days lies the physical, mental and emotional aspects that come with the hormonal changes to your hair caused by menopause. If you find yourself in this transitional phase of life, you may be all-too-familiar with unwanted changes that may be happening to your hair, agreed?

Perhaps you’ve found yourself circling your local pharmacy for specialty shampoos and conditioners, hair mask treatments, etc., trying to find anything that will possibly help with menopause hair loss. Is this you? You’re not alone.

In this blog, you’ll discover the ins and outs of hair loss, hair thinning, and everything in between when it comes to menopause and your hormones. Plus, you’ll even uncover an all natural Castor Oil shampoo recipe that helps support healthy-looking hair. Let’s begin, shall we?

What is menopause?

Ever wondered why your once predictable body is suddenly reacting in unfamiliar ways? Menopause, a term shrouded in uncertainty, marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years—the finale of the menstrual cycle. 

What is Menopause by Queen of the Thrones

Picture it as the gradual dimming of lights on a long-running production.

This natural process typically hits in the late 40s or early 50s, unfolding at its own pace for each woman.1 Menopause is a hormonal tango, featuring estrogen and progesterone that  triggers unpredictable changes within your body.

From hot flashes and mood swings to shifts in sleep patterns, menopause introduces an array of bodily changes, making the journey both unpredictable and challenging, especially when it comes to your hair.

Menopause hair changes

Have you been noticing your hair swirling down the drain during your showers? Or maybe your hairbrush has been gathering those precious strands more than usual these days. Can you relate?

As women get older, they’re more likely to deal with hair loss or hair thinning, especially after menopause. Recent stats say that approximately 80% of women have hair loss by the time they hit 60 years old.2

Thinning hair from menopause

Is your hair lacking volume? During menopause, hormonal shifts and aging can affect your hair follicles, causing issues like thinning, loss of volume, and changes in texture. These changes are mainly due to a drop in estrogen levels. 

It’s important to note that not every woman goes through menopause hair loss, and the degree of transformation varies widely from person to person. Genetic factors, stress, diet, and other elements also play a role in this variation.3

But what about the emotional side to dealing with thinning hair? It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit disheartened or frustrated, but remember, you’re not alone.

To help navigate this phase successfully, it’s important to understand the science behind menopausal hair thinning. 

Queen of the Thrones menopausal hair thinning insights and support

Essentially, as estrogen decreases, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, leading to more hair in the resting phase and less in the growing phase. This often results in overall thinner hair, and while it’s a natural part of the process, there are ways to help support it, so keep reading to find out!

Hair loss due to menopause

Having a midlife hair crisis? It might be menopause.

As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the delicate balance in hormonal fluctuations can impact various aspects of our well-being, including hair health. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining the hair growth cycle, and when it begins to decline, it can lead to a condition known as female pattern hair loss.4

This form of hair less typically manifests as a widening part, or a noticeable decrease in overall hair volume.

Queen of-the Thrones understanding menopausal hair crisis

Hair loss is more than just a physical change, however. It’s an emotional journey that many women grapple with silently. Can you relate?

It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings of frustration, self-consciousness, and even grief that may accompany this transformative period in your life.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for menopausal hair loss, there are natural options that may help support this phase that we will touch on soon.

Menopause facial hair

As if hair thinning and hair loss wasn’t enough to contend with, but now you’re sprouting facial hair? Is this normal? 

Following menopause, women might undergo a decrease in estradiol (E2) levels, alongside an increase in testosterone (T) and low SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) levels. 

This hormonal change can result in subtle indicators of hyperandrogenemia (the excessive presence of the male sex hormones testosterone, androsterone and androstenedione in women), such as the gradual appearance of fine facial hair or an escalation in scalp hair loss.5

While unwanted facial hair is a natural part of the hormonal shifts that happen with menopause, the emotional impact can weigh heavy. Society often places pressure on women to have smooth, hair-free skin, which can make this change feel like an unwelcome departure from societal norms.

While challenging to navigate, it’s important to recognize that this is a shared experience among many women, and it does not diminish your beauty or femininity.

Can hair grow back after menopause?

Now, you may be wondering- Can hair grow back after menopause? Thankfully, menopause hair loss often isn’t permanent.

Can hair grow back after menopause by Queen of the Thrones

Factors that may affect hair regrowth include:

Hormone Balance: Maintaining hormone balance may possibly help create a more conducive environment for hair regrowth.6 Some ways to achieve hormone balance is through hormone replacement therapy.

Another natural way to help support your hormones is with a Castor Oil Pack, which you can wear over your pelvic and hip area.

You see, wearing a Castor Oil Pack over your pelvic region is thought to nourish your reproductive organs and support hormone balancing.

Would you love to know more? Well, Queen of the Thrones® has created an easy, less-mess way to do a pelvic Castor Oil Pack practice with their Pelvis & Hips Castor Oil Pack made with high quality organic materials and third-party tested, practitioner-grade Castor Oil..

Nutrition & Lifestyle: As you know, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is key for maintaining overall well-being, including hair health.7 Ensuring your diet consists of vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids is important.

While there are various ways to support hair regrowth after menopause, it’s important to approach this delicately and with realistic expectations. Factors such as genetic predisposition, overall health, and the duration of hair loss can influence the hair regrowth, meaning outcomes may vary from person to person.

Benefits of Castor Oil for hair

Have you ever wondered about Castor Oil for your hair? This age-old golden oil has been used for centuries as a natural approach for hair care, skin care, nail care, and overall wellness support.

So, what are some of the natural ways Castor Oil can become a wonderful ally for your hair during menopause?

  1. Hydration & Moisture: Menopause can bring about dryness, leading to limp, dull hair. Castor Oil’s rich, nourishing properties make it an excellent natural emollient, loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids8. This means it may be able to help lock in moisture, and bring hydration to your strands.

     

  2. Stimulating Hair Growth: Castor Oil has been thought to help stimulate hair growth. The ricinoleic acid it contains may help bring more circulation to the scalp, supporting the nourishing of hair follicles.

  3. Support for Hair Thinning: Hormonal shifts during menopause can contribute to thinning hair. Castor Oil’s nutrient-rich composition, including omega-6 fatty acids, supports hair follicles, potentially limiting the impact of thinning.9 Plus, regular scalp massage with Castor Oil may help encourage a healthier scalp environment, thanks to Castor Oil’s antimicrobial10A and anti-inflammatory11 properties.
How can Castor Oil be used for Hair by Queen of the Thrones

Sounds good, agreed? But not all Castor Oil is made equally. Always ensure your Castor Oil is 100% pure, hexane free, extra virgin and bottled in glass- like Queen of the Thrones® Golden Castor Oil!

Let’s go a little deeper into how Castor Oil may help support healthier looking hair!

Castor Oil for hair growth

Castor Oil for Hair loss by Queen of the Thrones

Castor Oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that looks like a prostaglandin (a molecular messenger that reduces inflammation)12. Curious what this has to do with  menopausal hair loss?

Well, when applied to the scalp it is believed that Castor Oil may support slowing down inflammation via stimulation of the hair follicle. Plus, it may also help promote blood circulation via nitric oxide,13 supporting better nutrient and oxygen delivery to the hair follicles, potentially helping with hair growth.

Pretty neat, right? Plus, Castor Oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties10B may help combat scalp conditions that might limit hair growth, including dandruff and/or fungal infections.

You see, by maintaining a clean and balanced scalp, Castor Oil is thought to help support an ideal environment for hair growth.

Castor Oil for dry, brittle hair

Struggling with dry, brittle hair? Skip the hot oil treatment of the 90’s and try Castor Oil! This oil is rich in ricinolein, a monounsaturated fatty acid that allows it to act as natural moisturizer for your hair.14

Castor Oil’s thick consistency allows it to penetrate the hair shaft, helping to bring deep hydration to your strands. This helps in restoring moisture that may be lost during menopause, and may help make your hair more manageable and less prone to breakage.

But, remember that with Castor Oil, less is more since it is such a thick, luscious oil.

Makes sense, agreed? Plus, to make your Castor Oil hair routine less messy, you can add in a hair wrap, which is kind of like a Castor Oil Pack for your hair. Intrigued?

Well, Queen of the Thrones® has created a Castor Oil Hair Mask Kit, which means ease and less-mess. The best part? It’s made with high quality organic materials and third-party tested, practitioner-grade Castor Oil.

Homemade Castor Oil Shampoo

Tired of the endless products lining your bathroom counter? Why not try the potential natural benefits of Castor Oil for your hair? Check out this shampoo recipe below, which may help support menopause hair loss!

Homemade Castor Oil Shampoo:

  • Select a glass bottle with a capacity of approximately 350mL.
  • Incorporate 4 tablespoons of high-quality organic Castor Oil into the bottle.
  • Top up the remaining space in the bottle with an all-natural shampoo of your choice.
  • Vigorously shake the bottle to ensure thorough mixing before each use.
  • Apply the Castor Oil Shampoo during every wash, or as needed.

Note: Allow your hair a few washes to adapt to this formula, depending on your hair type. To have a full body experience, consider combining it with your nightly Castor Oil Pack routine and using a Castor Oil Hair Wrap.

Home made Castor oil shampoo by Queen of the Thrones

Would you love more Castor Oil recipes for your hair, skin and nails?

Conclusion

So, my friend, in the mirror’s reflection, the changes in your hair may symbolize the evolving chapters of your life, but it doesn’t write your story. 

As you incorporate Castor Oil into your hair care routine, envision it not as a solution to dryness, texture, breakage etc., but as a daily affirmation of self-compassion and self-care.

Afterall, the act of massaging Castor Oil into your scalp can become a moment of connection with your own body, a gesture of kindness to the strands that have accompanied you through countless experiences.

So, as you navigate the intricacies of menopause and menopause hair loss, remember that embracing the physical changes, including those in your hair, is a testament to the strength and beauty within every woman.

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. Ceylan B, Özerdoğan N. Factors affecting age of onset of menopause and determination of quality of life in menopause. Turk J Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Mar;12(1):43-49. doi: 10.4274/tjod.79836. Epub 2015 Mar 15. PMID: 28913040; PMCID: PMC5558404.

2. Ablon G, Kogan S, Raymond I. A Long-Term Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jul 1;21(7):783. doi: 10.36849/JDD.776. PMID: 35816069.

3. Rinaldi F, Trink A, Mondadori G, Giuliani G, Pinto D. The Menopausal Transition: Is the Hair Follicle “Going through Menopause”? Biomedicines. 2023 Nov 14;11(11):3041. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11113041. PMID: 38002043; PMCID: PMC10669803.

4. Goluch-Koniuszy ZS. Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause. Prz Menopauzalny. 2016 Mar;15(1):56-61. doi: 10.5114/pm.2016.58776. Epub 2016 Mar 29. PMID: 27095961; PMCID: PMC4828511.

5. Brzozowska M, Lewiński A. Changes of androgens levels in menopausal women. Prz Menopauzalny. 2020 Dec;19(4):151-154. doi: 10.5114/pm.2020.101941. Epub 2021 Jan 7. PMID: 33488324; PMCID: PMC7812536.

6. Hasan R, Juma H, Eid FA, Alaswad HA, Ali WM, Aladraj FJ. Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disorders on Hair Growth. Cureus. 2022 Dec 20;14(12):e32726. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32726. PMID: 36578854; PMCID: PMC9788837.

7. Rajput RJ. Influence of Nutrition, Food Supplements and Lifestyle in Hair Disorders. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2022 Oct 21;13(6):721-724. doi: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_175_22. PMID: 36386748; PMCID: PMC9650738.

8. 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

9. McMullen R, Jachowicz J. Optical properties of hair: effect of treatments on luster as quantified by image analysis. J Cosmet Sci. 2003 Jul-Aug;54(4):335-51. PMID: 14528387.

10A-10B. Iqbal J, Zaib S, Farooq U, Khan A, Bibi I, Suleman S. Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Aerial Parts of Periploca aphylla and Ricinus communis. ISRN Pharmacol. 2012;2012:563267. doi: 10.5402/2012/563267. Epub 2012 Jul 11. PMID: 22919511; PMCID: PMC3418662.

11. 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

12. Djuric Z, Aslam MN, Simon BR, Sen A, Jiang Y, Ren J, Chan R, Soni T, Rajendiran TM, Smith WL, Brenner DE. Effects of fish oil supplementation on prostaglandins in normal and tumor colon tissue: modulation by the lipogenic phenotype of colon tumors. J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Aug;46:90-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.04.013. Epub 2017 Apr 25. PMID: 28486173; PMCID: PMC5503762.

13. Mascolo N, 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.

14. Dias MFRG, Loures AF, Ekelem C. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 27;54(4):507-513. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739241. PMID: 34984093; PMCID: PMC8719955.

7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

Top Best Uses for Castor Oil by Queen of the Thrones

7 Top Best Uses for Castor Oil

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.

Use #6 is our favorite!

Have you been curious about how you can use Castor Oil and/or Castor Oil Packs? Maybe you’ve been told to give them a try from your practitioner but would love to know more.

You see, Castor Oil Packs are a legendary practice that dates back to ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Ancient Egyptians, and Mediterraneans all used Castor Oil for its rejuvenating health and beauty benefits. Amazing, agreed?

The castor bean plant has even been given the special name of the ‘Palm of Christ’, as Castor Oil is mentioned in the Bible as an anointing oil.

Plus, Castor Oil on its own or on a Castor Oil Pack (more on Castor Oil Packs soon), has been called an absolute game-changer by many who have used them.

Would you love to know 3 tried & true Castor Oil Pack protocols used by practitioners so you can restore your body from the inside out?

But, you might be wondering, “what are the best uses of this oil?” Well, you’re in the right place because this blog will uncover the 7 best uses of Castor Oil (supported by science). You’ll see why and how the topical use of Castor Oil may be your new go-to for your natural wellness routine.

Are you ready?

One of the first and most important functions is that…

#1. Castor Oil supports lymphatic drainage

Did you know that your lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fighting against infections and balancing your fluid levels?

And when your lymphatic system is clogged, like your hair-filled shower drain, your body can’t cleanse properly and you might feel lethargic because your body’s fluids are unbalanced.

This also means you might have too much harmful bacteria, making you feel like you just came off the tilt-o-whirl. Does this sound like you?

So, where does Castor Oil come into play? Well, when applied topically on your skin, Castor Oil works its way into your tissues and stimulates lymphatic drainage via the Peyer’s patches1, a small group of lymphatic tissues.

 

You can further enhance the effect of Castor Oil with a Castor Oil Liver Pack. The compression of the Pack placed over your liver area (over your right rib cage), combined with the movement of your breathing muscles, acts like a pump for your lymphatic system, encouraging lymphatic drainage.2

Plus, you can also enhance lymphatic flow by simply adding a Lymphatic Lymphatic Dry Brush to accompany your Castor Oil Pack practice so you can…

  • Reduce inflammation that’s taking up space in your body.
  • Increase circulation so you can truly reconnect to your body.
  • Engage your lymphatic system and organs to help your body cleanse naturally.

Amazing, right?!

Another wonderful use for Castor Oil is…

#2. Using it as an anti-aging tool

You see, Castor Oil is rich in fatty acids, which contain skin-nourishing nutrients like omega 6 and 9, vitamin E, and polyphenols3,4 like quercetin. These nutrients have anti-aging5 properties that reduce wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness under the eyes. Sounds wonderful, agreed? So, you can use a Castor Oil Eye Compress as a vehicle for your Castor Oil to work its anti-aging magic. Plus, the Eye Compress stimulates both the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Bonus tip: You can also use Castor Oil as an eye makeup remover and a gentle moisturizer. So, that brings us to our next use for Castor Oil. Are you ready?

#3. You can use Castor Oil for thicker eyelashes and brows

Various factors like stress, bacterial growth, immune reactions, thyroid and hormonal imbalances can cause thinning of eyebrows and eyelashes. Can you relate?

So, regular use of a Castor Oil Eye Compress (while you sleep) can nourish the hair follicles and enhance circulation6. All you need to do is apply Castor Oil to your lashes and brows, and your Eye Compress helps keep the oil from rubbing off. Makes sense, right?

Plus, wearing an Eye Compress7,8,9 to bed helps to naturally balance your sleep hormone, melatonin10,11, so you can sleep deeper. Would you love that?

Queen of the Thrones recommend Castor Oil Packs to sleep well and recharge
So we talked about your brows and lashes, but what about using Castor Oil for the hair on your head? We have all the information you need in this blog post. When used on your scalp, the Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit nourishes, hydrates, and repairs hair deeply from your roots to tips. So what’s next?

#4. Castor Oil also helps naturally manage inflammation

You may have heard that Castor Oil can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory for your bowels, right? Have you also heard that it can be helpful for inflammation during your period and for inflammation in general?

But how does it work? Well, Castor Oil stimulates the smooth muscles12 of the digestive tract as well as the uterus.

Have you noticed that you poo more often before and during your period? That’s because the same hormones and messengers of the body stimulate your digestive tract to move and your uterus to expel the blood.13

By acting on your smooth muscles, Castor Oil Packs can even help with your cramping.

While we’re on the subject of pain, it’s important to discuss another common cause of pain — inflammation, which can be found all over your body in varying degrees.

Castor Oil Packs are wonderful, natural tools for inflammatory pain.

You see, the unique active component of Castor Oil — ricinoleic acid — is an anti-inflammatory14 and analgesic (pain reliever)15 agent. So, that paired with the gentle compression of your Castor Oil Pack works together so the Castor Oil can permeate deeper into your skin.

Queen of the Castor Oil helps naturally to manage inflammation
You can also use Castor Oil to support arthritis, sore joints, lower back, hip and sciatic pain. Plus, it can be used on your skin as an anti-inflammatory for breakouts/acne and on your gums. Amazing, agreed? Are you wondering how exactly Castor Oil Packs work and if you can get the same anti-inflammatory benefits from just rubbing Castor Oil on your liver/abdomen? Find out everything you need to know in this blog post. The best part? Castor Oil not only fights inflammation but also…

#5. Fights unhealthy bacteria and promotes healthy bacteria

You see, a balance between healthy and harmful bacteria is crucial for your skin and scalp health.

So, when applied to the skin, scalp, and mucus membrane, Castor Oil can help to support a healthy microbiome.16,17,18,19

Cleansing your skin with Castor Oil can help balance the bacteria propionibacterium acne,20 which can cause skin breakouts.

When you use Castor Oil on your scalp, it can naturally balance the microbiome of the scalp and may help reduce inflammation of hair follicles and dandruff relief. Amazing, agreed?

And, now, it’s time for our favorite use of Castor Oil. Ready?

#6. Castor Oil + a Castor Oil Pack supports constipation relief

Your digestive system is much more complicated than just the food you eat because your gut is also highly regulated via hormonal and nervous system pathways. In fact, your gut is known as the second brain.

But why? Because it relies on the brain to tell it what to do and is the only organ that can work independently.

This means you could take it out of the body and it’d function entirely on its own. This system is called the enteric nervous system, which dictates what goes on in the gut. How interesting is that!

But, there are only a few ways to engage the gut’s action. The easiest is the tried and true Castor Oil Liver Pack.

Studies have shown that Castor Oil Pack over the liver helps to relieve constipation and improves the smooth muscle function of the digestive tract.21 This allows you to get rid of all the junk in your digestive system and start having regular healthy bowel movements. Sounds wonderful, agreed?

Traditionally, Castor Oil has been recommended by pharmacists to be taken orally as a strong stimulant laxative.21,22

However, Castor Oil Packs have been shown to be just as effective and better tolerated for relieving constipation when applied topically as a gentle Castor Oil Pack, compared to conventional laxatives.

The cherry on top? Castor Oil Packs can also reduce stress23,24,25,26 and support balanced hormones, similar to a weighted blanket, which brings us to the last best use of Castor Oil…

#7. The topical use of Castor Oil supports natural hormone balancing

Do you find it difficult to sleep, feel tired, or have digestion problems?

If yes, it’s likely you have higher stress levels, which ultimately affects your hormones.

The soft compression of your Castor Oil Packs on your skin calms your entire system and stimulates the release of feel-good “love and connection” hormones so you can naturally promote the production of our feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine25, as well as our love and connection hormone, oxytocin.23

Topical use of Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil supports natural hormone balancing

Plus, oxytocin also lowers cortisol (your stress hormone) and balances blood pressure,27 leading to healthy levels of progesterone.

Why does this matter? Well, studies show a connection between higher anxiety levels and high progesterone levels.28

But remember, rest and relaxation take practice when you use Castor Oil consistently. The best part? Your Castor Oil Pack gives your body a chance to practice over and over again, so be gentle with yourself.

But with all practices, it’s as important that when you do it, you make sure to do it with the right ingredients, and as with all natural health products, quality matters. Especially in this case. The Castor Oil and the material placed against your skin should always be of great quality. Your checklist for good quality Castor Oil (like Queen of the Thrones®):
  • 100% pure
  • Organic
  • Cold-pressed & extra virgin
  • Hexane-free
  • Bottled in amber glass
Your checklist for a good quality Castor Oil Pack (like Queen of the Thrones®):
  • Organic cotton, wool, or linen touching the skin
  • No synthetic blends or chemically treated materials touching the skin (i.e., velour, bamboo)
  • No uncomfortable belts, buttons, or velcro
So, you see not just Castor Oil, but the Castor Oil Pack is a tried and true self-care tool with anti-aging qualities for both health and beauty since the beginning of humanity. Try it for yourself to see!

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. 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

2. 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.

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

4. Patel, V. R., Dumancas, G. G., Viswanath, L. C. K., Maples, R. & Subong, B. J. J. Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production. Lipid Insights 9, 1–12, (2016). PMID: 27656091

5. Mary Fu, BA, MA Jennifer Brusewitz, ND Castor Oil & Age-Related Cataract – A Case for the Therapeutic Order NDNR Posted May 1, 2018 In Anti-Aging

6. Coonen. L.P “Herodotus on Biology”. The Scientific Monthly. Vol. 76. No. 2, 1953. Pp.63-70. JSTOR.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Miller MA, Renn BN, Chu F, Torrence N. Sleepless in the hospital: A systematic review of non-pharmacological sleep interventions. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2019 Jul-Aug;59:58-66. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.05.006. Epub 2019 May 24. PMID: 31170567; PMCID: PMC6620136.

10. Bitar, R.D., Torres-Garza, J.L., Reiter, R.J. and Phillips, W.T. 2021. Neural glymphatic system: Clinical implications and potential importance of melatonin. Melatonin Research. 4, 4 (Dec. 2021), 551-565

11. Li Y, Zhang J, Wan J, Liu A, Sun J. Melatonin regulates Aβ production/clearance balance and Aβ neurotoxicity: A potential therapeutic molecule for Alzheimer’s disease. Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Dec;132:110887. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110887. Epub 2020 Nov 2. PMID: 33254429.

12. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395

13. Camerino C. The New Frontier in Oxytocin Physiology: The Oxytonic Contraction. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jul 21;21(14):5144. doi: 10.3390/ijms21145144. PMID: 32708109; PMCID: PMC7404128.

14. Boddu SH1, Alsaab H2, Umar S3, Bonam SP2, Gupta H2, Ahmed S3. Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery. Int J Pharm. 2015 Feb 1;479(1):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.051. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

15. 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.

16. Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, Dhakan DB, Hegde P, Veeranagaiah MM, Saha S, Souverain L, Roy N, Breton L, Misra N, Sharma VK. Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2018 Oct 4;8:346. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00346. PMID: 30338244; PMCID: PMC6180232.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20.Orchard A, van Vuuren S. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4517971. doi: 10.1155/2017/4517971. Epub 2017 May 4. PMID: 28546822; PMCID: PMC5435909.

21. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptorsProc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109PMID: 22615395

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. Uvnas-Moberg K1, Petersson M.[Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing]. Z Psychosom Med Psychother. 2005;51(1):57-80. PMID: 15834840

28. Reynolds TA, Makhanova A, Marcinkowska UM, Jasienska G, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Maner JK. Progesterone and women’s anxiety across the menstrual cycle. Horm Behav. 2018 Jun;102:34-40. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.04.008. Epub 2018 Apr 24. PMID: 29673619.

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.

5 Benefits of Castor Oil for your Hair

5 Benefits of Castor Oil for your Hair

Gluten and dairy sensibilities by Queen of the Thrones

5 Benefits of Castor Oil for your Hair

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.

Your natural secret for dull, thinning hair and split ends

Remember hearing the story of Samson in the Bible? When he lost his hair, he lost all of his power. In Native American culture, hair is thought to be an extension of the spirit. Historically, locks of hair were given to lovers as a token of affection or passed down as a family heirloom.

Hair is a significant part of our humanity, which is why problems with our hair can deeply disrupt our well-being. Would you agree?

No wonder there are so many products available in the market to help your hair grow, shine and thrive. Did you know that Castor Oil is known as a tried & true restorative tool for your hair, too?

So, you might be wondering, “how does Castor Oil help to grow hair?”

Well, to truly know if Castor Oil can help your locks, it’s essential to first understand the common reasons for your hair problems.

Common causes for hair loss include:

  1. Hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, or menopause
  2. Malnourishment or poor nutrient absorption
  3. Stress, immune imbalances, or autoimmune disorders

Can you relate to any of these? You’re in the right place.

Would you love to make the most of Castor Oil for your hair with a tried & true 7 essential oil blend so you can support your hair and scalp?

So, how can Castor Oil help?

Castor Oil has been supporting hair throughout the centuries, from Greek Goddesses to Roman Empresses to Egyptian Queens.

Legend has it, Castor Oil was the beauty secret of the beautiful Queen Cleopatra herself! Amazing, right?

There’s also mention of Castor Oil in the Bible as a divine healing and anointing oil.

Plus, it’s full of hair-loving nutrients like polyphenols, omega fatty acids, and vitamin E1. No wonder this oil has such a rich history.

Now, let’s see what science has to say about Castor Oil, ready?

So, how can Castor Oil help?

You see, Castor Oil is full of hormone-balancing, hair-loving nutrients. It stimulates circulation, balances inflammation, moisturizes the scalp, and SO much more!

1. Supporting a healthy scalp microbiome

Micro….what? No, it’s not gross- stay with me here.

The scalp microbiome is a community of simple organisms that grow on your scalp. Microbiome is a diverse mix of bacteria that work together to manage your scalp health (just like healthy bacteria in your gut). Makes sense, right?

If the delicate balance is thrown off, you can develop unfortunate scalp problems like flaking, itching, and irritation2. Sound familiar?

2. Soothing scalp inflammation

Castor Oil comes from the castor bean, which is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid shown to soothe inflammation.3

Scalp inflammation can result in dryness and flaking. So, by preventing and soothing inflammation, Castor Oil may also reduce flaking.

Plus, Castor Oil is rich in various fatty acids that provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and prevent hair follicle inflammation.4 Amazing, agreed?

These nutrients and proteins bring us to the next benefit of Castor Oil all about how it can…

3. Nourish your hair

Castor Oil is also rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize the harmful effects of the oxidation caused by free radicals on your hair.5

They also protect hair from ultraviolet rays and sun damage, promote hair growth, and manage frizz.

You see, lack of nutrients can slow down your hair growth and even cause hair loss. However, Castor Oil supports hair nutrition by…

4. Improving circulation to hair follicles

Applying Castor Oil on your scalp promotes nitric oxide, an antioxidant that supports blood circulation.6,7 Better blood flow combined with the penetrability of the fatty acids in Castor Oil may help deliver nourishment to the hair follicles.8 This means stronger strands and less breakage. Sounds wonderful, right?

Better circulation also means that the follicles don’t weaken over time, promoting healthy hair growth.

Loving the benefits so far? Well, adding a Hair Wrap can help enhance the benefits of Castor Oil for your hair. Here’s how it helps…

5. Supporting lymph drainage

Your lymphatic stem cells are grouped in clusters, surrounded by lymphatic vessels.9

Your hair follicles play a role in fluid drainage, and poor drainage may mean less tissue regeneration, and more issues with hair loss or thinning.

The gentle compression of the Castor Oil Hair Wrap helps support lymphatic drainage on the scalp, promoting healthy growth for your hair.

This means less worrying about hair loss, hair thinning, or managing split ends. Would you love that?

As an added bonus, Castor Oil promotes growth and thickness of eyebrows and eyelashes!

Ready to see the magic of Castor Oil on your hair? Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is 100% pure, organic, extra virgin cold-pressed, hexane-free, and comes in a glass bottle.

And how do you use Castor Oil for your hair? Well, the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit comes with all the tools needed for less mess hair-care.

The best part? Because you’re here now, if you choose to buy the Castor Oil Hair Growth Kit today, you’ll get a second Hair Growth Kit for 50% OFF. Amazing, right?!

There’s more, especially for essential oil lovers. Is this you?

Castor Oil is amazing on its own, but it’s also a wonderful carrier oil for essential oils as its unique molecular structure allows it to carry nutrients deeper into the skin & hair follicles, bringing you even more hair-loving benefits.10

Did you know that essential oils like rosemary and lavender work synergistically to strengthen circulation and enhance your hair growth, while soothing an itchy scalp?

Studies have shown seven essential oils work the best with Castor Oil so you can give yourself a truly restorative hair care experience.11 Would you love to know which 7 essential oils you can use and how to do it?

Hair is a crown that you never take off and needs the royal treatment it deserves so now’s your chance to show your crown some self-care!

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. Boddu SH1, Alsaab H2, Umar S3, Bonam SP2, Gupta H2, Ahmed S3. Anti-inflammatory effects of a novel ricinoleic acid poloxamer gel system for transdermal delivery. Int J Pharm. 2015 Feb 1;479(1):207-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.12.051. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

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.

3. 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.

4. 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.PMID: 24789291.

5. 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. PMID: 28678952.

6. Marcela Moreira Salles, Maurício Malheiros Badaró, Carolina Noronha Ferraz de Arruda, Vanessa Maria Fagundes Leite, Cláudia Helena Lovato da Silva, Evandro Watanabe, Viviane de Cássia Oliveira, Helena de Freitas Oliveira Paranhos, Antimicrobial activity of complete denture cleanser solutions based on sodium hypochlorite and Ricinus communis – a randomized clinical study. Randomized Controlled Trial J Appl Oral Sci Nov-Dec 2015;23(6):637-42. doi: 10.1590/1678-775720150204. PMID: 26814466.

7. 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. PMID: 26814466.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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.

11. Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. 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.

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.