Why Am I Constipated? It Isn’t Just About Food

Why Am I Constipated? It Isn’t Just About Food

Learn with Queen of the Thrones why are you Constipated

Why Am I Constipated? It Isn’t Just About Food

Written by: Marisol Teijeiro ND (inactive).
Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.

Est. reading time: 6 minutes.

It isn’t a good time, sitting, waiting, wishing for something to manifest. In fact, it is totally painful. Yes, I’m talking about constipation. It affects millions around the world and is the most pressing health condition that exists today. Why then, are there not better ways to solve this ever-pressing problem? (pun intended)

Many people think that constipation simply has to do with food. Of course, food is a huge factor. Not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water can contribute to constipation. And if we eat foods that we are sensitive to, the body often responds with bloating and constipation. But there are a number of other factors that contribute to this agonizing issue which we will explore in this article.

How the body poops

The gut operates under a principle of pressure and lubrication. Without these, you cannot poo! This is why consuming a substantial amount of fiber helps you go to the bathroom. The fiber simply creates the pressure needed to push stools along your digestive tract, and allows for the lower sphincter to relax so you can go poo. Fluids also help create pressure and have the double purpose of lubricating the digestive tract. Another key source of lubrication for the gut is the consumption of healthy fats.

The Psychology of Constipation?

Without proper pressure and lubrication, there is a high chance of constipation. However, it is not this simple. Constipation is not only about food, it is mediated by a variety of other mechanisms

Pathology of constipation by Queen of the Thrones

Hormonal Constipation

Hormones are another influencer of constipation. Thyroid issues can cause the metabolism to move at an incredibly slow rate, processing food and nourishment very slowly, and expelling it in the same manner1.

Estrogen dominance, which is an epidemic these days, also causes constipation2. High progesterone is required to have healthy bowel movements. When there is no stress, progesterone levels are higher, allowing the lower sphincter to work properly.

Nervous System Constipation

Stress is the other highly notable factor in constipation3. If you’re stressed, not only are you low in progesterone, but also in the minerals that help with relaxation and laxation such as magnesium and vitamin C.

Lifestyle Constipation

Your lifestyle can also contribute to constipation4. Movement of the body is required for movement of the bowels! Makes total sense, right? In order for the smooth muscle of the bowel to contract properly, regular exercise and movement is required5.

Emotional Constipation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the picture of constipation is correlated to being unable to let things go. You may have a tendency of holding onto things and not working through them. If you hoard, on either a physical or emotional level, you likely have issues with constipation. The body tends to freeze and slow down its activity to protect you. 

3 Simple Fixes to Support Constipation

Three tips to fix constipation by Queen of the Thrones

1. Analyzing Your Poo

If you learn how to read them, your poops can become your FREE daily oracle for the state of your health. They can help you decipher which factors are contributing to your constipation, and from there you can take the necessary steps to improve it.

Did you know that there are more than 50 Shades of Poo? Not really, but it sounds pretty cool, just like the movie 50 Shades of Grey. There are many colors, however, and it’s important to know which ones are normal and which ones could be a medical emergency.

Download our other free infographic, the 50 Shades of Poo, so you can find out what you should be looking for in the bowl. I promise you will be blown away by this one simple measure of poo yet there are so many more!

Analyzing Your Poo helps to identify causes of constopation according to Queen of the Thrones

2. Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil Packs are an amazing tool for constipation. In a study done in a home for the elderly, Castor Oil Packs were compared to conventional laxatives and found to be just as effective. The amazing thing is, there was no harsh urgency to run to the bathroom, as you get with laxatives.

Castor Oil Packs work on the physiological aspect of constipation, but they also indirectly help to balance hormones. Castor Oil Packs have a long history of use for supporting hormonal problems, including estrogen dominance and hypothyroidism. They may help with detoxification in the liver via glutathione7, which helps the liver to clear out excess hormones.

Castor Oil Packs work on the nervous system element of constipation by improving relaxation and balancing stress8,9. Another bonus of using Castor Oil Packs is that they may help with inflammation10,11, which can be yet another contributing factor in constipation12. Get started on your Castor Oil Pack practice today with the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver Kit.

Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs are the best remedy for Constipation

3. The Three Legged Stool

Now we know that constipation is about so much more than just food, but since the bowel runs on the principle of pressure and lubrication, it is still an important factor to support. We call this formula the ‘Three Legged Stool for Bowel Movement Success’.

  • Fiber (pressure) – We are drastically deficient in the amount of fiber we are eating. The recommended dosage is 30 grams of fiber per day. On average, North Americans consume only 4-5 grams per day. Great sources of fiber are vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are also excellent because they are high in calcium as well as fiber
    • Fluid (pressure and lubrication) – Our bodies are 80% water. Water is the universal solvent so it moves and cleanses. Ideally, you want to consume 30ml/kg (or 2.2 lbs) of body weight each day, and more if you are exercising.

    • Fat (lubrication) – Fat is like lubricant to your colon. Avocado (fiber and fat), olive oil or coconut oil are all amazing lubricating fats.

    So, bottom line, pooping is dependent on so much more than just the foods you are eating. Digestion and elimination function is mediated by hormonal and nervous systems in the body, as well as your lifestyle and emotions.

    Would you love a quick and easy recipe to help support colon cleansing and bowel movements? It incorporates what we like to call “ The Three Legged Stool” of…

    1. Fiber (pressure)- Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber that help to bind and move toxins out of the body, plus they’re rich in calcium.

    2. Fluid (pressure and lubrication)- The water in this recipe adds some fluid while softening the coconut oil so it can settle into your baking sheet.

    3. Fat (lubrication)- Coconut oil is a great source of healthy fats that act like a lubricant to your colon.

     

    Paleo Peppermint Bark Recipe

    Paleo peppermint bark ingredients by Queen of the Thrones

    Ingredients:

    • 1 tbsp of chia seeds 
    • 2 tbsp of softened coconut oil
    • 1 tbsp hot water
    • 2 drops of peppermint oil 
    • Optional: Stevia for enhanced sweetness 

    Directions:

    1. Mix or blend all ingredients together and pour into a baking sheet. You may add stevia for enhanced sweetness.
    2. Freeze overnight.
    3. Once frozen, break apart into pieces to enjoy and keep the rest in the freezer.

    Get ready to embark on a journey of deliciousness and well-being with “The Paleo Peppermint Bark”! It’s a recipe that not only supports your colon health but also brings joy and excitement to your taste buds. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into a world of flavor and rejuvenation!

    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. Anant D. Patil Link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May-Jun; 18(3): 307–309. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.131155 PMCID: PMC4056127PMID: 24944923

    2. Ji-Eun OhYong-Woon KimSo-Young Park, and Jong-Yeon Kim Estrogen Rather Than Progesterone Cause Constipation in Both Female and Male Mice. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2013 Oct; 17(5): 423–426. Published online 2013 Oct 17. doi: 10.4196/kjpp.2013.17.5.423 PMID: 24227943

    3. Yu-Ming ChangMohamad El-Zaatari, and John Y Kao Does stress induce bowel dysfunction? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2014 Dec 1. Published in final edited form as: Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Aug; 8(6): 583–585. Published online 2014 May 31. doi: 10.1586/17474124.2014.911659 PMID: 24881644

    4. Rong HuangSai-Yin Ho, * Wing-Sze Lo, and Tai-Hing Lam Physical Activity and Constipation in Hong Kong Adolescents. PLoS One. 2014; 9(2): e90193. Published online 2014 Feb 28. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090193 PMID: 24587274

    5. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School Constipation and Impaction. Published: March, 2016 https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/constipation-and-impaction-a-to-z

    6. 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.

    7. Holm TBrøgger-Jensen MRJohnson LKessel 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.

    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.

    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. ( Dopamine release, Limbic System of brain- Fatty Meal Satisfaction)

    10 Grady H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. Volume 7 Jan 1 1998; 7(1): 84-9

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

    12 Marjan Mokhtare, 1 Rahele Alimoradzadeh, 2 Shahram Agah, 3 ,* Hossein Mirmiranpour, 4 andNiloofar Khodabandehloo The Association between Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Constipation of Geriatrics in Iran. Middle East J Dig Dis. 2017 Oct; 9(4): 228–234. doi: 10.15171/mejdd.2017.78 PMID: 29255581

    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.

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    What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

    What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

    What Is A Castor Oil Pack and Why Do It?

    What Is A Castor Oil Pack & Why Do It?

    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 Complete Guide On How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

    Are you wondering what to expect after using the Castor Oil Pack for Liver?

    Or, are you curious to know more about the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack before you add it to your daily self-care routine?

    Is this you? This blog discusses everything you need to know about Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs and how the two work together to support both your liver and overall wellness.

    So, what is a Castor Oil Pack?

    Castor Oil Packs are an ancient self-care practice and foundation of naturopathic and functional medicine popularized in the early 1900s by Edgar Cayce.

    This traditional natural wellness practice involves applying Castor Oil to a cotton compress and wearing it on the body (typically over the liver) to support liver detox, deeper sleep, less stress, better bowel movements, and more.

    The Castor Oil Pack lost its appeal because of its messy and time-consuming nature and difficulty accessing quality organic materials. Makes sense, agreed?”

    So, we made this practice easy for the 21st century with the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver, a tried and true modernized Castor Oil Pack that’s heatless, less-mess, and easy to use.

    Would you love to know 3 vital body functions you can support with Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs?

    Well, we have an Infographic for you that explains the 3 key benefits of Castor Oil Packs, loved and recommended by wellness practitioners.

    With consistent use, Castor Oil Packs can support your body from the outside in. So much so that many people who love and use Castor Oil Packs think of it as a game changer.

    Queen of the Thrones happy customer testimony

    Where to wear your Castor Oil Pack?

    Castor Oil Packs can be worn all over the body from your thyroid, your tummy, your pelvic area, your joints, and even your eyes – but they are thought to have the most systemic benefit when worn over the liver area. This is because the liver area is where the regulatory systems of your body all intersect and interconnect (your hormonal, immune, nervous and digestive systems). Many people assume that you need to wear your Liver Pack right on your liver to get the benefits. Is this you too? However, this is not the case. Anatomically, the liver is located near the top of your right ribcage under the right breast. It would be a little difficult to wear your pack there, agreed? 
    Liver location in the body by Queen of the Thrones

    The ideal placement for your Castor Oil Pack is your liver area, over top of the dermatomes connected to your liver.

    You see, the anti-inflammatory component of Castor Oil called ricinoleic acid1 permeates the epidermis because of its molecular weight, this is where your circulatory and lymphatic vessels lie. And when placed over your liver area, these Packs activate the somatic and visceral reflexes (response to a stimulus) supporting the activity of internal detox and cleansing organs like the liver, kidney, gut, gallbladder, and more.

    So, this is why it’s ideal to wear the Pack over your liver area, below your ribs on the right side of your body. This covers your T5-T12 dermatomes which support the gallbladder, liver, diaphragm, stomach, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, appendix, adrenals, uterus and colon.  

    How to use your Castor Oil Liver Pack?

    It’s as easy as following the two-step process so you can support your body from the outside in.

    Step One: Apply 1 tbsp of Organic Castor Oil to the soft organic cotton flannel side of your Pack. 

    *Always add your Organic Castor Oil to the middle of the pack to help keep the oil from the seams, as the Pack is not 100% impermeable.

    Dermatomes of the Body Supported by The Castor Oil Pack for Liver

    Step Two: Place the soft cotton flannel side of your Castor Oil Pack over your liver area (under your right rib cage) and tie it in place with the soft, stretchy, adjustable straps.

    *Remember: Castor Oil WILL STAIN clothing & bed sheets so take extra care when preparing your Pack. Of course, you can always wear an old t-shirt over your Pack just in case.

    With regular practice, you will train your body to respond better to stress. Amazing, agreed? 

    And the best part…

    You can wear your Pack for one hour before bed, and even better, wear your Pack overnight to help you cleanse while you sleep.

    You see, your body naturally cleanses when you’re sleeping. So, by wearing your Castor Oil Liver Pack overnight you’re supporting natural liver detoxification, lymphatic drainage2, and colon cleansing3,14

    Learn how to use Castor oil Packs for liver designed by Queen of the Thrones

    How do Castor Oil Packs support your liver?

    Castor Oil is a unique vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It contains 90% ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid structure strikingly similar to that of prostaglandin E1. In simple terms, it is a strong anti-inflammatory4 agent in our body. Here’s how it works… Mechanical: The compression of your Castor Oil Pack placed over the liver (slightly covering the lower free ribs under your right rib cage), combined with the movement of your breathing muscles, serves like a pump to your lymphatic system, encouraging lymphatic drainage2. Amazing, agreed? 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. A combination of both mechanical and neurological: The Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack stimulates the body’s skin receptors that stimulate the natural oxytocin5 feedback loop activating the vagus nerve, shifting the body into the ‘rest and digest’ state where liver detox is optimized. This gentle compression of the Castor Oil Pack stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system6,7,8. Amazing, right?
    Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil OAcks supports detox and digestion

     You can learn more about the 3 vital body functions you can support with Castor Oil Packs in your FREE infographic.

    What are the key benefits of Castor Oil Liver Packs?

    First, let’s look at the most important function of your Castor Oil Pack, which is to help…

    1. Balance inflammation

    Did you know that inflammation is part of your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it (like infections) in an attempt to heal and protect itself?

    So, when something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response from your immune system10. It’s a natural process, but inflammation is often out of control in today’s modern world.

    When you are inflamed, your body is acidic. However, the enzymes in your body don’t function properly in an acidic environment, as they require an alkaline environment11

    Inflammation is like fire, and what does a firefighter do to put out a fire? They put water on it. Central abdominal bloating and weight gain are often caused because our body sends water to the site of inflammation to ‘put out the fire’. Makes sense, agreed?

    So, since Castor Oil contains ricinoleic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory1-4, it may support the natural reduction of water retention and swelling.

    Castor Oil also supports detox by helping to…

    2. Preserve glutathione status

    Glu…tat…what?

    Well, glutathione is the master detoxification agent of the body12. But, unfortunately, it can quickly be depleted mainly because of chronic diseases, including autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

    Studies on rats have shown that Castor Oil is supportive of preserving glutathione levels13.  You see, glutathione is an antioxidant that pulls toxins out of your body, and that’s why we get depleted so quickly. 

    Castor Oil also supports the elimination of waste from your body by…

    3. Help move your bowels

    lOne of the major processes of your body is your bowel movements. If you can’t eliminate (a.k.a go to the bathroom), you self-intoxicate.

    Remember those anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that Castor Oil mimics? Well, these are the same ones that attach to the receptors of smooth muscle14 in the body, namely your gut and uterus.

    So, this physical smooth muscle function moves things out of the body, and your Castor Oil Liver Pack helps stimulate it3,14 so you can go to the bathroom naturally and rid yourself of feeling backed up. Sounds wonderful, agreed?

    Lastly, Castor Oil aids in maintaining your general wellness by helping your body…

    4. Microbiome balance

    The microbiome and bacteria in your gut are a mix of good and bad bugs. The balance of the two influences your well-being. So, when the balance is off, you feel unwell. Makes sense, right? Biofilm is a big bad barrier that bad bacteria can produce in the microbiome. It keeps the bad bugs in and the good bugs out. Unfortunately, this causes severe stress on the body, inhibiting cleansing and detoxification. Castor Oil is one of the only natural substances that can breakdown biofilm15,16,17, allowing your body to maintain a balanced ecology (environment). 
    Smart Bowel movements with Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs

    In combination with a good diet, adequate fluid intake (water/tea), flow (urine, poop) mindset, and exercise, Castor Oil Packs are one of the cornerstones to supporting your bowels.

    All in all, starting with your tried and true Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack for Liver, you will be able to support… 

    • Gentle liver detox
    • Colon cleansing3,14
    • Lymphatic drainage2

    However, not all Castor Oil Packs are made equal.

    Your checklist for good quality Castor Oil (like Queen of the Thrones®): 

    • 100% pure
    • Organic
    • 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

    Try it for yourself to see!

    You can also learn more about the best practices for your Castor Oil Pack with your FREE infographic. Would you love that?

    Common questions

    1. Why do I have to replace it after two months of regular use?

    The traditional way of doing Castor Oil Packs was to use the SAME compress over and over and over. This was okay, before the industrial revolution when our environment wasn’t as toxic.

    We now know that the increasing environmental toxicity impacts wellness. This is why it’s important to add fresh oil every time and replace your pack every 2 months for ease of use, comfort, and sanitation.
     

    2. Why can’t I just drink Castor Oil or rub it on my skin?

    Castor Oil orally is a stimulant laxative that causes cramping and makes you poop. Simply rubbing it on your skin and wearing a T-shirt overtop only gives you about 50% of the benefits. You need the pack to help move your body into a relaxed state via gentle compression to support liver detox, lymphatic drainage, and colon cleansing.

     

    3. Why can’t I use organic bamboo or any old cloth?

    ONLY use organic cotton, wool or linen! Other materials like ‘organic’ bamboo are highly processed with chemicals. Old clothing may be made with harmful dyes, bleach, and flame retardants that you don’t want to absorb into your body.

    4. What if I’m on medications, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, IUDs, or supplements?

    Castor Oil Packs are safely combined with any medication and supplement and may even help them work better. There are no known contraindications or interactions with medication, and they are safe to use with hormone replacements, TTC medicines, birth control pills, and IUDs.

    5. Isn’t it messy?

    That’s why we created this LESS-mess pack. It’s not entirely messless, but LESS messy than a DIY pack. Castor Oil does stain, so always wear an old T-shirt.

    6. Don’t I have to add heat?

    Extra heat isn’t necessary because it’s engineered to hold in your body heat naturally.

    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. 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”
    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. 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
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    10. Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, Fang J, Zuo Z, Deng J, Li Y, Wang X, Zhao L. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget. 2017 Dec 14;9(6):7204-7218. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.23208. PMID: 29467962; PMCID: PMC5805548.
    11. Hopkins E, Sanvictores T, Sharma S. Physiology, Acid Base Balance. [Updated 2022 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-.
    12. Silvagno F, Vernone A, Pescarmona GP. The Role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 16;9(7):624. doi: 10.3390/antiox9070624. PMID: 32708578; PMCID: PMC7402141.
    13. 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. PMID: 24260265
    14. 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
    15. 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.
    16. 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.
    17. 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.

     

      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.

      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.

      Seed Cycle with Castor Oil Packs for Natural Hormone Balance.

      Seed Cycle with Castor Oil Packs for Natural Hormone Balance.

      Seed Cycle with Queen of the Thornes Castor Oil Packs for Natural Hormone Balance

      Seed Cycle with Castor Oil Packs for Natural Hormone Balance.

      Written by: Marisol Teijeiro N.D. (inactive) & Melanie Swackhammer B.A.
      Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.

      Est. reading time: 8 minutes.

      So you may think you know what it feels like to experience hormone imbalance because of your irregular period, cravings and mood swings, right? You’re in the right place because those aren’t the only symptoms that indicate hormone problems.

      Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs is the Best Alternative for Hormonal Problems

      You see, it goes way beyond that with gut health issues, bloating and a myriad of other symptoms that don’t seem to be related to your hormone imbalance. But, they are all related and sadly, they have the power to disrupt the way your whole body functions.

      The seed cycling protocol for hormone imbalance, which is the rotation of seeds during phases of the menstrual cycle, is a method some practitioners, like yourself utilize as a way to help balance hormones.

      You’re probably thinking, where’s the evidence? Is it all clinical practice and anecdotal research? How exactly does it work? And is it the most efficient option for improving hormonal imbalance?

      Let’s take a deeper look…

      Is the seed cycling protocol the most effective method?

      Even though the ingredients used in this protocol have nutritional, phytochemical and hormone-balancing merit, research in all aspects of natural hormonal balance is truly in its infancy.

      Much is still needed to be uncovered, and one finds the discrepancy between studies, making it difficult to get the facts regarding the efficacy of the ingredients and the total benefit of this protocol.

      As an example, flax seeds, in a 1999 study, were considered, due to their lignan content, to enhance the excretion of healthy estrogen metabolites, suggesting that a dose-dependent relationship of flax seeds, up to 10 grams per day, over a 3-7 week period, potentially reduced breast cancer risk.1

      10 years later, in a 2010 study, the results weren’t mimicked. Daily intake of flax seeds in the study, as high as 15g/day, by the end of a 12 week period, demonstrated an increase in urinary excretion of the healthy metabolite.2 The opposite of the initial study, concluding more research is needed to get the answer.

      It’s common in Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners’ health practices to use urinary hormone metabolites, like those used in these studies to understand the changes and hormonal fluxes experienced in hormone metabolites with treatments.

      And, as always, research is ongoing.

      Practitioners should prescribe the single seed cycling protocol and Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs for hormone imbalance

      Is seed cycling an effective method to support hormone imbalance?

      Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs improve Gut health and Absorption

      While ingesting seeds like flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower are great sources of fiber, improving gut health, consuming too much can lead to an inflamed gut lining and other unwanted gut health issues. .3

      You see, you don’t need to be ‘overfeeding’ yourself the same foods over and over again each day, this often is just a recipe for gut inflammation and leaky gut.

      In seed cycling therapy, the healthy fats present in the seeds are thought to play a role in supporting hormonal levels. One study done on lactating cows demonstrated that feed high in Omega-6 impacted and nourished the endometrial lining by stimulating the prostaglandin E2 receptor (PGE2), an anti-inflammatory immune system messenger.4

      This is similar to the effect of Castor Oil Packs done on the pelvic region. .

      Please be reminded that what happens in a cow with 2 stomachs that is lactating and eating a purely vegetarian diet is likely very different from what occurs in your human body. Makes sense, agreed?

      But at the end of the day, eating seeds, like flax, pumkin, sesame and sunflower, may offer many other benefits beyond hormonal balancing effects even just being a source of fiber and can support gut health.

      At the very least, improving the frequency of bowel movements that we know optimizes gut health and indirectly has benefits on hormonal balance.

      I don’t know about you, but I’m good with trying natural foods (trying to make my food my medicine) even if it’s not understood how and why it works – but like anything keeping things in balance and not overdoing it is key.

      Could there be an easier way to support natural hormone balancing? Well, let me ask you this, have you ever considered…

      Castor Oil Packs for hormone regulation

      Queen of the Thrones®️ Castor Oil Packs can be used by practitioners as a “Single” Seed Cycling protocol alternative to the traditional seed cycling protocol.

      The Castor Oil Packs for this practice can be found in your Hormone Balance & Detox Kit.

      Castor Oil Packs, when worn daily on different parts of your body (over the liver, over your pelvic region, over your thyroid) on different weeks of your cycle, can be a beneficial alternative to orally consuming seeds. 

      Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack are the best remedy for Hormone Imbalance

      This topical application regulates gut irritation, calming the body and brings your hormones back to a state of balance.

      Because we know that hormonal balance must be supported in order to prevent disease, the practice of “Single” Seed Cycling for hormone imbalance makes the use of Queen of the Thrones®️ Castor Oil Packs a true foundational treatment in regular health practice.

      To deepen your knowledge, here are a few blogs you’ll want to read as well:

      1. Why does the Moon Makes your Hormones go Crazy?
      2. Why is compliance so low for the traditional seed cycling protocol?
      3. Can you seed cycle with oils instead of eating seeds?
      4. How you can “Single” Seed Cycle with Castor Oil Packs (without eating seeds).

       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. Haggans CJ, Hutchins AM, Olson BA, Thomas W, Martini MC, Slavin JL. Effect of flaxseed consumption on urinary estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women. Nutr Cancer. 1999;33(2):188-95. doi: 10.1207/S15327914NC330211. PMID: 10368815.

      2. Sturgeon SR, Volpe SL, Puleo E, Bertone-Johnson ER, Heersink J, Sabelawski S, Wahala K, Bigelow C, Kurzer MS. Effect of flaxseed consumption on urinary levels of estrogen metabolites in postmenopausal women. Nutr Cancer. 2010;62(2):175-80. doi: 10.1080/01635580903305342. PMID: 20099191.

      3. Strowig T, Henao-Mejia J, Elinav E, Flavell R. Inflammasomes in health and disease. Nature. 2012 Jan 18;481(7381):278-86. doi: 10.1038/nature10759. PMID: 22258606.

      4. Dirandeh E, Towhidi A, Pirsaraei ZA, Saberifar T, Akhlaghi A, Roodbari AR. The endometrial expression of prostaglandin cascade components in lactating dairy cows fed different polyunsaturated fatty acids. Theriogenology. 2015 Jan 15;83(2):206-12. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.09.011. Epub 2014 Sep 19. PMID: 25312818.

      Disclaimer

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