If you've spent more than five minutes on wellness lately, you've probably noticed someone talking enthusiastically about wrapping themselves in castor oil before bed time.
According to social media it can detox your liver, balance your hormones, shrink cysts, cure bloating, rid floaters from our eyes and practically solve all world problems.
As with most wellness trends, the truth hides somewhere in the middle.
Castor oil wrapping involves placing a small amount of oil on a piece of cotton or flannel and placing it on an area - usually the abdomen and covering it with a wrap. You leave it for 30-60, or overnight if you wish and you can apply heat if preferred.
This practise has been around for well over a century and is rooted in traditional naturopathic medicine.
Does it actually work? .. the real honest answer is we don't really know.
There is very little high quality scientific research proving that castor oil wraps can back up any of the claims. However,, that is not to say people are imagining the health benefits they are experiencing.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, making it an excellent emollient for the skin and some laboratory studies suggest ricinoliec acid has anti inflammatory properties.
We don't have strong clinical evidence to show wraps significantly reduce inflammation inside the body but when you intentionally create time for self care, your brain and body often respond positively. That doesn't make the experience fake it simply means our minds are powerful partners in healing.
If wrapping helps you unwind, create a relaxing evening ritual and sleep better then I'm all for it. It is something I do myself and I have noticed some worthwhile benefits.
You'll probably notice I recommend things that support your wellbeing without claiming they're miracle cures, not everything has to be revolutionary to be worthwhile.
Sometimes feeling better starts with just creating an evening ritual you actually enjoy.
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