Tag: immune support

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil, applied topically to the skin, has been shown to increase circulation, support detoxification, improve elimination, and support the healing of tissues and organs. It is particularly supportive to the lymphatic system, which in turn helps improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce swelling and inflammation.

Studies have found that castor oil is:

  • Anti-diabetic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antioxidant
  • Hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver)
  • Free radical scavenging
  • Wound-healing

Conditions that respond well to topical castor oil packs include:

  • General detoxification
  • Intestinal disorders: constipation, loose stools, poor elimination
  • Liver and gallbladder disorders: fatty liver disease, gallstones
  • Gynecological conditions: irregular periods, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, urinary
  • symptoms, PMS
  • Lung congestion, asthma, bronchitis and during acute colds and flus
  • Arthritis
  • Backache
  • Muscle aches
  • Parasitic infections
  • Chronic headaches
  • Gallbladder pain
  • Rheumatism
  • Sleep problems like insomnia

One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins and waste materials from our cells.

Castor oil may be able to help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions.

A small, double-blind study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine found that adults who used abdominal castor oil packs had significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared with patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural “disease-fighters” that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats.

The lymphatic system also impacts the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why the oil is sometimes used to support heart health and resolve issues like constipation.

A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues.

This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in an optimal balance.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “A growing body of evidence reveals that the lymphatic system influences the health of multiple organs, including the heart, lung, and brain.”  So castor oil’s ability to positively affect our lymphatic systems likely means better overall circulation and a health boost to major organs like our hearts.

Lab studies have shown that castor oil is effective against many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of all the staphylococcal bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most dangerous and can cause mild to serious skin infections and other concerning staph infection symptoms.

Applying essential oils to the skin before applying the castor oil increases the benefits of the castor oil pack. Choosing essential oils that aid the system one is targeting, can be very beneficial. I only recommend Young Living essential oils for this or any application.

How to do a Castor Oil Pack

What you’ll need:

Instructions:

  1. Fold flannel 2-3 times to fit over your entire abdomen. If there is a breast or lung issue, cover the entire chest and abdomen.
  2. Drizzle approximately 2 tablespoons of castor oil onto the flannel. The first couple of weeks you use the pack you will have to add an additional tablespoon of oil about every 3-4 days. Eventually, the pack will be saturated enough that reapplication of oil should only be necessary every 1-2 weeks. The pack should not be dripping with oil. As an example, it should have just enough oil to make a slight oil mark on furniture as if you were going to polish it.
  3. Lay an old towel out on the surface you will be lying on. This will prevent staining.
  4. If using essential oils apply to areas where you will be placing the castor oil pack.
  5. To prevent doing the castor oil pack on a full stomach, it is best to do it 2-3 hours after a meal.
  6. Ideally, lie on your back with feet elevated placing flannel over entire abdomen. Cover with a towel and then place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top. In lieu of a towel use a castor oil pack holder.
  7. Leave pack on for 45 – 60 minutes, or as long as you like. Relax, sleep, read, practice breath work, whatever you’d like during this time.
  8. After finishing, if necessary, you can remove the oil from your skin or leave it on the skin to be totally absorbed over time. (NOTE – there should only be a VERY thin film of castor oil on the skin when you finish the treatment).

Notes:

  • Castor oil packs can be used frequently, up to daily if needed.
  • Castor oil pack treatments are gentle, with no side effects.
  • Store the pack in a large zip-lock bag. Reuse the pack many times, adding more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it begins to change color (usually several months).
  • For maximum effectiveness, it is necessary to apply the pack as often as possible. Try for at least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4-6 weeks.
  • To clean the pack – begin by soaking the pack in a solution of baking soda and hot water, using four ounces of baking soda to two quarts of water. After soaking the pack for at least 20 minutes, wring it out thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
  • Do not use on abdomen during pregnancy or menstruation.

Organic Elderberry Syrup

There is always more to learn when it comes to staying above the wellness line, supporting our health, supporting our immune systems, and doing so with nature’s medicine.

I naturally like to go against the grain, play devil’s advocate, and resist anything that is popular or trendy. Elderberry syrup is all the rage lately, and while I had bought a bottle years and years ago, before it was popular of course, I hadn’t given it much thought since I am covered with natural support with my essential oils, supplements, nutrition, and more!

But, I finally decided to do some research on Elderberry syrup, and in doing so I realized that my family and I were already taking a daily supplement and taking more when we were feeling off, that had even more powerful support for the body, and was less expensive than Elderberry syrup! I love when that happens!

Ningxia Red, has similar properties as Elderberry syrup with the added benefits of a complete amino acid profile, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, the ability to protect eyes from age-related diseases like macular degeneration, promoting liver and kidney health and cleansing, increasing energy levels, boosting the mood, and benefiting the reproductive system.

Ningxia Red also contains d-limonene adding extra immune support and more (go to google scholar and check out the benefits of d-limonene), as well as extra antioxidant protection, detoxification support, cleansing, and more.

Ningxia Red also contains freshly picked, fully ripe, organic Ningxia wolfberries, which are pureed to contain tons of fiber, and to ensure the nutrients remain intact and available. The essential oils help bring these nutrients and antioxidants to the cells as essential oils are lipid soluble, giving them the power to cross the cell membrane, and increase assimilation of any supplement they are added to! The difference between containing the whole fruit versus elderberry syrup, which only contains water that the berries were boiled and simmered in, is huge when it comes to antioxidant, vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient properties.

Both elderberry syrup and Ningxia Red support heart and cardiovascular health, help stabilize blood sugar, promote regularity, improve immune function, and support healthy skin. Both have been used medicinally for thousands of years in ancient cultures.

Another difference between elderberries and Ningxia wolfberries is that elderberries are not edible in their fresh or dried form. They are toxic when uncooked and can only be safely consumed when cooked, or made into a tincture. Ningxia wolfberries can be eaten fresh, dried, made into tea, added to salads, granola, muffins, and more.

I concluded that my elderberry syrup would also contain Ningxia wolfberries and essential oils so that I could combine the best of both worlds for when we are under the weather. I still prefer the fresh, whole, pureed wolfberries in our daily Ningxia Red for prevention and daily antioxidant full body support, but may add a bit of elderberry syrup when someone in my family is sick, or I may just up their daily Ningxia Red intake and add in extra Thieves and Citrus oils, which is what I’ve been doing all along, I told you I like to go against the grain.

However you decide to use elderberry syrup, my recipe is below! Enjoy and have a healthy year!

If you want more information on Ningxia Red and Ningxia wolfberries, scroll past the recipe! To try Ningxia Red and/or Organic dried Ningxia Wolfberries click here to shop – https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/myaccount/wishlist?listId=6338f5a826f0be000acea9c1&enrollerId=3136396&sponsorId=3136396&userName=Amy

Organic Elderberry Syrup Prep Time 20 minutes. Cook Time 1 hour Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes Servings 2 – 3 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the water into a medium saucepan and add the elderberries, wolfberries, ginger, cinnamon,and cloves.
  • Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
  • Remove from heat and let cool until it is cool enough to be handled.
  • Mash the berries carefully using a spoon or other flat utensil.
  • Pour through cheesecloth (https://amzn.to/33QoalT) and a strainer (https://amzn.to/2PcZ6RQ) into a glass jar or bowl.
  • Discard the berries and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.
  • When it is no longer hot, add the honey and essential oils and stir well.
  • When the honey is well mixed , pour the syrup into a mason jar or glass bottle (I used these https://amzn.to/2Mxl7JC)
  • Store in the fridge and take daily, alternating days, or only when under the weather

Instant Pot option: Put all ingredients except honey and essential oils in pot, seal lid, and set manually for 9 minutes on high pressure. Vent pressure and strain. When cooled to room temperature, stir in the honey and essential oils.

Standard dose is ½ – 1 teaspoon for kids and ½ – 1 tablespoon for adults. If under the weather, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.

NINGXIA RED and NINGXIA WOLFBERRIES

The Ningxia Wolfberry, the highest known antioxidant food, is extremely high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are vital for preserving eye health by protecting vision from the free radical damage, protein destruction, and blindness that occur with age. 

Ningxia Red supports immune function, liver function, and eye health and increases energy. It supports brain and cognitive health as well as digestive health. Ningxia fortifies the cardiovascular system and supports healthy blood pressure levels while promoting restful sleep patterns. It aids the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response and enhances immune function. It also provides nutrients needed for healthy insulin sensitivity and promotes a feeling of satiety. Ningxia Red also supports proper muscle and joint health. 

It is the highest known protection against the dangerous superoxide free radicals, it is rich in ellagic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it has 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, beta-carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E. It is an excellent whole-food source of nutrients that gives energy and strength to the body without harmful stimulants.

1 oz. of Ningxia Red has the same antioxidant power of:

  • 100 oranges
  • 814 blueberries
  • 22 carrots
  • 10lbs. of spinach
  • 59 broccoli florets
  • 73 strawberries
  • 93 apples

Some of Ningxia Red’s endless benefits:

  • Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels 
  • Stabilizes blood sugar
  • Supports the immune system
  • Reduces absentmindedness
  • Major anti-aging properties
  • Great for digestion
  • Strengthens muscles and bones
  • Lots of Vitamin E, B, and amino acids
  • Detoxes kidneys and liver
  • Supports vision and eyesight and gives energy and vitality
  • Provides omega 3 fatty acids
  • Boosts energy naturally

The Ningxia Wolfberry is grown organically in the Ningxia Province of China, and pureed immediately after harvesting, at the peak of its ripeness.  The Ningxia Province of China is considered a Blue Zone, because 400% more people who are 100 years old and older, live without canes to get around or glasses to help them see, and they are overall much healthier and live much longer and in amazing health than most other places in the world. The locals in Ningxia China have been eating these berries for thousands of years. 

More about the Ningxia Wolfberry:

✭A “virtual vitamin capsule in the form of a fruit”, the Wolfberry contains over 21 essential minerals, 18 amino acids and extraordinarily high levels of thiamin (B1), niacin (B3) and vitamin C. It is the highest known food source of B1, and contains 2x the daily recommendation of vitamin C in 100 g of berries. 

✭Within the plant kingdom, the Ningxia wolfberry’s mineral profile and mineral balance are unparalleled. Minerals (calcium, zinc, copper, chromium, magnesium, potassium and manganese) are important for many bodily functions, but they must be properly balanced. The Ningxia wolfberry contains ideal mineral proportions: almost 1:1 magnesium to calcium, 2:1 zinc to copper, and 8:1 potassium to magnesium ratios. 

✭With a total of 15.6% protein by weight, the Ningxia wolfberry has more protein than bee pollen

✭ It is rich in amino acids L-arginine and L-glutamine. The wolfberry contains 1.4% of the branched chain amino acid L-leucine as well as significant amounts of tyrosine which is a key building block for dopamine production. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter in the brain that decreases with age.

✭21% fiber by weight, which means it has one of the highest percentages of fiber of any whole food. 

✭ The Glycemic Index is 29, compared to brown rice (66), millet (72), buckwheat (54). 

✭ It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years, and its use was first recorded around 200 BCE in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, an ancient book detailing the medicinal and agricultural knowledge of the mythical Chinese emperor Shen Nong. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing is the oldest book on Chinese herbs, and records 365 traditional herbs that are classified into three grades: (1) top, (2) middle, and (3) low. Wolfberry is one of the 120 herbs belonging to the top grade, which was believed to have remarkable health benefits. Long-term use of wolfberry was considered beneficial for strengthening the body, keeping fit, prolonging life, and easing life through all the seasons.

Ingredients in Ningxia Red: Ningxia Wolfberry puree, pure Orange, Yuzu, Lemon, and Tangerine essential oils, along with blueberry, aronia, cherry, pomegranate, and plum juices 

*Halal and Kosher certified

Drink 1 – 2 oz. a day for optimal health, and more when your body needs extra support

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