Your thyroid gland is a vital component of your endocrine system, playing a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. Located in your neck, this small, butterfly-shaped organ produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, energy levels, and various bodily functions.
These thyroid hormones influence nearly every cell in your body, controlling how quickly you burn calories, how fast your heart beats, and even how efficiently your digestive system operates.
When your thyroid is functioning properly, you may not even notice its effects. However, if it becomes overactive or underactive, you might experience a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life.
These could include unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, or changes in your body temperature regulation. Given its wide-ranging influence, maintaining optimal thyroid function is essential for your overall health, energy levels, and quality of life. Regular check-ups and awareness of any unusual symptoms can help you keep your thyroid—and by extension, your entire body—in good working order.
Understanding Thyroid Health
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just below your Adam's apple. It produces hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and because these hormones control your metabolic rate, an out of balance thyroid can affect your energy levels, your sleep and even cause problems with your weight.
The production of these hormones is controlled by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in your brain. When your thyroid hormone levels are low, your hypothalamus releases Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland in your brain to produce Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH then tells the thyroid to produce more T4 and T3.
If the delicate balance is disrupted, it can lead to either hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Both of these conditions are 5x more likely to occur with women compared to men. That's because our hormonal system is so sensitive to everything we put in our bodies - including skin care products!
Both conditions can significantly impact your overall health and well-being, affecting everything from your energy levels and sleep patterns to your weight and mood.
Supporting your thyroid function is essential for not just your physical health but also your mental health and castor oil may offer a completely natural way to do that.
Why Women Over 50 are more Vulnerable to Thyroid Imbalances
Thyroid disorders are more common in women over 50, due to a combination of factors. The natural aging process can affect the thyroid gland's function, and the risk of developing autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease also rises.
Hormonal changes, especially those associated with menopause, can play a significant role.
Additionally, cumulative exposure to environmental toxins, medication, toxic sunscreen, poor diet and high stress can play a part.
Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Unintentional weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Tremors (usually in the hands)
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
- Increased bowel movements
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
- Menstrual irregularities in women
Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Dry skin and hair
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation and gut issues
- Depression
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Menstrual irregularities, including heavy periods
- Puffy face and hoarseness
The Composition of Castor Oil - What Makes It Special?
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, also known as the castor bean plant. The oil is rich in fatty acids that contribute to its therapeutic properties
Ricinoleic Acid
This is the primary fatty acid found in castor oil, making up about 85-90% of its composition. Ricinoleic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body—a common issue in thyroid disorders.
Omega-6 and Omega-9 Fatty Acids
These essential fatty acids help to nourish and moisturise the skin, and they also play a role in reducing inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids, in particular, are crucial for maintaining healthy cellular function and supporting the immune system.
Vitamin E
Castor oil contains small amounts of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to various thyroid conditions, and vitamin E can help mitigate this damage.
Minerals and Phytochemicals
Castor oil also contains trace minerals and plant-based chemicals that contribute to its healing properties. These elements work synergistically to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.
How Castor Oil Can Support Your Thyroid Health
Now that we understand the composition of castor oil, let's explore how it can specifically support your thyroid.
1. Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a significant factor in many thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Ricinoleic acid has potent anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically over the thyroid area, castor oil can help reduce local inflammation, potentially easing symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction.
2. Enhancing Lymphatic Circulation
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function and detoxification. A sluggish lymphatic system can contribute to the accumulation of toxins, which may affect thyroid function.
Castor oil has been traditionally used in the form of castor oil packs to enhance lymphatic circulation and drainage.
This involves soaking a cloth in castor oil, placing it over the thyroid area, and applying heat. The warmth helps the oil penetrate deeper into the skin, encouraging lymphatic drainage and promoting detoxification, which may support thyroid health.
3. Balancing Your Hormones
The fatty acids in castor oil, particularly omega-9 (oleic acid), have been shown to support hormone balance.
Since the thyroid is a hormone-producing gland, maintaining a balance of fatty acids can be beneficial in supporting healthy thyroid function. Regular use of castor oil may help modulate the production of thyroid hormones, contributing to overall endocrine system balance.
4. Improving Your Circulation
Good circulation is essential for the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to your tissues, including your thyroid gland.
Castor oil can help improve your circulation when applied topically, ensuring that the thyroid receives the necessary nutrients for optimal function.
Better circulation also aids in the removal of metabolic waste, further supporting the gland’s health.
How To Use Castor Oil For Thyroid Health
If you're looking to support your thyroid health and incorporate IAMA castor oil into your daily routine, there are many ways you can use this magical elixir, from self-massage to creating detoxifying castor oil packs.
You can start by gently rubbing the oil onto your neck area each morning, feeling its warmth as it potentially boosts circulation around your thyroid gland.
For a more intense treatment, try making a castor oil pack - it's like a mini spa day for your thyroid!
Don't forget about your hair and skin; a little castor oil can work wonders for dryness often linked to thyroid issues and also help you to remove toxic beauty products that are congesting your lymphatic system.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a drop or two to your morning smoothie (but always check with your doc first). With so many options, you're bound to find a way that fits perfectly into your wellness routine!
How to Make An IAMA Castor Oil Pack
To harness the benefits of iAMA castor oil for thyroid health, consider incorporating castor oil packs into your routine. Here's a simple guide:
What you'll need
- iAMA Castor Oil (buy your bottle here)
- A soft cloth or cotton flannel (large enough to cover the thyroid area)
- A hot water bottle or heating pad
- Towel to prevent staining
Instructions:
- Soak the cloth in iAMA Castor Oil until it is fully saturated.
- Place the cloth over the thyroid area (at the base of the neck).
- Cover the cloth with a wrap to avoid staining (optional).
- Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle over the cloth and relax for 30-60 minutes.
- After the session, remove the cloth.
- For proper absorption, leave iAMA Castor Oil on and massage in until the area is not oily, but moisturised.
For best results, repeat this process 3x week.
Let's be clear: this isn't a guaranteed thyroid nodule vanisher. But it's thought to do its magic by promoting good old circulation, dialing down inflammation, and possibly helping those nodules shrink over time.
The iAMA Castor Oil Journey
Whether you're looking to reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, or balance hormones, incorporating castor oil into your wellness routine can be a gentle yet powerful way to nurture your thyroid and overall well-being. Here is our tips and reminders when using iAMA Castor Oil:
Your First use
When you first use iAMA Castor Oil, the thick, texture might feel unusual. We suggest gently massaging it in or 30 seconds - you'll find it absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling hydrated not oily.
After one month of daily use
Your body is undergoing healing and transformation at a cellular level. Whilst the changes may not be immediately visible, the compounds in iAMA Castor Oil work to nourish and rejuvenate you naturally, from the inside out.
After second month of consistent use
iAMA Castor Oil's fatty acids are unique- they create pathways that enable other beneficial nutrients to be absorbed into your skin. If you don't see significant changes yet, keep in mind that natural products take time to reset and rebalance you.
After three months of consistent use
The real magic happens! Your skin, which is your largest organ, works in cycles of 45-90 days, and has now had the nutrients to heal and repair. It's renewing and flourishing! Your skin will be thriving off Castor Oil’s lipophilic qualities, as vital fats and oils are now absorbed. Moisture can now can easily pass through your skin's sebum-rich outer layers. Meaning you are absorbing it’s super powers fast.
iAMA Castor Oil's unique composition interacts with the body to promote balance and healing, especially for Thyroid Health. iAMA Castor Oil, with its rich composition of ricinoleic acid, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, offers a natural, holistic approach to supporting thyroid health - if you are considering iAMA to improve your Thyroid Health, we would love to hear from you and assist you on your journey.
View a study here
P.S To help you get the most out of nature's golden elixir, with every purchase of IAMA Castor Oil, you'll receive our FREE user guide!
P.P.S Check out our favourite castor oil beauty blends, rituals and recipes here
If you're unsure about anything or just want to say hi, you can get in touch by emailing contact@iamawellness.com or alternatively, drop us a message on Insta.
References
[1] Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-228. doi:10.1080/09629350020025737
[2] Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; November 21, 2022.; Liu J. Pharmacology of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. J Ethnopharmacol. 1995;49(2):57-68. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(95)90032-2
[3] Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011;17(1):58-62. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004
