Castor Oil for Vaginitis and Vulval Itching

Castor oil also known as the wonder oil is one of the most ancient oils famous for its powerful medicinal, therapeutic and cosmetic properties. It has been used in various ancient cultures for a spectrum of health conditions ranging from hair growth and scalp hydration to eye lubrication and treating yeast infections. More recently, in our grannies' generation it was popularly used as a laxative. At the first sign of any illness in a child, mothers would immediately give him a spoonful of castor oil to promote elimination of toxins.

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal science, castor oil (Erand Tel) is considered master in treating vaginal and urinary tract infections, genitals itching, vaginitis and vulval itching.

What is Vaginitis and Vulvar Itching

Vaginitis is inflammation and/or itching of vagina. An itchy vulva or itchy vagina is common. It occurs in many women (over 75%) around the globe, with many having multiple episodes. Vaginal itching is itching inside the vagina while vulvar itching is itching in the skin outside and near the vagina. Some other symptoms -

Pain or tenderness in the genital area
Genital redness or swelling.
Abnormal vaginal discharge.
Genital Blisters, etc.

It can be an extremely embarrassing and troublesome condition. An itchy vulva/ vaginitis is a symptom, not a illness in itself. It can be caused by many different illnesses like

Infections - like candida yeast infection, threadworms, etc.
Skin Diseases - like eczema, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, etc.

or by other temporary conditions like menopause, pregnancy, etc.

Castor Oil - Best Remedy for Vaginitis and Vulva Irritation

Castor oil is extracted from the castor seeds (ricinus communis). The oil is pale yellow, has a bad taste and is thick and viscous. Castor oil is made up of various fatty acids - the major being Ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is a very unusual fatty acid not found in any other substance except castor beans and ergot (a fungus). The unique healing properties of castor oil is because of the high concentration of Ricinoleic acid (~90%) in castor oil. It contains powerful anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties inhibiting the growth of many bacteria, yeasts, molds and viruses. It also strengthens and supports our immune system.

When rubbed into the skin, castor oil is able to penetrate deeper than any other oils. It helps in relieving pain, itching, inflammation, and detoxifying the body by boosting lymphatic circulation.

Rubbing castor oil on the skin also helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which softens and hydrates the skin. This is why castor oil works wonders on acne and various other stubborn skin conditions and hair and scalp conditions.

In Ayurveda, castor oil is also termed as Adhobhaga doshahara and Yoni vishodhana which means that it cleanses and detoxifies the lower part of the system including vagina and vulva region.

Castor Oil in Vaginitis, Vulva Itching - How to Apply

Use only Pure, Hexane Free, Cold Pressed Castor Oil. The processing and refining of castor oil can degrade the oil making it less effective or sometimes harmful. Sometimes hexane is used as a solvent while extracting the oil from the seeds. Hexane is harmful for skin So it is best to use unrefined, cold pressed castor oil.

Castor oil can be applied directly to the affected area. Massage the affected area with 5 ml of warm Castor oil for a minute. Do this twice a day or more depending on the intensity of condition. You should feel relief within 5 minutes of massage. I survived multiple episodes of vulval itching (which I suspect were caused by candida overgrowth) solely by applying castor oil directly onto my vulval skin and then gently rubbing it. I did this once in a day or twice on bad days. Though it felt annoying to rub my already tender skin with oil, I could forget about the itch for almost a whole day which was great!

Castor Oil Packs

Another effective procedure for cleansing one's internal environment is the use of Castor Oil Packs. This can be used over any area of the body that need help - liver, kidneys, stomach, genitals, etc. The Castor Oil Packs draw toxins right through the skin from inside the body.

Take a clean piece of cotton / wool flannel.
Dip the cloth in castor oil and squeeze a little to discard excess oil that might drip.
Fold the cloth to a size that fits the affected area and place it over that area.
Cover the flannel with a plastic to retain the heat.
Apply a heating pad on the plastic and flannel. Leave it on for at least one hour.