Castor Oil

Ricinus communis

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Euphorbiaceae, or the spurge family
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• This family occurs mainly in the tropics, with the majority of the species in the Indo-Malayan region and tropical America a strong second. A large variety occurs in tropical Africa, but they are not as abundant or varied as in the two other tropical regions. However, Euphorbiaceae also has many species in nontropical areas such as the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, South Africa, and the southern United States.
3. Parts Used:
• Seed oil
4. Herbal Actions:
• Uterine stimulant (works to increase binding on prostaglandin receptors in smooth muscle of GI and uterus)
• Stimulant laxative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cathartic
• Demulcent
• Analgesic
• Nervine
5. Indications:
• GI purgative
• Induction of labor
6. Plant Constituents:
• Ricinoleic acid, fixed oils
7. System Affinities:
• Gastrointestinal  
8. Energetics:
• Mobile, warming, moistening (can be drying if induces dehydration), oily. V-PK+  
9. Safety:
• Avoid if client has GI inflammation, pain, or obstruction.
10. Interactions:
• Long term use with antiarrhythmic drugs and botanicals containing cardiac glycosides can result in potassium loss and increased drug toxicity.

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• This oil is extremely concentrated, clear, and smells like cedar. It also tastes like wood – like cedarwood. It is so thick that it coats my mouth and throat.
2. Preparation Method:
• For labor induction:
1. NO VERBENA (use fresh grated ginger instead)
2. 2 tbsp castor oil
3. 1 cup apricot nectar
4. 1 tbsp almond butter
3. Usage Notes:
• The taste and texture of the oil was not that bad – it tasted woody and slightly sweet. The thing I had the most aversion to was the texture. It was a little overwhelming and sticky. I took 1 dropperful and within 10 minutes, I could feel some cramping around my diaphragm. After another 10 or 15 minutes, I had full GI cramping and had to use the restroom. So… it works! I didn’t have enough courage to take another dropperful.

Sources:

1. Riccio, L. & Zollinger, B. (2018). Uterine Stimulants: Week 4 and 6 [PowerPoint Presentation]. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

 

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Ranunculaceae, or the buttercup family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Black cohosh thrives in temperate climates in eastern parts of the United States and the Appalachian region. It prefers rich, moist soil and woodlands ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Dried root and rhizome ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Emmenagogue
• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Alterative
• Relaxing Nervine
• Hypotensive ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Irritable or irregular female reproductive system
• Painful or delayed menstruation
• Uterine cramping
• Rheumatic pain (arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle/neurological pain)
• Tinnitus ^[2]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Triterpene glycosides, isoferulic acid, salicylic acid, volatile oils, tannins ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic ^[3]  
8. Energetics:
• ACTIVATOR to stagnation in transition zones (especially for females - menopause, premenstrual, labor!) 
• Bitter, cooling ^[3]
9. Safety:
• No adverse effects to be expected at the recommended dosage. In pregnancy, this herb should not be used except to assist birth. ^[2]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The tincture provided is light in color, slightly yellowish. The taste is VERY intense, moreso than a normal alcoholic tincture. It’s bitter and burns my mouth and throat. After 3 dropperfuls, I can detect I would be really careful to recommend this to clients in its pure form. If I were to make a labor blend, I would try to use glycerite and some aesthetic herbs like peppermint (or honey!) in the recipe.
2. Preparation Method:
• Labor: 5-20 drops (+5-20 drops of Blue Cohosh)
• Tincture: (1:5 in 40%) 2 - 4 ml 3x/day
• Hot Decoction: ½ - 1 tsp dried root infused in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 3x/day. ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• After the initial pain and uncomfortable sensation of taking the tincture, I can say that I am enjoying the feeling of letting this herb sit with my body. I feel grounded and relaxed thinking about the nervine and antispasmodic actions of this herb. I actually performed a headstand with the assistance of my darling roommate Jaime.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.