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Can Using Castor Oil Pack Improve Fertility?
For a few aspiring parents, conceiving a child is not as simple as undertaking intercourse and they might be looking out for other ways to improve their fertility and raise their chances of conceiving a baby. Medical treatments are always a possibility but a few natural remedies also hover around the horizon. Few of them come with some assurance of their chances of working and safety while numerous others might usually seem shady and even lead to disastrous consequences. Amongst all of these lies the suggestion of using castor oil to improve fertility, and you might be wondering how potent this can be. Being understanding of the benefits it can provide is certainly a necessity, but being aware of its side effects should be kept in the mind, too.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor seeds have been utilized by humans since many millennia ago. A specific variety of the castor plant is the one, whose seeds are obtained and processed to retrieve the oil from them. This particular oil is generally termed as castor oil.
What Is A Castor Oil Pack?
The castor oil combined with a few more items that can be used together to reap the benefits of the oil constitutes the castor oil pack. These usually contain a cloth which can absorb the oil efficiently and is used on various parts of the body to stimulate the circulation of blood and accelerate the healing procedures within.
When and How Often Should You Use Castor Oil Pack for Fertility?
On a general basis, an entire therapeutic session involving castor oil should go on for an hour to an hour and a half, around 4 times in a week, ranging for at least 3-4 months.
For women who are usually looking to improve their fertility, making use of castor oil packs on alternate days is highly recommended except for the menstruating periods. When you are actively working towards conception, this frequency needs to be adjusted to be used only when you are in the first half of your ovulation cycle. If your menstruation is generally accompanied with heavy bleeding or you suffer from fibroids, there are a few tweaks that might have to be made in the usage frequency of castor oil packs.
Benefits of Using Castor Oil Therapy
Castor oil therapy is quite a popular technique used by a variety of women for different purposes since its array of benefits is quite wide and can provide various results in varying situations.
1. Improve Fertility Naturally
Opting for medication or undergoing some treatment is always an option, but these are still artificial and not exactly how our bodies are meant to respond in a normal setting. The castor oil therapy has its roots in nature, with the entire procedure focused on getting the body to improve its fertility by itself. Bringing up the hormone levels on your own accord and keeping away from the harmful effects of medicinal drugs can be healthy for body and instil a sense of confidence within the woman as well.
2. Natural Detoxification
Conception is quite a tricky process on a biological level. The slightest hindrances from the presence of certain toxins or microbes can cause it to fail altogether. By including castor oil therapy regularly, these toxins can be flushed out of the body and a healthy state can be instilled within, making it a conducive environment for conception to take place successfully.
3. The Growth of The Endometrium
Once conception is successful, the foetus needs to be held securely within the uterus and be cushioned from any minor movements or jerks until it becomes strong. This is done when the endometrial lining within the uterus is thick and healthy. For this to take place, usage of castor seeds is highly recommended since they stimulate the growth of endometrial cells and improve the chances of keeping the conceived child safe and secure within the uterus.
4. Proper Fallopian Functioning
For conception to take place successfully, the sperms need to travel all the way from the vagina up to the fallopian tubes, where they meet the egg that has been released from the ovaries down the tubes. This is where fertilization takes place successfully. To improve the chances, one can make use of castor seeds that work effectively in clearing any kind of hindrances within the fallopian tubes, creating a clear pathway for the egg and the sperm to meet together.
5. Supporting The Uterus
The uterus pretty much ends up becoming the home of the new child for a period of 9 months. Hence, it is just as necessary to keep the home strong and supportive of the child, if the conception ought to result in a healthy pregnancy and proper delivery. Using castor oil works in supporting the health of the uterus, which indirectly works towards increasing the overall fertility of a woman.
6. Better Egg Production
There can be no foetus if the sperm does not have a proper egg to fertilize. The ovaries within a woman’s body produce the eggs for fertilization, and this can only happen if the ovaries themselves are functioning at an optimal level. Having a good amount of eggs and in their healthiest form is a key measure of a woman’s fertility. The inclusion of castor seeds can help ovaries maintain their healthy state and keep fertility levels high.
How to Use Castor Oil Packs for Fertility?
You can start using castor oil packs right away by adhering to the following steps.
Wear old clothes since castor oil can leave irremovable stains.
Place your cloth in a bowl and add castor oil slowly until it is soaked properly.
Lie down and place the cloth on the area that needs the therapy. Cover the cloth with a protective layer and place a heating pad or a hot water bottle over it.
Let it stay like so for about an hour while you either rest or meditate. Once done, rub the oil gently and then clean the area properly.
How to Make Your Own Castor Oil Pack?
There are certain castor oil packs that are available in the market. However, you can make your own pack right at home with a few easy to obtain ingredients and a simple process.
What You Will Need
Old sheets and clothes that are open to being stained
A container for the oil
A heating pad or hot water bottle
Plastic wrap or a protective cloth
Bottle castor oil
A soft flannel cloth
Baking soda
How to Make
Make sure the container is wide enough to allow the flannel cloth to sit in it and be soaked with the oil.
Check how much castor oil is needed to soak the cloth properly but not make it dripping wet completely.
Place the cloth on your body along with the plastic covering and check for the right temperature of the heating pad that makes you feel comfortable.
Make use of a solution of baking soda with some water to clean your body after the therapy, in order to get rid of any castor oil on the surface.
Store packs in refrigerators properly so that you can reuse them up to 30 times before replenishing it.
Precautions to Take while Using Castor Oil
Along with the benefits of castor oil, there are a few precautions one needs to undertake while using them. Never consume castor oil since it can be quite harmful to the body. Avoid using it in areas that have open injuries or damaged skin. Don’t use it once you are pregnant and reduce usage when menstruating, especially if the blood flow is heavy.
The usage of castor oil packs for fertility success has generally spread by word of mouth and is now being recommended by certain fertility specialists. However, it is still necessary to get your doctor’s advice in this regard. If certain medical conditions make it dangerous to expose yourself to castor oil, it best to stay away from this and opt for other fertility boosting options instead.
Also Read:
Best Fertility Supplements for Conception
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Effective Herbs to Help get Pregnant Read more
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Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
Q. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and experiencing itching. I don't seem to have any fungal/vaginal infections (the white discharge is not curdy/smelly) After having my deworming tablet I'm experiencing this itching. Any idea why this is happening? I'm guessing if it may HB is increasing or sugars are high.
Read moreSai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
38 mins ago
A. Hello dear! Without proper physical examination it is not possible to understand the problem. Consult your doctor for a personal evaluation and seek medical advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and follow your doctor's advice
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Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes in Children
Diabetes is a very common illness these days but when a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the world around the parent seems to collapse and they seek answers to the following questions:
What is Type 1 diabetes?
What should I do now?
How do I care for my baby?
Is it curable and is it dangerous?
Diabetes Mellitus often referred to as “Diabetes”- is a medical condition characterized by increased sugar levels in the body. It is categorised as:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
The sugar levels in our body are controlled by the pancreas, whose main purpose is to secrete Insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts glucose into glycogen. Glucose generates energy for our day-to-day activities but excess glucose causes serious health problems and is termed in the extreme as diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition that occurs when there is little or no insulin produced by the pancreas. In the absence of insulin, the body is unable to break the sugars (in our food) and hence the sugars remain in the bloodstream. So, the blood sugar levels rise above the optimal level, endangering our lives.
It is often found in children, sometimes after birth. It is also categorised as an autoimmune disease because it is our own body’s defence mechanism that is destroying healthy cells. Without proper care and medical help, this can become a serious problem over a long period, damaging other organs too. This type of diabetes is also referred to as “Juvenile Diabetes in children”, “Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in children”, “Brittle Diabetes in children” and “Sugar Diabetes in children”.
What Are the Causes of Type 1 Diabetes?
Researchers have identified a few reasons for this condition in children. It could probably be a viral infection, which compromises the body’s immune system or a hereditary component that could explain the autoimmune aspect of this type of diabetes. However, the exact cause for this condition is still unknown.
The only known reason is the special beta cells (produced in the pancreas) that carry insulin are destroyed by the antibodies. Ideally, these cells should destroy only unhealthy/foreign cells.
What Are the Symptoms?
It is important to be alert and notice the following symptoms in children:
Frequent urination
Feeling very thirsty
Eating more than usual or even noticeable weight loss
Feeling unusually tired
Nausea
Feeling irritated
Rapid breathing or falling unconscious
How is Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosed in Children?
It is important to keep a track on some red flags such as frequency of urination, increased water intake and intense urge to eat more. If you think these symptoms occur consistently for a given period, it is advisable to approach a medical practitioner.
Physicians will suggest blood tests and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis. It is recommended that you do not use glucose meter at home because it might not give a reliable reading. Also, it is good to take the HbA1c test, which indicates an average blood sugar level for the last 3 months.
Routine visits to the doctor are required to monitor the sugar levels and control it.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Type 1 Diabetes?
Research data shows us that the most probable risk factors of Type 1 diabetes are:
1. Genetic Predisposition
If you have a gene marker linked to Type1 diabetes, the chances of you developing Type 1 diabetes is higher. The Chromosome 6 is the marker that is linked to Type 1 diabetes. HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) complexes are found to be connected to this type of diabetes and if there are multiple makers of these complexes, you have an increased risk of Type 1 diabetes.
2. Viral Infection
Viruses such as German Measles, Coxsackie and Mumps have found to trigger Type 1 diabetes. These viruses attack the body’s immune system and cause the body to fight against its own self, creating an autoimmune problem.
3. Heredity Factor
The family history plays a very important role. If both parents have Type 1 diabetes, then their child is more susceptible to developing the same. Furthermore, it is observed that the father having Type1 diabetes increases the risk as compared to the mother or other siblings having Type 1 diabetes.
4. Geographical locations
The environment in which we live affects our body. People living in warm countries have a lesser risk of developing Type 1 diabetes because the chances of viral infections are less. Cold countries have shown more cases of Type 1 diabetes rather than warm countries.
5. Other autoimmune diseases
Some autoimmune disease like Graves’ diseases and multiple sclerosis have an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes as a co-existing condition because they have the same gene marker HLA, which is affected.
Complications of Type 1 Diabetes in Kids
Type1 diabetes is a serious illness. It needs close monitoring and proper care. If not managed properly, it could give rise to a lot of complications, sometimes short-term and sometimes long-term.
Short-Term Complications
Following are some short-term complications:
1. Hypoglycemia
Type 1 diabetes is an insulin-dependent diabetes. Regular insulin injections need to be taken before every meal to keep the sugar levels under control. If the dosage of insulin is given in excess then the person goes into a hypoglycemic state, which means there is very less sugar/glucose in the body. This condition is can cause the patient to become unconscious and if not treated immediately the person may go into a coma. Following are some symptoms of hypoglycemia:
Sweating
Numbness in hands, legs and face
Increased heartbeat and sweating
Feeling drowsy/sleepiness
Confused and unclear speech
Headache
It is important to understand that when you notice any of these symptoms, you should NOT administer insulin. It is advised to take the child to a hospital.
Hypoglycemia can occur in 3 stages: mild, moderate and severe. Mild and moderate stages can be treated easily without much damage to the other body organs. In severe hypoglycemia, some damages caused to other organs cannot be reversed.
Upper and lower limits of blood glucose vary for each person, some children might be just fine with a glucose reading of 60-70 but some children might become hypoglycemic at those levels.
It is advisable to know the glucose levels of your child and be prepared for such events. It is recommended to stock up supplies of food such as sugary drinks, glucose tablets and eatables that release instant sugar into the body. Your child’s doctor will give you tablets for instant release of sugar when needed.
Sugar levels fluctuate during the night when the child is asleep. So it is important that you give the right dosage of insulin before dinner. This condition is called Nighttime Hypoglycemia.
2. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
When there is a shortage of insulin in the body, the body burns fat to make up for the lack of glucose in the body. When fat is broken down in the body it releases ketones. Excess of ketones in the body can make the blood acidic, leading to this complication. Signs and symptoms of DKA include:
Fruity smell of the breath (it is an important symptom as the ketones released in the body have the fruity smell)
Excess thirst
Frequent urination
Loss of weight
Fatigue
Feeling of confusion
There are simple tests that can be done at home to confirm whether your child has ketoacidosis. Check the child’s glucose levels using a home glucose meter. If the value is above 250mg/dl, then there is a possibility that the child might have DKA. There are ketone strips available in pharmacies; it is used to check for ketones in the child’s urine. If the strip turns deep purple, it indicates that the child has too many ketones and might have DKA. After you are sure the child has DKA, visit the doctor immediately for treatment. DKA is a serious condition and must be addressed without delay.
Long-Term Complications
If the sugar levels are not managed properly over a period of time it can lead to serious long-term complications. These complications arise if the sugar levels are not controlled for over a period of 10 years or more. In long-term complications, the blood vessels are affected. The damage of tiny blood vessels is known as Microvascular complications. Damage to large blood vessels is known as Macrovascular complications.
Microvascular Complications
Blood vessels carry blood to different parts of the body. When they are damaged, it affects other parts of the body such as the eyes, kidney and liver. Eventually, the nerves also get damaged and this condition is called ‘diabetic neuropathy’.
The most commonly heard complaints of patients with Microvascular complications are:
Loss of vision in the eye which is due to the damage to the retina of the eye.
Tingling sensation in the feet. Sometimes, they may experience loss of sensation in their feet after a period of time. If this is left untreated they may develop a sore in their foot which might get infected resulting in a surgery.
Macrovascular Complications
When large blood vessels get affected it results in serious heart ailments. The damage to the large blood vessels causes plaque to get deposited in the arteries of the heart resulting in a heart attack. It is also advisable that the person not only manages his glucose levels but also follows a healthy-heart diet to counter the effects of this complication.
Treatment
Treatment for Type1 diabetes is an on-going process. It is a lifetime disease and so one needs to have patience and perseverance. It might seem as if it is impossible to manage.
You need a good team of doctors, a paediatrician, a dietician and a diabetic expert to help you and your child.
1. Blood Sugar Monitoring or Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Since some of the complications of Type1 diabetes are serious and life-threatening, you need something that can monitor the glucose continuously without having to wait for the warning signs.
CGM is done by inserting a fine needle just under the skin to monitor the sugar levels in the blood. This is just a tool to complement the regular glucose monitoring methods and might not be very accurate.
2. Insulin Therapy
Insulin administration is very important in the treatment of Type1 diabetes. The doctor might give a mix of insulin types depending on the child’s needs.
Following are the various types of insulin available:
Rapid-acting Insulin (therapies such as lispro, aspart) - The insulin acts in 15 minutes and lasts for 4 hours.
Short-acting Insulin (Humulin R therapy) - Insulin must be taken 15-20 minutes before food. It lasts for 4-6 hours.
Intermediate-acting Insulin (Humulin N therapy) - Needs an hour to start working and it lasts for 12-24 hours.
Long-acting Insulin (therapies such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir) - It lasts for 20-26 hours.
3. Options for Insulin Delivery
There are various ways to administer insulin to a person depending on the requirements:
Insulin Pen - This is just like a pen with a cartridge filled with insulin. In this type of a device, one cannot prepare tailored mixtures of insulin.
Needle and Syringe - The needle is very fine and almost painless. It is convenient to use in cases when multiple insulin types need to be mixed.
Insulin Pump - This is a device which is worn externally and works along with the CGM. It has a tube that it connected to a storage device under the skin below the abdomen.
4. Other Medications
When the child is unwell, the intake of carbohydrates is less and they might need a lower dosage of insulin. The hormones during a sick period raise the blood sugar levels in the child and so it is important to closely monitor the sugar levels before administering insulin along with other medications.
5. Healthy Eating
A diabetic diet is boring and it is very difficult to make a child follow it. It takes a toll on the parent to enforce a strict diet on children but a good dietitian can make your job a lot easier by suggesting healthy and tasty meal options for your child. A child with Type 1 diabetes requires a nutritional diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, grains and high fibre. The only thing one needs to mind is the carbohydrate and fat intake. Sugar and sweets can be included in the diet occasionally, with the approval of the doctors.
6. Physical activity
Do not restrict your child from playing or doing any other form of physical exercise. The only precaution you need to take is to check the glucose levels during the activity and post-activity since exercising reduces the glucose levels in the body. You must adjust the dose of insulin accordingly. It is a good practice to include a regular exercise routine into the child’s lifestyle.
7. Emotional Health
Type1 diabetes is an ongoing illness and can take its toll on children. They feel different from other kids as they have to eat right and take insulin shots regularly. It would be good to get your child into a support group where they can meet other kids with Type 1 diabetes.
Irritability, being one of the signs of low sugar, you need to understand that when your child behaves badly, it might be his need for food/sugar.
Some children show symptoms of depression, as well. If you observe frequent mood swings and reclusive behaviour, you need to visit a good diabetic counsellor to work with the child’s mental struggle. Changing the general lifestyle at home can help the child remain positive and less depressed.
Educate children with diabetes so that they are prepared to manage their diabetes with lesser stress.
Advanced Technology and Devices to Manage Type 1 Diabetes
A lot of pharmaceutical companies have developed devices (also use technology) that can make life easier for patients. Some of the devices, which might be in their approval stages include:
Artificial pancreas designed by Medtronic automatically monitors the glucose levels and administers the insulin as needed.
Livongo developed a device to monitor glucose and can upgrade itself as technology improvises.
Big Foot Company invented an artificial pancreas that can send updates to your Smartphone.
Omnipod, is a tube-free insulin pump. It can pump insulin worth for 3 days.
Timesulin, is a cap that can fit on any pen. It sends data about your last dose of insulin to your Smartphone too.
How to Help a Child Living with Type 1 Diabetes?
Managing Type1 diabetes can be difficult but you need to make your child independent and self-sufficient. Talking to the child and allowing them to express their anxiety can help overcome some mental obstacles.
The following pointers can help the child:
Teach your child to monitor her own blood sugar levels
Train them to take insulin injections by themselves
Educate your child about the food habits that he needs to follow
Encourage your child to be physically active and manage diabetes
If the child is away from you, it would be good for them to wear a medical ID card
Can Type 1 Diabetes be Prevented in Kids?
There are no preventive measures for Type1 diabetes. The best way to prevent it would be to have a healthy lifestyle and test for the genetic markers linked to Type1 diabetes.
What Are the Other Types of Diabetes in Children?
There are other forms of diabetes too, such as:
Type 2 Diabetes in Children
In Type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to use the insulin that is produced in the body. This condition can be easily managed by regulating the diet and also staying active. In very rare cases, kids might need insulin injections.
Gestational Diabetes in Children
Babies born to mothers who had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes later on in life. It also increases the risk of obesity in children. When gestational diabetes is left untreated in the mother, it alters the metabolism process in the child, as well. They are at a higher risk of developing diabetes or obesity. It is a treatable condition and a good doctor will catch the symptoms early and treat it.
When Should You Seek Help From Your Healthcare Provider?
When in doubt, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if the child:
Has lost conscious
Is unwell and the sugar cannot be controlled.
Has been vomiting or has had diarrhea
Has blood sugar higher or lower than the prescribed readings
Is sweating
Has blurred vision
The anxiety and fear of your child having diabetes can overwhelm you. However, with the right care and knowledge, it can be managed effectively.
Also Read: Measles(Rubeola) in Children Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
10 hours ago
Q. what happen if a negative line follwed by faint line
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
10 hours ago
A. If both the lines are visible that is considered positive yet if you have any kind of a doubt about it then you can always take a blood test and you can take an ultrasound with your doctor that is going to give you better clarity or post the picture which is going to be more clear to us
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. Can we start solids to baby boy at 5 month starting
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Absolutely not the child has to be six months complete and beginning with the seventh month as that is going to be the right time for you to start giving external food to the child that it is not advisable to give anything other than mothers or formula feeding to the child that’s just enough
Onzum Upsana has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. How to know baby is theething
5 month completed baby still feeds every hour is it ok
Onzum Upsana
Mom of a 5 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. I am 5m baby mother , my baby is teething ... you will instantly know since his symptoms change he will drool more🤤 , tightly hold your nipple and bite it as it is a rubber in its mouth , he will try to hold object and put it in mouth to bite them etc are pure symbol of teething .. Sometime he will be cranky and cry too . To soothe him u can give a clean cold cloth in his mouth just rub his gums or give cold spoon or if needed visit nearest pediatrics
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
4 hours ago
Q. How to prepare maternity bag before delivery?
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
38 mins ago
A. Hello dear! You can try using Babyhug diaper and maternity bag . There are couple of good videos available on our app , check them out for further details and suitable ideas. Consult your doctor for further advice. Good luck and take care
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Hello m 20 weeks pregnant n today my doctor said loose ur weight coz i gained 4 kg in a month now my weight is 68kg.n i have high bp risq in 7 months so can i eat sweet potato in this case n how to loose weight during pregnancy plz guide.i have craving for sweet plz suggest what can i eat instead of sugar.plz guide
Read moreVandana Sharma
Nutritionist
43 mins ago
A. Hello mom.limit the intake if such foods so you have cravings , have sweets but limited , use dates , raisins , jaggery instead of refined sugar , sweet potaoes can be eaten , go for walks
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