Cedar Moon Wellness

12/29/2025

Castor Oil Packs: Ancient Remedy, Modern Wonder

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.

What is a Castor Oil Pack? 🛁🌿
A Castor Oil Pack is a therapeutic cloth soaked in cold-pressed castor oil (from the seeds of Ricinus communis) placed on the skin—typically over the liver, abdomen, or lymph nodes. Covered with a barrier (wool) and warmed with a hot water bottle or heat pack, this ancient remedy has stood the test of time—from Cleopatra’s beauty rituals to 21st-century detox protocols ✨.

Let’s Talk Science 🔬🧠
Why is castor oil more than just an old wives’ tale? Science is catching up:

1. Ricinoleic Acid – The Star Ingredient ⭐
About 90% of castor oil is made up of ricinoleic acid, a rare unsaturated fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects 💥.

Research Highlight:
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ricinoleic acid activates EP3 prostanoid receptors—which are involved in immune function modulation, pain regulation, and smooth muscle contraction. That means castor oil can calm inflammation, ease pain, and stimulate flow—especially in the lymphatic and digestive systems 🌿💪.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Here’s what the research and clinical practice suggest these gooey little wonders can do:

1. Lymphatic Drainage Booster 🌀💧
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart—it relies on movement and flow. Castor oil packs may stimulate lymphocyte production (white blood cells), encouraging better lymph drainage and detoxification 🚿.

Clinical Insight:
A study from The Townsend Letter for Doctors reported increased lymphocyte counts within hours of castor oil pack application—suggesting improved immune and lymphatic activity 🧬.

2. Liver Love & Detox Support 🌿🫀
Placed over the liver, castor oil packs may improve liver enzyme function and bile flow—essential for detoxification, hormone balance, and digestion 🌱.

3. Gut Health & Constipation Relief 🚽💨
One of the oldest uses of castor oil is for constipation relief. Packs applied to the abdomen may support peristalsis (bowel movement) and reduce bloating and cramping 🫃.

Bonus: A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2011) showed that elderly participants with constipation experienced significant improvement using abdominal castor oil packs ✅.

4. Hormone Harmony & Menstrual Relief 🌸🕊️
Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory nature may help relieve menstrual cramps, support ovarian and uterine health, and even help with fibroids and cysts (when used consistently with professional guidance) 💗.

How To Use a Castor Oil Pack
It’s as simple as 1-2-3: ✨

You’ll Need:
• Cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil 🧴
• A piece of flannel or wool (about the size of your hand) 🧵
• A protective cloth or sheet 🧼
• Hot water bottle or heating pad ♨️
• Old clothes or towels (because it will get messy!) 🧺

Step-by-Step:
1. Soak the flannel with castor oil until it’s saturated but not dripping 🌊.
2. Place it over your target area (liver, abdomen, joints, lymph nodes) 🎯.
3. Cover with your protective layer 🧻.
4. Add heat and relax for 30–60 minutes ⏳.
5. Repeat 3–5x per week for best results 📆.

Pro Tip: Do not use during menstruation or pregnancy unless cleared by a professional 🚫🤰.

Who Should Avoid Castor Oil Packs?
• Pregnant women (castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions) ⚠️
• Active infections or open wounds at application site 🛑
• Allergy to castor oil (always patch test!) 🧪

In a Nutshell… 🥥💚
Castor oil packs are like nature’s version of a warm hug: soothing, detoxifying, and deeply nurturing to your organs and lymphatic flow 🫶. With modern research backing what ancient cultures knew, they’re a safe, accessible tool for anyone on a healing or wellness journey 🌍✨.

So grab your oil, wrap yourself up, and let the healing begin 🌙.
Because sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most profound 🌿💫.

©️

12/29/2025

Make your own dental plaque remover with just three nontoxic ingredients.

The first is 4 drops of tea tree oil, which is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Tea tree oil can help dissolve bile film and plaque buildup.

Second is 1 tsp of xylitol, a sugar alcohol that’s an excellent antibacterial.

Third is 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, which is also antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Mix the three ingredients together and use them over a few days, a mouthful at a time. Hold the mixture in your mouth for ten minutes, then rinse. You’ll slowly see less plaque!

12/28/2025

Skin Care You Can Drink

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so treating it with care from the inside out is essential 🌿

These herbs can help naturally nourish your skin:

Calendula : soothes inflammation and supports healing

Nettles : rich in skin-loving vitamins and minerals

Burdock Root : may help detoxify and support clearer, acne-prone skin

Hibiscus : contains antioxidants, may boost collagen, and adds a natural glow

Spearmint : may help balance hormones and reduce breakouts

Drinking teas, infusions, or tinctures made from these herbs may help support clear, hydrated, and healthy-looking skin from the inside out.

Always do your research before using any of these herbs. If you are using a tincture for external use, do a patch test first to make sure you have no allergies.

Important note: Herbs can support skin health, but they are not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have significant skin conditions, effects may be mild and cumulative over time.

12/27/2025

🌲 Holiday Bath Soak 🌲

Ingredients:

1 cup Epsom salt

½ cup dried orange peel

¾ cup dried pine needles

¼ cup dried rose petals

Instructions:

1. Mix Epsom salt, orange peel, pine needles, and rose petals in a bowl.

2. Transfer the mixture to a muslin bag and tie it closed with twine.

3. Place the sachet in a warm bath.

4. Relax and soak for 20–30 minutes.

Disclaimer:
If you have sensitive skin, do a test patch first by running warm water over a small portion of the bag, applying it to your inner arm, and waiting 15–30 minutes for any reaction.

✨ Enjoy a cozy, fragrant soak this holiday season!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Cedar Moon Wellness! 🎄💫

12/24/2025

Christmas Spirit

Christmas smells like pine and cinnamon,
glows in warm windows,
and stays in shared silence
by the fire.

The Christmas spirit is simple:
being together,
being kind,
and letting the night feel gentle.

Rivers in the Ocean 🎄☃️

12/24/2025

❤️⭐❤️⭐❤️
Merry Christmas Eve

12/24/2025

A Little Quiet Time Amid the Festivities

This Christmas, allow yourself a pause.
Amid the twinkling lights,
the bustling preparations,
and the chorus of holiday cheer,
take a moment just for you.

Let the warmth of a cozy blanket,
the soft glow of candles,
or the hush of a quiet room
remind you that stillness can be a gift.

Sip your favorite drink slowly,
breathe deeply,
and savor the simplicity of the present.
Christmas isn’t only about festivities,
it’s also about finding peace within,
listening to your own heart,
and giving yourself the grace to rest.

In the quiet, you may hear
the gentle whispers of gratitude,
the soft laughter of memories,
or the tender promise of hope for the year to come.

Let this season be a reminder
that even amidst the celebrations,
it’s okay to slow down, reflect, and recharge.

Make some quiet time for yourself.
You deserve it.

~ 'A Little Quiet Time Amid the Festivities' by Spirit of a Hippie

✍️ Mary Anne Byrne

~ Art by Esther Bennink

12/24/2025

“All shall find the Light at last, silver on the tree.”
-Susan Cooper

❄️~ Winter Solstice Lore ~🌙

In the Celtic cultures, on the sixth night of the new moon closest to Winter Solstice, the search for silver on the tree began.

Druids led a procession into the sacred groves looking for the luminescent white berries of "allheal" (or mistletoe, as we know it) shining on the holy Oak.

With the sharp blade of a golden sickle, the mistletoe was cut and caught in a white cloth, which kept the sacred plant from touching the ground. Sprigs and branches were distributed among the community for protection from harm, blessings of fertility, curing a multitude of ills, and promoting good will and peace. A white bull with bound horns was sacrificed, while feasting and merrymaking began.

Mistletoe was so revered, that if enemies met by chance underneath it in the forest, they would lay down their weapons and declare truce for a day.

The white substance from the berry was thought to be the semen of the god and held as a charm for sexual potency and fertility. To hang a cluster in the doorway or roof of the home, was to ensure that love in all its forms would abide between all people gathered there.

Mistletoe grows on hardwood trees, but rarely on the Oak—the tree most sacred to the druids (along with the Hazel and Rowan)—so when it was found on an Oak, this was a significant sign of benevolent power.

The Celts were not alone in attributing mystical powers to the mistletoe. Norse cultures have similar beliefs and tell the tale of Baldr the "Shining Day," who was slain by a dart of mistletoe. His mother, F***g, wept many tears at his death and these fell upon the berries turning them white. F***g decreed that henceforth, those who met under mistletoe must exchange a kiss in honor of her son.

Among other names, the Celts called the Winter Solstice "An Grianstad,” while to the Norse the time was known as "Yule." In later Christian days, mistletoe was banned as a seasonal decoration in churches for a time. Before long, it was back in full use, and graces our contemporary Christmas and Winter Solstice festivities as in days of old.

~ Rebekah Myers
Copyright © Rebekah Myers, 2016
Sacred Sisters Full Moon Circle

Sources include Pliny the Elder and Ovid

Art: Will Worthington, “Mistletoe,” from the Druid Plant Oracle by authors Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and artist Will
Worthington.

Note: Mistletoe has toxic properties. Consult an expert before any kind of use.

12/24/2025

Homemade V***r Rub

Ingredients:
•1 cup coconut oil
•2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (optional, for thicker consistency)
•20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
•10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:
1. If using beeswax, melt it together with the coconut oil in a double boiler. If not using beeswax, simply soften the coconut oil so it mixes easily with the essential oils.
2. Add the eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils and stir to combine.
3. Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or container with a lid.
4. Allow to solidify at room temperature.

How to Use:
•Apply to chest, back, and bottoms of feet as desired.
•Avoid eyes, face, and broken skin.
•Wash hands after applying.

Storage:
•Store in a cool, dry place.
•Shelf life: 6–12 months.
________

⚠️ Safety & Disclaimers:
•Generally safe for children 2 years and older, but always consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils on children.

•Not recommended for infants under 2 years.

•Pregnant or breastfeeding adults should consult a healthcare provider before use.

•Always patch-test on a small area first to check for skin sensitivity.

***rRub ***rRub

12/24/2025

🔥 Did you know that a simple bath can transform into a powerful wellness ritual?

In our fast-paced lives, self-care sometimes takes a back seat. However, dedicating just 20 minutes a week to a detox bath can do wonders for both your body and mind.

A detox bath not only promotes relaxation but also helps flush out toxins, alleviates stress, and soothes sore muscles.

📚 The Ultimate Detox Bath Recipe is easy to follow and incredibly effective. Here’s what you need:

- **Frequency & Time:** Take a detox bath once a week for just 20 minutes. This consistent practice helps your body adapt and optimally benefit from the experience.

- **Ingredient 1:** Start with a handful of Epsom salts. These salts contain magnesium sulfate, which can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.

- **Ingredient 2:** Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Lavender is renowned for its calming properties, making your bath not just a physical cleanse but a mental escape too.

- **Ingredient 3:** Include a half cup of baking soda. This ingredient helps neutralize skin acidity and can leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

💡 Key Takeaway: Incorporating this detox bath into your weekly routine can serve as a much-needed break from the hustle of daily life. The calming environment, combined with the appropriate ingredients, not only relaxes the body but also refreshes the mind. Make time for this ritual, and you may find it to be your new favorite way to unwind!

🏷️

12/24/2025