Benefits of Castor Oil & Castor Packs
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Although it was once taken orally as a laxative, it’s now known to be toxic and is used only externally over the unbroken skin. It should just be after consulting a healthcare professional.
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil which then places on the skin. It’s used by some alternative practitioners to enhance circulation and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. Alternative practitioners also use it to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and to improve digestion.
How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?
Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.
A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:
- The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.
- Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
- The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.
- The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.
Castor Oil Safety
Castor oil should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation
Materials for Castor Oil Pack
- Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
- Castor oil
- Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
- Hot water bottle or heating pad
- Container wiLidlid
- Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.
Castor Oil Pack Application
- Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
- Place the pack over the affected body part.
- Cover with plastic.
- Place the hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.
- After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
- Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 3 times.
