Castor oil from the castor bean (Oleum ricini), is a gentle and effective treatment when used in a pack placed over the abdomen or other areas of concern. The oil is absorbed into the lymphatic circulation to stimulate lymphatic function and strengthen internal organs.
There are many applications for the castor oil pack, which include general detoxification, liver disorders, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, uterine fibroids and non-malignant uterine cysts, inflamed joints, tendonitis, and gallbladder inflammation or stones.
Castor oil packs should not be used during pregnancy and should be used with caution during menstruation, as it may increase bleeding.
To make the castor oil pack you will need: castor oil, 2 sheets of plastic (garbage bags or plastic wrap), 36” x 18” white cotton or wool flannel, hot water bottle or heating pad, old towel, pillows, baking soda.
Procedure:
- Before you use it, wash the new flannel in warm water and dry. Fold the flannel in half or thirds so that is can fit over your entire abdomen.
- Soak the flannel with castor oil. Fold it in half and strip the excess oil from the pack. There pack should not be dripping oil. The pack will become less messy with repeated usage.
- Optional – You can heat the entire pack in the microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
- The castor oil may stain your sheets or furniture so cover area with an old towel or sheet.
- Lie on your back, with your feet elevated on pillows, and place the castor oil pack over your abdomen, cover it with a small sheet of plastic and a towel, and them place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.
- Stay warm during the treatment.
- Leave the pack on for 45-60 minutes. Alternately, you may sleep with the pack on all night, held in place with a tensor bandage. If you do this, use only a hot water bottle or no heat at all, and make sure not to wrap the bandage too tight.
- After finishing you may leave the oil on your skin to be absorbed, or remove the oil by washing with a solution of 2 TBSP of baking soda mixed in 1 litre of water.
- Store the pack in a large resealable bag in the refrigerator. The pack can be reused many times. Just add more oil to it as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack when it begins to change colour.
- Daily use of the castor oil pack will be most beneficial and effective. Try for a minimum of at least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4-6 weeks.
Adapted from the writings of Dickson Thom, DDS, ND
