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Home Care Procedures Print E-mail
Written by Russel Sher   
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Castor Oil Packs

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil has been used in traditional medicine dating back to ancient Egyptian times. It was popularized by Edgar Cayce as a therapeutic treatment for many ailments. It is derived from the castor bean Ricinus communis). Although it has been used orally as a laxative in the past, it's now known to contain ricin which is toxic. We recommend that it is used only externally over unbroken skin.

Castor Oil Pack

A castor oil pack may be made by soaking a flannel cloth in castor oil which is placed on the skin. It's used to enhance circulation, improve lymphatic flow, reduce inflammation, and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It is also used to improve liver function, relieve pain, and improve digestion.

How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?

Castor oil packs are made by saturating a piece of flannel cloth in castor oil and placing it over the skin. The flannel is then covered with a sheet of plastic or plastic bag, and a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.

The castor oil pack may be placed over the following areas:
  • Over the liver to assist in liver function and detoxification
  • Inflamed or swollen joints
  • Bursitis
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
  • The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders
  • The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual disorders and uterine or ovarian cysts

Safety Issues

Castor oil should not be taken internally due to possible ricin content (If present, it would be minimal). It should not be applied to broken skin including cuts and rashes. To minimize risk, it should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.

Materials

Castor oil kits may be obtained from your local health food store:
  • Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel cut to the size of the affected area
  • Castor oil (may be obtained from your local health food store in the supplement section)
  • Plastic wrap or plastic bag cut larger than the flannel
  • Hot water bottle
  • Container with lid to soak the flannel and keep the pack between use
  • Old clothes and sheets {Note: Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding}
Method

  • Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil until it is saturated, but not dripping.
  • Place the pack over the body part that requires treatment.
  • Cover with plastic ensuring that the plastic extends beyond the pack.
  • Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Best results would be obtained if you rest while the pack is in place.
  • When removing the pack, clean the area with a dilute solution of warm water and baking soda.
  • Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be re-used up to 30 times.




Last Updated ( Tuesday, 21 April 2009 16:07 )
 
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