Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil packs are anti-inflammatory and aid in the elimination and detoxification of the body.  They’re also very relaxing.  I use them all the time when running detoxification classes (your liver can use all the help it can get!)

Indications: The castor oil pack has many applications and is used in many conditions including uterine fibroids, non-malignant ovarian cysts, headaches, migraines, constipation, colitis and other intestinal disorders, gallbladder and liver conditions, arthritis and chest colds.

Contraindications: Do not use heat with uterine growths, bleeding, pregnancy, ulcers or while menstruating. Do not fall asleep while using an electric heating pad.

When to use castor oil: Your doctor will recommend the frequency of use. Typically, the castor oil pack is used 1-3 times/day in acute situations, and 1-3 times/week in more chronic situations. It is beneficial to use the castor oil pack several days in a row rather than spread out the sessions during the week.

Supplies:

• Flannel cloth (cotton or wool; 20-40 inches by 24-48 inches)
• Plastic wrap (Clear kitchen wrap or plastic bag without ink)
• Glass dish (something small that you can use for storage and is microwave safe)
• Old hand towel
• Hot water bottle or hot gel pak
• Four ounce bottle of castor oil

Directions:

• Fold the flannel or wool cloth 2-4 times, so that it is several layers thick and a suitable size to cover recommended body area.
• Pour oil onto flannel until it is well moistened but not dripping.
• Heat flannel/oil in glass dish in oven or microwave to a comfortable temperature. You want the pack very hot, but not hot enough to burn your skin.
• Lie down placing flannel directly on skin over the treatment area.
• Place plastic wrap that is 1-2 inches larger than flannel on all sides over flannel to prevent staining of clothes or bedding.
• Place the hand towel on top of the plastic wrap. This is to prevent staining of your clothes.
• If using heat, apply hot water bottle, gel pack, or heating pad over the treatment area.
• This is the good part – do nothing. You may sleep, use visualization, meditate, read, or watch TV.  Do this for 30-45 minutes. Longer treatments are not harmful, though it is not advisable to fall asleep with the heating pad on.
• You may replace the flannel pack in the glass container and store in refrigerator. This flannel and oil may be used for weeks or for 20 – 25 applications.
• You can rub in any residual oil on your skin or wash it off.