Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to
ancient Egypt. Derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis), the oil was
once used internally as a laxative but is now primarily used externally due
to its potential toxicity.
How it works
A castor oil pack is placed on the skin to increase circulation and to
promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the
skin. It is used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic
circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.
How it is 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 to stimulate the liver. Castor oil packs
are often recommended 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.
Safety precautions
Castor oil should not be applied to
broken skin, or used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstrual
flow.
Materials
- Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover
the affected area
- Castor oil
- Plastic wrap cut 1-2" larger than the flannel (can be cut from a
plastic bag)
- Hot water bottle
- Container with lid
- Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.
Method
1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is
saturated, but not dripping.
2. Place the pack over the affected body part.
3. Cover with plastic.
4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes.
Rest while the pack is in place.
5. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water
and baking soda.
6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack
may be reused up to 25-30 times.
7. It can be ozonated.
8. Castor oil
will last a couple of years and ozonated should double the life span, and if
you keep it in in the refrigerator, the shelf life would be extended and
last much longer
Frequency of use
It is generally recommended that a castor oil pack be used for 3 to 7 days
in a week to treat a health condition or for detox.
For much more about castor oil visit Majid Ali's MDs blog
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