Are you looking for a natural remedy to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, balance hormones and improve digestive issues? Look no further than the magical world of castor oil packs!
This ancient remedy has been used for centuries to promote lymphatic circulation, relieve pain, assist with detoxofication, and boost immune function.
It’s truly an incredible tool for supporting health and wellness.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the benefits of castor oil packs and I’ll show you how to use them in order to unleash their full potential. So, grab your flannel cloth and let's get started on this journey to natural healing!
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack is a piece of unbleached cloth (typically flannel or 100% unbleached cotton) that is saturated in castor oil and placed over top of a particular organ in the body to accelerate healing and improve overall function.
Here’s how it works:
When you place a castor oil pack on top of an organ, the castor oil is absorbed through your skin and promotes blood flow to the organs beneath it. Since our blood is what transports oxygen and nutrients to our cells, improving blood flow to a particular organ can dramatically improve its function and can help to accelerate healing.
Since the liver performs over 500+ functions in the body (including supporting digestion, detoxification and hormone regulation), the upper right quadrant of the abdomen is the most common area that castor oil packs are worn. But you can wear a castor oil pack just about anywhere on your body! For example, in practice, I often have clients wear the pack overtop their entire abdomen for constipation, or alternate between the liver and the ovaries for hormonal issues like PMS or irregular menses. I have also seen cases in which wearing a castor oil pack over an inflamed joint like a rolled ankle has improved pain and reduced the overall inflammation.
Benefits of Castor Oil Packs:
In addition to what I explained above, here are some more specific benefits of regularly using a castor oil pack:
Promotes lymphatic circulation: Castor oil packs are known to improve lymphatic circulation. This is important because the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body and removing waste products.
Relieves pain and inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it an effective treatment for pain and inflammation. Castor oil packs can be used to relieve joint pain, muscle soreness, and menstrual cramps. They can even be placed over top of inflamed or injured joints and muscles to accelerate healing.
Improves digestion: Castor oil packs can help improve digestion by stimulating the liver and gallbladder. This can help alleviate symptoms of constipation, bloating, and indigestion, as well. (To learn more ways to help relieve constipation, check out my ebook here)
Boosts immune function: The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has been shown to enhance the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
How to use Castor Oil Packs:
To make a castor oil pack, you will need the following:
Castor oil – preferably cold-pressed
A large piece of un-dyed wool or unbleached cotton flannel folded or cut into 3 thicknesses and large enough to cover your entire abdomen
A garbage bag or an old bath towel that will only be used for castor oil packs as it will be stained
A second large piece of cotton flannel
Hot water bottle (optional)
Glass container or zip lock bag to store oil-soaked flannel between uses
Instructions:
Fold the wool or cotton flannel into 3 thicknesses and put it in a baking pan (disposable baking pans work well). Drizzle it with castor oil and leave it to soak until it is well saturated, but not dripping. *Note: For the first few weeks you may need to add extra oil after use. Once it is saturated enough this will only be needed every few weeks.
Lay the towel on the surface you will be lying on and lie on your back with your feet elevated (using a pillow is fine).
Place the oil-soaked flannel over either your entire abdomen or your liver (under the right rib cage) and cover it with an extra towel, the wrap-around pack or extra cotton flannel. Place the hot water bottle on top.
Leave the pack on for 45-60 minutes, then place it into the jar/bag. Remove the excess oil from your skin (see notes) or leave it on to fully absorb.
If this feels intimidating to you, you can also purchase Castor Oil Pack Kits from online retailers (like Amazon), or at your local health shops. These are far easier to use and much less messy! My personal favourite Kit is the Castor Oil Pack by Queen of Thrones.
Things to keep in mind when using a castor oil pack:
Castor oil packs can be used frequently, even daily if needed. They should generally be used for a minimum of 45 - 60 minutes for 3 consecutive days per week, or as otherwise indicated by your practitioner.
It is best to start slowly with castor oil packs by using them for just 10-20 minutes for the first few days.
Castor oil should not be used in pregnancy as they stimulate blood flow. They can also increase blood flow during menstruation, so it is best to pause them during this time.
Castor oil packs should not be used on a full stomach. It is best to wait 2-3 hours after a meal.
Once you have finished using the castor oil pack you can remove the excess oil from your skin with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 cup of water. You may also choose to leave the oil on your skin to be totally absorbed over time, which is recommended.
It is recommended to use cold-pressed or expeller-pressed castor oil.
In conclusion, castor oil packs are a natural and effective remedy for a variety of health issues. They are easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home. If you are experiencing pain, inflammation, or digestive issues, give castor oil packs a try and experience the many benefits for yourself.