Castor oil (CO) is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and other useful properties. It is an oil made from “castor beans,” the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, also known as palma chirsti. CO can be applied directly to the skin or taken orally in small amounts. Some also use castor “oil packs.” Packs are made of cloth that is soaked in CO and applied to affected areas. Because of its potency, CO is not used in cooking or added to food.
What Is Castor Oil?
CO is a carrier oil that differs from other oils due to its molecular weight. The effectiveness of CO may be due in part to its unusual chemical composition: the fatty acid profiles present in castor oil are ricinoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acid. Ricinoleic acid is the dominant acid, constituting about 75% to 90% of the total composition, and allows the oil to penetrate into the dermis, the location of circulatory and lymphatic vessels. Research has shown ricinoleic acid to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
A good brand of CO is packaged in amber-colored glass. Look for CO which is organic, hexane free, cold pressed and extra virgin. Avoid purchasing CO which is packaged in plastic, as the oil will actually pull the plastic into its structure.
CO is used as a powerful laxative, a natural moisturizer, and in wound healing. It has been used to assist in healing the body throughout the world and was used therapeutically in ancient India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome and in the Americas.
CO packs gained popularity due to Edgar Cayce, also known as the “sleeping prophet.” He introduced these packs as treatment for many conditions, including breast cysts, congestion in the abdominal organs, skin conditions, and scar tissue. Other benefits of CO packs include reduction of swelling on the lymph nodes, support for lymphatic system flow and for the lymph organs (such as the spleen and thymus), for sore muscles or sprains and structural pain of the joints, for edema and swelling from injuries, for emotional support and stress reduction, and for liver detoxification and support.
liver detox
What Is A Castor Oil Pack?
Packs use both the mechanism of compression combined with movement of the diaphragm to act like pump for lymphatic drainage.
Neurological placed on dermatomes, triggering activity of internal detox and cleansing organs, the liver, gallbladder, intestines, and kidneys.
stimulates oxytocin and dopamine and triggers parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, where one can actually begin to heal or become more regulated.
A pack includes several layers of white wool or cotton flannel soaked in CO and applied to the skin. The cloth may be cotton flannel or other dense material that can soak up a lot of liquid.
The flow of lymph is increased throughout the body with CO packs. Its use helps to speed the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and to reduce the size of swollen lymph nodes.
Much of the castor oil sold on the market today is from seeds which have been sprayed with pesticides. Pukka makes an organic oil, but this brand has been difficult to find as of late.
To place the pack over the liver, located lower three ribs on right side.
Pour about a tablespoon of castor oil onto your tummy. I like to take a few minutes to massage it in.
Place a flannel cloth over the oiled area. I use an old face cloth or you can cut up a towel into sections.
Cover flannel cloth with plastic – you can use cling film but I use reusable wrap.
Place heating pad or hot water bottle over plastic and set on low heat for 30-60mins.
Rest while the pack is in place. I find this deeply relaxing and often fall asleep. It’s an ideal time to meditate if you do but always set an alarm and be mindful of the heating pack.
When you are done gently cleanse the area with water.
The same piece of towel can be reused 3-4 times.
Castor oil has been used to assist in healing the body throughout the world. It was used therapeutically in ancient India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome, the Americas and in 17th century Europe.
It is known to be effective for many diverse types of pain, liver and gallbladder stimulation and cleansing/detox, digestive problems, skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis, menopause symptoms, to boost the immune system, and lymphatic circulation. By using castor oil packs, the flow of lymph is increased throughout the body. This helps to speed the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and to reduce the size of swollen lymph nodes.
The effectiveness of castor oil may be due in part to its unusual chemical composition. Castor oil is a triglyceride of fatty acids. Almost 90% of its fatty acid content consists of ricinoleic acid. Research has shown ricinoleic acid to be effective in preventing the growth of numerous species of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Due to the many beneficial aspects of this fatty acid component, castor oil can be applied topically to treat a wide variety of health complaints.
Castor Oil Pack Instructions
Select a target area to be treated. To aid the reproductive organs place the pack on the abdomen being sure that the area between the umbilicus and pubic bone is covered.
Prepare 3 layers of cotton flannel. Fold or cut the cloth into three sheets, creating a pad of adequate size to cover the area to be treated. For example, to use a castor oil pack over the abdominal area, the size of the flannel cloth might be 10”x 8” and three sheets thick.
Cut a plastic sheet. The sheet should be somewhat larger than the flannel cloth. The plastic is used to protect the heating pad from getting oily. Using a plastic garbage bag normally works fairly well, but it is best to avoid using plastic grocery bags, since there are usually printed with ink on one side which can dissolve and spread when exposed to castor oil.
Saturate the cloth with castor oil. Place the flannel cloth on top of the plastic sheet. The cloth should be wet, but not dripping. The saturated cloth should be then placed directly on the target area with the plastic sheet on top of it. Your plastic sheet should cover the entire exterior of the saturated flannel, since castor oil is likely to stain any fabric it touches.
Place the heating pad over the plastic sheet. Set the heating pad on either a low or medium setting, or to a comfortable degree. The heat will promote absorption, increase circulation, and encourage the body to relax. This is generally left in place for 1⁄2 to one hour and can be left on for up to 1.5 hours. You may place a bath towel over the top of the heating pad to help hold in the heat and an elastic bandage to hold it in place. Caution: Heat should not be used in conditions where it is normally contraindicated, such as appendicitis, diabetic neuropathy or over the abdomen during pregnancy (including after ovulation if you might be pregnant). However, the castor oil pack may be used without heat in these conditions.
Wash Off Area. After using the castor oil pack, cleanse the skin using a washcloth and organic soap. Washing the area helps clear acidic toxins that have been drawn out of the body during the treatment and helps prevent reabsorbing these toxins.
An alternative method is to apply the castor oil pack without heat, using a towel wrapped around the body, with safety pins to hold it in place. This can be left on for several hours, overnight, or for an entire 24-hour period.
Re-use of the Same Castor Oil Pack. Each cotton flannel pack may be used up to 10 times if, between usages, it is kept in a plastic container and refrigerated. With use, the pack gradually absorbs toxins. Therefore, after 10 uses, discard the pack and make a new one. It is not recommended to try to wash out the pack for re-use.
Frequency of Castor Oil Packs. In general, the castor oil packs are recommended 2 times per week, for 1⁄2 to 1.5 hours per session. Or as needed for PMS or menstrual cramps. At first, it may work better to skip a day between the use of each pack, rather than using them on consecutive days.
The use of castor oil packs should always be gentle, without side effects. Cleansing reactions, such as a rash, are rare. If they occur, it usually indicates that the body’s ability to eliminate toxins is not sufficient yet. It may be necessary to temporarily decrease the frequency or length of time of using the packs. The most common cleansing reaction is a rash that may occur at the site of the pack. If this occurs, it is typically noticed during the first few applications of the pack.
Castor oil packs cannot be used too much. Many people continue to use castor oil packs periodically throughout their lives to help boost the immune system, to keep the lymphatic circulation clear, and to assist in proper eliminations.
Using Castor Oil Topically
CO reduces fine lines and wrinkles and can be used alone on the eyes, face, neck, etc., or with your favorite oil, such as jojoba.
CO also works as an eyebrow serum to encourage growth and also helps to increase eyelash growth. Apply 1-2 drops each night and wipe the excess. Disposable eyelash brushes are handy for this application.
CO can stimulate hair growth. Apply each night to bald or sparse areas, allow to sit for 1 hour to overnight, then rinse with 2 cups warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons baking soda before shampooing. CO stains everything, so use a shower cap if sleeping in it.
CO has been prized for treating scar tissue naturally: the fatty acids work to soften adhesions and allow new skin cells to regenerate. This method works for both skin surface scars and internal adhesions but needs to be used consistently over a longer period of time.
Precautions
Never use CO on open wounds, uterine growths, or malignant tumors.
CO is occasionally used by medical professionals to induce labor in pregnant women, as it causes uterine contractions. For this reason, it should never be consumed during pregnancy or during menstruation.
CO can also cause gastrointestinal side effects. While it effectively alleviates constipation, as it stimulates muscle contractions, CO may cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, and bloating. It should only be used to treat constipation while under medical supervision. Never use CO when intestinal blockages are present.
CO may cause allergic reactions in some people when applied to the skin. Prior to any use, first apply a very small amount to a small patch of skin to see how your body will react.
Research
Evidence for the topical application of castor oil: A systematic review | D. Kennedy and D. Keaton (2012)
Learn More
4 Benefits And Uses Of Castor Oil | Healthline
30 Outstanding Castor Oil Uses And Benefits | One Agora Integrative Health
Benefits Of Castor Oil For The Face And Skin | Medical News Today
Castor Oil: Are There Health Benefits? | Web MD
Castor Oil Packs | The Lymph Guy
How To Add A Castor Oil Pack To Your Liver Detox | Womens Health Network
How To Make And Use Castor Oil Packs | Healthline
How To Make And Use Castor Oil Packs | Wellness Mama
Therapies: Castor Oil Packs (With Video) | Edgar Cayce
What To Know About Castor Oil For Eczema | Medical News Today
