Kitchen Medicine

Castor Oil Pack

Background:

The castor bean (Oleum ricini), also known as Palma Christi, due to its shape and healing properties, is known principally as a cathartic (strong laxative) when taken orally. A gentler use is in the form of a pack placed over the abdomen, usually with heat applied. The oil is absorbed into the lymphatic circulation to provide a soothing, cleansing, and nutritive treatment.

Use:

The castor oil pack has many applications, and is specific in cases of uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts that are non-malignant. Other conditions which respond well include: headaches, liver disorders, constipation and intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, conditions with poor elimination, night time urinary frequency and inflamed joints. You can use the castor oil pack specifically over the pelvic area with GENTLE heat. If you are having any pain in the pelvic area, use it without heat.

Materials Needed:

• castor oil

• plastic sheet (saran wrap or garbage bag)

• unbleached organic cotton or wool flannel 36" x 18" or an old kitchen towel

• heating pad or hot water bottle

• plastic bag or glass container to store pack

Procedure:

1. Fold flannel into 3 thicknesses to fit over your entire abdomen.

2. Soak flannel with castor oil. Fold flannel in half and strip excess oil from pack. Unfold.

3. Lay wool blanket, old sheet, large sheet of plastic and old towel out on the surface you will be lying on. This will prevent STAINING.

4. Lie on your back, place flannel over abdomen, cover with a small sheet of plastic and place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of the plastic.

5. Wrap yourself in the towel, sheet and wool blanket.

6. Leave pack on for 5-60 minutes as directed by your physician. This is an excellent time to practice visualization, mediation or relaxation breathing. You may also fall asleep with the pack on. Some people will wear the pack all night using an ace bandage to hold it in place.

7. Store the pack in your fridge in a large zip-lock bag. Reuse the pack several times, adding more heated oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it begins to change color, typically anywhere from 15-25 applications.

8. For maximum effectiveness, it is necessary to apply the pack as often as possible. Try for at least 4 consecutive days per week for 1 month. Patients who use the pack daily will receive the most beneficial effects.

9. To remove excess oil, wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart water.

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