Castor Oil Packs are a natural remedy that has been used by various cultures for centuries. It’s believed that Castor Oil Packs work by drawing toxins from the body through the skin and lymphatic system. They’re also said to help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, stimulate circulation, improve digestion, regulate hormones, and promote healing in organs like your liver or kidneys.
WHAT IS CASTOR OIL?
Castor oil comes from the castor beans – the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant which has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. It is extracted from the bean and then purified. It is very thick and colorless. Castor oil has a unique chemical make-up, including ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid is responsible for castor oil’s healing properties.
Edgar Cayce, one of America’s most famous healers, was a big proponent of castor oil packs and used them to improve the function of many organs, including the liver, thyroid gland, and pancreas.
WHAT ARE CASTOR OIL PACKS USED FOR?
1. HEALTHY SKIN
Castor oil packs have been around for centuries as a way to relieve skin irritations. In fact, castor oil is so effective that it was once used in toothpaste! Today, those who suffer from dry or damaged skin can use the same ingredients found in castor oil pack treatments to help even out their complexion and reduce acne.
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin. When applied to the skin, these fatty acids help to seal in moisture and protect the skin from environmental toxins. Castor oil packs also stimulate blood circulation, which can help improve complexion and reduce inflammation.
To use a castor oil pack on your troubled area like irritated, dry skin, simply apply some castor oil directly on the skin before applying a warm cloth. Next, cover everything with plastic wrap and let it sit for one to two hours as you relax!
2. IMPROVED DIGESTION
A recent study has shown that using external castor oil packs may help treat constipation. A substance called ricinoleic acid, which stimulates contractions of the muscles in your digestive system and can stimulate peristalsis (movement along these intestines walls).
A Turkish medical trial tested this theory on older adults with severe constipation. The researchers found that using castor oil packs for just 3 days didn’t change the number or type of bowel movements, but it did make them easier to pass and reduced constipation symptoms.
3. LIVER AND GALLBLADDER HEALTH
The liver is the largest internal organ in your body. It’s responsible for filtering toxins out of our blood, producing proteins that help us fight infections, and storing sugar (glucose) which it uses as energy. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver to break down fats during digestion. When these two organs become sluggish or congested, we can experience a wide range of symptoms.
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries to support liver and gallbladder health. The warm castor oil helps to increase blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system which helps drain toxins from the organs. The pack also provides gentle heat which can help improve function and reduce inflammation.
4. JOINT PAIN
If you suffer from arthritis, osteoarthritis, or inflammation in your knees, fingers, or wrists, castor oil packs may help reduce inflammation and help soothe the pain in your joints. Try it for tennis elbow pain relief, too!
5. FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries as a folk remedy to improve female reproductive organ health. The packs help stimulate the flow of lymph and blood, which in turn helps remove toxins from the tissues and organs. This improved circulation can help relieve conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and even PMS symptoms.
6. LAXATIVE
If you suffer from occasional constipation, castor oil packs can provide a natural relief.
Castor oil helps to move the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, allowing for a healthy bowel movement and making it easier to go.
Castor oil packs offer the same benefits as a laxative, without the uncomfortable gas, bloating, and abdominal pain common with over-the-counter laxatives.
7. RELAXATION
Castor oil packs can offer feelings of relaxation and encourage restful sleep!
Take some time to slow down and relax while reaping the varied benefits of castor oil. When you’re in need of some relaxation or before bedtime, apply your castor oil pack to your abdomen with a heating pad or hot water bottle.
While your body soaks up the castor oil, take some time to unwind and practice deep breathing. After about 45 minutes your body will feel relaxed, your stress will ease, and you’ll be ready to crawl into bed for a restful night’s sleep. Try it, it really works!
How to make and use a castor oil pack
What you need:
- soft, clean, free of dyes material like cotton, flannel, or wool
- a bottle of castor oil
- a glass bowl for storage
- a hot water bottle or a heating pad
- a plastic bag
- a large towel
Directions:
- Put on old clothes; castor oil stains and is almost impossible to get rid off
- Cut the fabric of your choice into 12 by 10 inch squares, you would need about 4-5 layers depending the thickness of the fabric, soak it with castor oil until well saturated but it should not be dripping!
- Get your heating pad ready
- Place the towel on the area where you will be seating or lying
- Once you lie down, place the saturated flannel over the area that needs to be treated
- Cover the area with plastic and place the heating pad over it; let it sit for 60 to 90 minutes per session
- Remove the pack; store it in a covered glass container (a bowl or a jar) refrigerated until next use
- Clean the area. This can be done by using a warm, damp cloth to wipe down the treatment site. Be sure to avoid getting the castor oil on your clothes or furniture, as it will be difficult to remove. If any oil does get on these surfaces, you can use a mild detergent or soap to remove it.
- Repeat daily until you achieve your desired results.
As a rule of thumb, you should continue with the packs for up to 30 days. You can reuse the same pack until you see that it has changed color due to the toxins it grabbed from your body. If this happens, you would need to make a fresh one.
Now that you know how castor oil packs can benefit you, you can use them as a part of your regular wellness and self-care to improve your overall health and well-being!
Important:
Castor oil packs can be very beneficial however, it is possible that these rare cases may occur – feverishness and/or skin rash (if this happens stop using castor oil packs immediately). As with all other treatments, there are precautions that should always precede implementation; ask a professional health care provider before implementing castor oil packs into your wellness regime.
None of the information provided in this article is and should be construed as medical advice. Always contact your health care provider to get help and advice for your health challenges.
See full Medical Disclaimer HERE==>>
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11200362/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22615395/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6875144/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28162847/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26814466/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24260265/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18080873/
https://integrative.ca/uploads/Resources-PDF/18-05-03-Integrative-Handout-Castor-Oil.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388110000320
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