Castor oil packs have gained a lot of popularity lately and when you learn all about the amazing benefits you'll understand why. They are used to promote healing, reduce inflammation and detoxify the body as well as improving circulation and elimination. These packs are one of the oldest, most widespread healing rituals in the world.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil (Ricinus communis) comes from the castor seed, native to India. It is extremely high in ricinoleic acid, which is thought to be responsible for its health-promoting abilities. It has the ability to break up stagnation and move blood in the female reproductive area, soften masses and prevent the build up of excess endometrial tissue, increase circulation, reduce inflammation, restore normal periods, increase lymphatic drainage and detoxify the liver.
What is a castor oil pack?
The idea is to keep castor oil on a piece of cloth on the skin for at least an hour with a heat source to stimulate lymph and liver function. Unlike some “detox” methods, this is not said to have any negative side effects and there are many accounts of people who noticed immediate better sleep, more energy, and clearing of skin symptoms. The beauty of a castor oil pack is you can place it where the benefits are needed.
What can it be used for?
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Uterine fibroids
- Constipation
- Liver detox
- Lymphatic drainage
- Inflammatory conditions
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Estrogen dominance
- Menstrual cramps
- Immune support
- Pelvic pain
- Kidney stones
- Gallbladder disorders
- Painful breast tissue
- C-section scar tissue healing
- Infertility
- Improved sleep and stress
- Iron metabolism
- Thyroid function
- Acne
- Fibromyalgia
- Backache
- Bloating
- Kidney detox
- Postpartum
How to use it:
- Find a time when you can relax in a comfortable chair, on the couch or in bed and read a book, watch TV, knit or do some other sedentary activity.
- Place 2 tablespoons of castor oil onto the center of your castor oil pack and wait 20 minutes for it to be absorbed into the flannel. Rub the cloth together for easy absorption.
- Place the castor oil pack over the desired area ie. under the right rib cage or over your abdomen.
- Place a hot water bottle full of hot water or warm rice bag over the castor oil pack.
- Relax for 45-60 minutes.
- For better results you can sleep with it on overnight. You do not need the hot water bottle for this method.
When and how often to use it:
- Do NOT use during your period as it can increase bleeding.
- Do NOT use if you are pregnant as it can cause your uterus to contract.
- Use from the time your period ends until it begins.
- For severe pain use daily for 30-60 days, except during menstruation
- For moderate pain use every other day for 30-60 days, except during menstruation
- For mild pain use 2-3 times a week for 30 days, except during menstruation
- You can reduce the frequency of packs once symptoms begin to improve and then just use once or twice a month to maintain the results.
- If you are trying to conceive use the pack over your liver (right side) from the end of your period until YOUR mid cycle (because not everyone operates on the same 28 day cycle), and over your pelvic area from ovulation (your mid cycle) until the first day of your bleed.
- If you are done having babies use the pack over your pelvic area from the end of your period until YOUR mid cycle, and over your liver (right side) from ovulation until the first day of your bleed.
NOTE: Your period immediately following use may be heavier and more painful than your typical periods due to clearing, softening and dissolving stagnation from the reproductive area. This is a very common response. Each subsequent period should be improved.
How to care for your castor oil compress:
- Wash after 12-15 uses.
- Soak overnight in warm water in a glass bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice, or a few drops of lemon essential oil, and a tablespoon of bicarb to remove excess oil from the pack.
- The next morning, hand wash in warm water using a natural detergent or boerseep and allow to dry.
I really hope you have found some valuable information regarding castor oil packs here and will be getting yours soon to benefit from all it has to offer.
Wishing you health and healing,
