castoroil
Recently I have been using castor oil packs on my legs to help with tight calf muscles from running. Kim Keresturi our RMT was the one who suggested it. Before that, I had only ever heard of castor oil packs on the abdomen. I have had great results with this method and thought I should share it.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Castor oil is derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Although it used to be taken orally as a laxative, it's now known to be toxic and is used only externally over unbroken skin. It should only be used after consulting a health care professional.
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin. It's used by some alternative practitioners to enhance circulation and to promote the healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. Alternative practitioners also use it to improve liver function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and to improve digestion.
How is a Castor Oil Pack Made?
Closeup of young woman with hand on her stomach
Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:
The right side of the abdomen. Castor oil packs are sometimes recommended by alternative practitioners as part of a liver detox program.
Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
The abdomen to relieve constipation and other digestive disorders.
The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities and uterine and ovarian cysts.
Materials
Cotton flannel, or other 100% natural material large enough to cover the affected area
Castor oil
Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
Hot water bottle
Container with lid
A thin towel (I use a tea towel) (I prefer a thin towel so the heat can still get through)
If doing this in your bed lay on a towel or use older sheets. Castor oil may stain clothing and bedding.
castoroilpack
Method
1. Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.2. Place it over your whole abdomen (make sure to include the liver and the uterus), or if doing a pack on another area, place the pack over the affected body part.3. Place the piece of plastic on top and then place the towel.4. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.5. When you remove the pack, the remaining oil can be massaged into the skin or cleaned off using the other clean flannel cloth.6. Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.
7. Take it easy for a couple of hours after doing a Castor oil application.
Properties Of Castor Oil Therapy
Castor oil assists the body in the removal of inflammatory components like prostaglandins. This decreases pain during menses and pain associated with endometriosis, inflammation, and adhesions."Scientific studies have shown that Castor oil treatments can boost the immune system by increasing the number of total lymphocyte count."Castor Oil Packs Break Up Scar TissueCastor oil therapy can be effective in breaking up scar tissue and adhesions. Castor oil pack also loosens up masses or cysts and can remove toxins from as deep as 8 cm.Castor Oil Packs Aid Tissue DetoxCastor oil stimulates lymphatic drainage and removes waste products from the tissues and cells.
Other Benefits Of Castor Oil Therapy
The following conditions respond to the application of Castor oil packs:1. Menstrual dysfunction and painful periods.2. Liver, pancreas and gallbladder disorders.3. Digestive and stomach problems.4. Adhesion and scarring of the Fallopian tubes.5. Constipation and poor elimination through the bowels.6. Benign fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts.7. Lymphatic congestion and swollen lymph nodes.8. Constipation, bowel impaction or adhesions.9. Bladder and vaginal infections.10. Fibrocystic breast disease (breast applications).11. Can be used to treat gynaecological disorders related to infertility, like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.Castor oil is absorbed easily into the body through the skin and its healing components are delivered directly into the body tissues.
Safety Precautions
Do not apply a Castor oil packs on broken skin. Avoid doing castor oil pack during menses. In women who are actively trying to conceive, it is best to avoid castor oil therapy after ovulation has been detected. Avoid applying heat on the abdomen during early pregnancy as this can affect the developing baby. in fact, castor oil treatment are contraindicated in pregnant and nursing moms. If you have uterine bleeding or suffer from cancerous tumors do not do castor oil packs. For any serious conditions talk to your doctor before doing castor oil therapy.Kim Keresturi, our RMT at Circle of Light introduced me to Castor Oil a few years ago. Thank you Kim!