THE CASTOR OIL PACK

Background:
The castor bean (Oleum ricini), also known as Palma Christi due to its leaf shape and healing properties, acts as a cathartic (strong laxative) when taken internally. 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, which stimulates immune function and tonifies internal organs.

Use:
The castor oil pack has many applications including the following: headaches, liver disorders, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, conditions with poor elimination, night-time urinary frequency, inflammed or sprained joints, acne and skin disorders, as well as uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts that are non malignant. It is especially useful for general detoxification. Doing regular castor oil pack treatments is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to increase your body’s ability to heal itself.
Extremely sensitive clents, such as those with multiple chemical sensitivities, may experience an increase in their symptoms. If this happens, it is necessary to reduce the length of time for doing the castor oil pack (COP). Be certain to contact the office if you have questions about the length of time you should use the COP.

Materials Needed:
• Castor oil (ideally in a glass bottle – any oil will leach hormone-disrupting chemicals, such as dioxins and phthalates, from the plastic)
• cotton flannel cloth OR old facecloth/towel – large enough to cover your abdomen
• hot water bottle or heating pad
• plastic grocery bag (turned inside out so ink does not leak) or garbage bag – just slightly larger than cloth
• spare towel (optional)
• warm blanket (optional)

Procedure:
1. Place flannel on a plate and drizzle with the castor oil until saturated. You may need to let it sit for a few minutes to distribute the oil throughout the flannel. It should not be dripping wet.

2. Place flannel over entire abdomen – so just beneath the rib-cage to just above pubic area. If you have fibrocystic breasts or chronic lung disease you may also cover this area with the caster oil pack, basically from the pubic bone to the collarbone.

3. Cover with the plastic bag, then place heating pad (low heat) or hot water bottle over top of the bag. You may want to cover pack with an old towel if you want to extra protection for your sheets. You may also want to wrap up in a warm blanket, robe or cozy bed.

4. Leave pack on for 45 60 minutes. This is an excellent time to now practice visualization, mediation or relaxation breathing. Alternatively you may just sleep, read or watch T.V. Some people will wear the pack all night using an ace bandage to hold it in place.

5. After finishing, you can leave the oil on the skin to be absorbed, wipe off with an old towel, or remove the oil with with the following solution: 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 2 cups water .

6. Store the pack in a large zip lock bag or tupperware and either refrigerate or keep at room temperature. The pack is meant to be reused for several weeks, simply add more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it begins to change color (1 –2 months).

7. For maximum effectiveness, it is necessary to apply the pack as often as possible, preferably every day. Or try for a minimum of at least 4 consecutive days per week for a minimum of at least 4 6 weeks. Patients who use the pack daily will receive the most beneficial effects. (Research has shown that using the castor oil pack for 4 consecutive days will boost the immune system 60%!)


CAUTION: Do not heat the pack or use topical heat in the following situations:
• over a pregnant abdomen as it may stimulate uterine contractions
• over a suspected or known cancerous tumor as the heat will increase blood flow


FUNCTIONS OF TOPICAL CASTOR OIL

• increases intestinal eliminations (mild laxative) and releases colon impaction
• stimulates the liver and gallbladder and therefore improves detoxification
• reduces swelling and inflammation, relieves pain
• dissolves and removes adhesions and lesions as well as benign tumors and growths
• stimulates the immune system within the intestine (30% of our immune system is in the gut!!)
• increases lymphatic circulation
• increases relaxtion (especially within the nerve plexus of the diaphragm)
• stimulates and repairs organs and glands


Enjoy adding this tool to your healthy new routine!

Healthy and happiness,
Jennifer