Introduction: Castor Oil Packs

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Castor Oil packs have been used for a very long time for a wide range of issues. Some of these include constipation, anemia, pain, bloating, inflammation, allergies, hemorroids, clearing the skin, gall bladder and liver cleansing, improving lymphatic health, immunity, cancer, Parkinson's, migraine, parasites, abscesses, uterine fibroids and other unwanted cells.

Castor oil powerfully assists the digestive tract in improving function and motility. A optimally functioning digestive system supports the whole body in powerful ways as we know from Chinese medicine and many other ancient medicinal traditions.

Castor oil packs are very simple to make and apply.

Step 1: Materials Needed

  • Castor oil (cold pressed and additive free)
  • Flannel (preferaby wool)
  • Scissors
  • Plastic or old cloth to protect clothing from oil
  • Hot water bottle (or heating pad if you must)
  • Towel (optional)

Step 2: Soak Flannel With Castor Oil

When folded the flannel should be about 12 x 14 inches (30 x 36 cm). The cloth should be two or four thicknesses when folded. This is the size needed for abdominal application.

Pack size should be adjusted if applied to other parts of the body, such as an ankle etc.

Pour castor oil onto the cloth, place the plastic bag or sheet under the cloth so as not to get oil on surface below.

Cloth should be wet (saturated), but not dripping with oil.

Step 3: Applying the Castor Oil Pack

  • Apply the pack to the area of the body that needs treatment.
  • Place another old cloth over the pack as well as a plastic sheet or bag.
  • Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack. Be sure not to burn the skin.
  • Wrap a towel around the person being treated and fasten in place with safety pins.
  • Keep the pack in place for 60 - 90 mins.

When you remove the pack skin can be rinsed with baking soda to remove any more oil or it can be rubbed into the skin.

Step 4: Frequency of Use

The flannel can be reused. Just keep it in a plastic container or bag so the oil doesn't get on everything.

When using the pack just add more castor oil before applying. The pack can be reused for several months unless it becomes discolored or the oil becomes rancid. Some people keep it in the fridge, but be sure to warm it up before use if you do that. (Not in the microwave)

It is beneficial to use the pack from three to seven days a week depending on your situation.

Some recommendations are to use the pack for three evenings in a row over the ascending colon and liver and then take 7-10 days off and repeat.

Step 5: Benefit to Immune System

The following section is taken from the book The Oil That Heals: A Physician's Successes With Castor Oil Treatments by William A. McGarey, M.D

Our clinical experience with the castor oil packs applied over the abdomen led us to understand that the packs enhance the function of the thymus gland and the other component parts of the immune system, making that system more effective in protecting the body from the outside and inside dangers and helping the immune system take the lead in rebuilding any given part of the body. These findings, substantiated in early research, give this particular therapy an overall significance in laying the groundwork for a healing process to begin. The immune system is the foundation of health in the body, and it cannot be allowed to disintegrate of lose its normal abilities, or the body will be subject to illness in one area or another, depending upon where there are other weaknesses. p 64