Castor oil pack equipment
The following books were used to research this subject.
- Dr. John R. Christopher Herbal Home Health Care
- William A. McGarey, M.D. The Oil That Heals
What is a castor oil pack?
A Castor oil pack is an oil soaked cloth preferably flannel wool with no color dyes laid on the skin over an ailment and cover with moist heat. It is usually left for about one hour. Repeat several times until the ailment has cleared. It also can be placed on the skin and left overnight which is my preferred method.
According to both books, the castor oil should be massage into the skin above the ailment in a circular motion clockwise.
Dr. McGarey recommends massaging on the left side of the body clockwise and on the right side counter clockwise. He also list castor oil’s chemical makeup which consists of triglyceride of fatty acids. Ninety percent of the fatty acids contains Ricinoleic acid and small amount of seven other acids.
According to Dr. McGarey books: Edgar Cayce’s works list several ailments castor oil helps: These historical uses include.
- Increases eliminations
- Stimulates the liver
- Dissolves and removes adhesion
- Dissolves and removes lesions
- Relieves pain
- Releases colon impaction
- Stimulated gall bladder
- Reduces inflammation
- Increases relaxation
- Reduces swelling
- Stimulates organs and glands
Following are the two methods I have used over the years. If you dislike the feel of wool, use 100% cotton with no dyes. I like to use cotton diapers.
Always test for allergic reactions when using anything on the skin for the first time.
Castor oil packs work for me but not everyone will achieve the same results. Our body makeup is different from our neighbors and nothing works for everybody for everything.
Equipment
- 100% soft wool or 100% soft white cotton. 2-4 thickness
- Castor oil
- Plastic Wrap
- Ace bandage
- Bath towel
- Hot water bottle
- Baking soda with warm water
Overnight Method:
Pour castor oil on your choice of cloth and place over the area affected, cover with plastic wrap and cover this with some type of holding material. Cloth should be folded 2-4 thickness and large enough to cover area.
If you are using on the upper body, it sometimes can be held in place with a old snug tee shirt or some areas will work using an Ace bandage.
This may take a little experimenting to find the best way to hold the pack in place while you sleep. In the morning remove the pack and wash the area with 2 tsp. baking soda mixed with about 1 quart of warm water. This will remove the toxins the castor oil has brought to the skin’s surface. I like to repeat this method until the problem has resolved itself.
The castor oil pack can be used again until the cloth starts to change color. When this happens it is time to throw the cloth away and start with a fresh cloth. Some may be more comfortable with using the cloth only a few times before disposing. I usually use it for about a month.
Caution: This may stain your sheets and if this is a problem try the One Hour Method. I use old sheets on the bed.
One Hour Method:
Use the same pack of oil and cloth covered with plastic wrap, but add a warmed bath towel and cover the towel with a hot water bottle. Be careful don’t get burned. Lay still for about an hour. Wash the area with the baking soda wash. Repeat this as often as need to resolve the problem.
I have used these methods for a number of years. I use it on my knee when it starts to act up and I use the overnight method. I have known friends who have used the pack for lumps until they can get a doctor appointment.
Dry patches: Massage the castor oil on dry patches on your skin or any where you have a wart. If you want to leave the castor oil on the wart for a time, use a bandage with a few drops of oil.