Benefits of Castor oil Packs
Castor oil packs are an easy and effective home therapy that you can do on a regular basis to improve your lymphatic drainage and detoxify the body.
Castor seed plant is native to India. Castor oil comes from the castor seed, Ricinus communis, and is a triglyceride, comprised of fatty acids, 90% is ricinoleic acid.
Castor oil when applied topically to the abdomen is absorbed through the skin into the tissues below. The heat applied helps to drive the castor oil into deeper layers. The castor oil increases lymphocyte production and increases the circulation of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is like the sewer system of the body. Toxins, infections, metals, dead cells and debris from all over the body are collected and cleaned up by the lymphatic system then brought to the liver for filtering and emptied out the colon. When our lymphatic system is not working effectively, waste and toxins can build up, this can lead to depressed immune system, inefficient bowel movements, worsening food sensitivities, ultimately leading to inflammation and disease.
Therefore, castor oil packs can increase lymphatic drainage, detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, improve bowel movements, reduce food sensitivities, decrease inflammation, prevent disease and enhance overall health.
When purchasing castor oil you need to be cautious. A lot of the castor oil sold on the market today is from castor seeds that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides which can damage the beneficial phytonutrients and can contaminate the oil with toxins. I recommend purchasing organic castor oil.
How to do a Castor Oil Packs
Materials
Castor Oil
White flannel cloth, large enough to cover the affected area
Plastic, large enough to cover the flannel cloth (plastic bags or plastic wrap are OK)
Heating pad, with a low setting or hot water bottle
Method
- Pour a small quantity of castor oil on the flannel cloth
- Place the flannel cloth over effected area
- Cover flannel cloth with plastic (cut 1-2″ larger than flannel)
- Place heating pad/hot water bottle over plastic and set on low heat for 30-60mins.
- Rest while the pack is in place; careful not to fall asleep with heating pad on (may burn)
- After removal, cleanse the area with water
- The castor oil pack can be reused
- Apply the pack at least 5 of 7 days
Rationale
Castor oil has been shown to increase circulation and promote elimination and healing of tissues and organs underneath the skin. It is particularly effective in being absorbed into the lymph circulation which can improve digestion, immune function and reduce swelling in injured joints and extremities. It has also been specifically used in cases of menstrual irregularities, fibroids and ovarian cysts.
*DO NOT USE ON ABDOMEN DURING PREGNANCY OR MENSTRUATION*
