I have been talking a lot lately about how I’m doing a gentle detox this month. I have been eating clean by eliminating grains and dairy, limiting sugar and avoiding caffeine (wish I don’t really drink anyway). I have also been doing gentile daily detox practices like castor oil packs, rebounding, oil pulling and dry brushing. If I had an infrared sauna, I would be doing that too.

So what is castor oil and why should you do a castor oil pack?

Castor oil (ricinus communis) comes from the castor seed, native to India. It is known principally as a cathartic, or strong laxative. Many of you have probably hear of people taking castor oil to start labor (not the best idea).  A castor oil pack is placed over the abdomen, or specific area being treated, with heat applied and the oil is absorbed into the lymphatic system  to stimulate lymph and liver function while provide a soothing, cleansing, and nutritive treatment.

Why do a Castor Oil Pack?

Castor oil packs have many benefits including non-cancerous uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, headaches, liver disorders, constipation, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, conditions with poor elimination infertility, night time urinary frequency and inflamed joints.

It is not to be used during pregnancy, with an IUD, heavy menstrual flow or the presence of internal bleeding.

Items needed:

• organic castor oil
• hot water bottle or heating pad
• 36″ x 10″ piece of cotton flannel
• link for entire kit in one easy purchase

Procedure

1. Pour organic castor oil on a wool or flannel cloth. You don’t need much, just 2 to 6 tablespoons (enough to moisten the middle of the cloth) Do not saturate the cloth. This is not necessary and too messy! You can cut the big wool or flannel cloth in 4 pieces so you don’t have to wash them so often.
2. Place the cloth over the organ you are treating (e.g., liver, entire abdomen, pelvic region, scar). Put a towel over the cloth.
3. You may place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the towel but this is not absolutely necessary. The body’s natural heat is sufficient
4. Leave pack on for 30-45-60 minutes. Read or watch a relaxing video. Practice relaxation breathing by placing one hand on your diaphragm and the other hand on your lower abdomen. As you breathe in, force your lower abdomen to swell like a balloon. With each breath out, practice relaxing your jaw and shoulders. As you practice more, relax all muscles in your body. You may even fall asleep and wear the pack all night.
5. In preparation for your next castor oil treatment, wash the cloth separately from clothes or nice linens as the oil can stain for the next treatment. Castor oil can stain.
6. Most individuals begin with a castor oil pack on the designated organ 1 to 4 evenings a week; however, with acute pain or dysfunction these packs can be applied 3 times a day or more. Continue utilizing these packs for weeks or months, depending on your symptoms. For maximum effectiveness, apply the pack as often as possible- at least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4-6 weeks. Daily use provides the most beneficial effects.

Caution

• Castor oil packs should not be used during pregnancy or menstruation without medical supervision.
• If you have had recent abdominal surgery, consult your physician before beginning castor oil packs.
• If you have colitis, Crohn’s or chronic diarrhea, start with 10 minutes per treatment.
• Contraindicated over the abdomen of women with IUDs.

There aren’t any conclusive studies on the use of castor oil packs externally (though there are some preliminary ones), but a long history of traditional use in many cultures. Talk to your doctor or natrophath before starting castor oil packs.