Castor Oil Pack- A Great Home Remedy

Although Edgar Cayce has popularized castor oil packs in his teachings, castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back to ancient Egypt. Derived from the castor bean, the castor oil was historically used internally as a stimulant purgative laxative. (yes, I did really say that.)

It used to be that old remedies explained that the best way to getting you to feel tip top... is to expel "whatever ails you" and castor oil is a great way to make that happen.

However, now it is primarily used externally as it has a very high level of effectiveness and it isn't too pricey.

A castor oil pack is placed on the skin to boost circulation and to promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs beneath the skin. It is used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

Castor oil packs are a traditional holistic treatment for a range of conditions, such as: cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder), poor eliminations, epilepsy, various liver conditions such as cirrhosis and torpid liver, scleroderma, headaches, appendicitis, arthritis, lack of coordination between assimilations and eliminations, colitis, intestinal disorders such as strictures and colon impaction, in coordination between nervous systems, neuritis, and toxemia.

It other words... it goes after the serious problems and so many people report great relief.

Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.

A castor oil pack can be placed on the following body regions:

• The right side of the abdomen to stimulate the liver
• inflamed and swollen joints
• bursitis
• muscle strains
• the abdomen to relieve constipation
• and other digestive disorders
• the lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities
• uterine and ovarian cysts.

Safety precautions: Castor oil should not be taken internally without the advice and supervision of your health care provider. It should not be applied to broken skin, or used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Materials

• Three layers of un-dyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
• Castor oil
• Plastic wrap cut 1-2" larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
• Hot water bottle
• Container with lid
• Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping. Place the pack over the affected body part. Cover with plastic. Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place. After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda. Store the pack in a covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.

It is generally recommended that a castor oil pack be used for 3 to 7 days in a week to treat a health condition or for detoxification.