Background: The castor bean (Oleum
ricini), also known as Palma Christi due to its shape
and healing properties, is known principally as a cathartic (strong laxative).
As a pack placed over the abdomen, usually with heat applied, the oil is
absorbed into the lymphatic circulation to provide a soothing, cleansing and
nutritive treatment.
Use:
The castor oil pack is
specific for non-cancerous uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Other conditions
which reportedly respond well include: headaches, liver disorders,
constipation, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones,
conditions with poor elimination, night time urinary frequency and inflamed
joints. It is not to be used with pregnancy, bleeding or during menstruation.
Materials Needed: Organic Castor oil, a sheet of plastic
(a garbage bag is OK), 36" X 18" piece cotton or flannel, heating pad
or hot water bottle, pillows, and baking soda.
Procedure:
- Fold flannel into 3 layers to fit over your entire
abdomen.
- Soak flannel with the castor oil. Fold flannel in
half and strip excess oil from pack.
Unfold.
- Heat the entire pack in a microwave for 1-1½ minutes.
- Lie on your back with your feet
elevated (use of a pillow under your knees and feet works well), placing
oil-soaked flannel over abdomen, cover with a small sheet of plastic and
then an old towel. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top.
- Leave pack on for 45-60 minutes.
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.
- To remove the oil, wash with a solution of 2
tablespoons of baking soda to 1-quart water or BioKleen
Citrus Soap.
- Store the Castor pack in the
refrigerator in a large zip-lock bag. Add more oil only as needed to keep
the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it
begins to change color.
- 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.
ALTERNATIVE
METHOD: Apply the
castor oil directly to your abdomen without the flannel pack. A sheet of plastic
covers the oil soaked skin, with a towel on top. A heating pad or hot water
bottle is applied. This is often applied for the entire night and in the
morning the castor oil will be totally absorbed through the skin. Use old
sheets as the castor oil permanently stains.
