Three Easy Steps to make an effective Castor Oil Pack
A castor oil pack is a time-tested and now scientifically proven way to reduce inflammation, increase circulation to your reproductive organs and positively influence your reproductive pathways. It is also used while detoxing to support the liver which in turn can help regulate hormones and increase fertility. See my article about additional indications when castor oil packs should be used here.
Castor oil packs are simple, inexpensive and easy. You don’t even need to dedicate “extra time” in your schedule to do one. Simply prepare a pack and relax while listening to your favorite podcast, calling a friend, or enjoying a Netflix flick with your partner.
Step One:
Supplies
For a castor oil pack you will need a few items on hand:
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Castor oil – Organic, cold pressed and in a dark glass bottle.
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Old towels – One large, one small/medium sized
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Old t-shirts -Grab 2 of those nasty t-shirts with holes that your man won’t ditch and put them to good use here.
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Glass jar – a large one for storage
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Heat – a hot water bottle is the best. It gives warmth and the weight is comforting. It’s also great if you have cramps.
It is important to get the best quality castor oil you can find as anything you apply to your skin is absorbed within 20 minutes. Keep in mind plastic leaches chemicals and binds with the oil. That is why any oil you use or consume (e.g. olive oil, etc) must be in a dark glass bottle – to avoid chemical contamination and to keep out light to prevent the precious oil from going rancid.
Step Two:
Preparation
Decide where you are going to lie down and relax for 20 minutes. The sofa or your bed? Your bed is a great place because you can easily fold the towels and put them under the bed for your next castor oil session.
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Place a large towel horizontally on the bed in the area where your torso will be.
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Put on one of the old t-shirts. A dark color is the best. In addition, wear an old pair of sweat pants or leggings too, just in case the castor oil pack comes in contact with your clothes.
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Take the other old t-shirt and cut off the neck and sleeves. Apply castor oil until the fabric is saturated but NOT dripping. Please do this in the kitchen or bathroom to make sure no oil gets on any surfaces.
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Fill up the hot water bottle with hot water.
Step Three:
Apply and RELAX
Get your meditation app ready, now the fun begins!
This is a perfect opportunity to relax and let your body take in the healing powers of the castor oil along with calming your nervous system. You don’t have to meditate while doing this, but what better opportunity to connect with your body and meditate on the health of your organs, or give thanks for all the things you are grateful for or do a meditation to connect with your future child?
Where you place the castor oil cloth depends upon your particular indication. To find out more, see my article here.
Do not do a castor oil pack if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Castor oil packs are great if you are trying to conceive (TTC) and for various symptoms, but not during the prenatal period.
Castor Oil Pack Session
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Pull up your t-shirt and wrap the saturated cloth around your liver. Another option is to fold it in half and place it on your abdomen, all the way to your pubic bone.
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Now take the smaller towel and place it over the castor oil cloth.
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Place the hot water bottle on top of that. Now wrap yourself in the large towel and relax for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Violà!
After 20 minutes you can wipe off the excess castor oil with a paper towel and store the cloth in the glass jar or in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Most likely you will need to add castor oil every other session or so in order to keep it saturated. Please replace the cloth after 6 weeks.
Be sure to drink water directly after the castor oil session and increase your water for the next 24 hours as this helps to increase lymph circulation and release toxins.
Now you have one significant key to increasing your health in your hands. It is quick, easy, inexpensive and can be combined with other activities (TV, spending time with your partner, journaling, etc) so it fits nicely in your schedule.
Learn more about castor oil packs and the ins and outs of how they work.
Let me know how you get on with the castor oil packs! I’d love to hear about your experience with them.
In health,
Anne
This has been provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness. Please consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with your specific health concerns.
Sources:
Grady H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. Vol 7 Jan 1 1998; (7) 84-89
Vieira C et al. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflammation, 2000;9 (5) 223-228
Kennedy D, Keaton D. Evidence for the Topical Application of Castor oil: A Systematic Review. CCNM. Presentation 2010 AANP
