What is castor oil?

Castor oil is an oil made from castor “beans”, which are not beans, but actually the seeds of the plant ricinus communis. The health properties arise from a compound in the seeds known as ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that is stimulatory and anti-inflammatory.

This remedy has long been used by holistic practitioners. Castor oil can be taken orally in minimal amounts or used for castor oil packs.

How does a castor oil pack work?

You place a castor oil pack (basically a cloth soaked in castor oil) on your skin (area you want to treat) for at least one hour to stimulate liver function, lymphatic movement and other processes in the body. Interestingly, many individuals notice immediate improvements upon doing this detox method.

Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs:

• Boosts circulation

  Castor oil has been shown to increase blood flow. When castor oil is absorbed through the skin, there is an increase in blood circulation, which is cardioprotective.

• Increases immunity

  It has been shown that castor oil increases production of T cell lymphocytes, which boosts the immune system and lymphatic health overall. Lymphocytes are the body’s natural defense cells that fight disease.

• Great detox

  Increased lymphocyte production helps to drain the body of toxins. Additionally, improvement to liver function aids in increasing detoxification mechanisms in the body. In this way, castor oil supports the body’s natural detoxification abilities.

• Lowers inflammation

  Castor oil is highly anti-inflammatory. The ricinoleic fatty acid molecule in castor oil is responsible for many of the inflammation-lowering effects of castor oil packs.

• Improves liver function

  For liver detoxification, place the castor oil pack on your liver (directly under your right rib cage). Regularly applying castor oil packs near your liver aids in the detoxification of toxins from the body by promoting optimal gastrointestinal health and also by stimulating liver function.

• Alleviates constipation

  Castor oil can be taken orally and acts as a stimulatory laxative. It can also help improve the process of digestion when using as a heated castor oil pack. Place the castor oil pack on the abdomen to help relieve symptoms of constipation.

• Eases joint pain

  Castor oil is highly anti-inflammatory and can help to treat joint pain from arthritis and other conditions.

How to make a castor oil pack:

You can either make your own or purchase a simple, pre-made castor oil pack kit. 

What you’ll need:

–Quality castor oil (organic, hexane-free)

-Dye-free wool, cotton or organic flannel fabric

-Plastic wrap

–Heating pad

-Large mason jar

-Old sheets to lay on for application purposes 

How to make the castor oil pack:

1. Fold up a large piece of dye-free wool or organic flannel so that it is a few folds deep.
2. Put the castor oil in the mason jar and add in the folded fabric.
3. Soak the fabric in castor oil. Ensure that the cloth is completely covered in oil.
4. Remove and unfold the castor oil-soaked cloth.
5. Now, lying on the old sheets (to avoid an oil mess) place the castor oil “pack” on desired part of body.
6. Use a piece of plastic wrap to serve as a barrier between the castor oil pack and the heating pad to keep it clean. Place heating pad on top of this wrap.
7. Relax and soak up the benefits of the castor oil pack for about an hour. You can also elevate your legs on a pillow during this time to further stimulate the lymphatic drainage.

Are castor oil packs good for heart health?

YES.

Inflammation is linked to heart attacks, stroke, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and more. Castor oil packs can help in these cardiac conditions by helping the liver detoxify and lower inflammation. Oral castor oil can reduce cholesterol levels. We think it can have the same effect by skin application.

I have used this remedy on my patients safely and effectively for years.

Give it a try!