Castor oil (CO) — see the related post Castor Oil and Its Uses — is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, moisturizing, and other useful properties.
What is a castor oil pack?
A pack includes several layers of white wool or cotton flannel soaked in CO and applied to the skin. The cloth may be cotton flannel or other dense material that can soak up a lot of liquid.
Packs use both the mechanism of compression combined with movement of the diaphragm to act like pump for lymphatic drainage. The flow of lymph is increased throughout the body with CO packs. Its use helps to speed the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and to reduce the size of swollen lymph nodes.
Castor oil pack instructions
Select the target area to be treated. To aid the reproductive organs place the pack on the abdomen being sure that the area between the umbilicus and pubic bone is covered.
Prepare 3 layers of cotton flannel. Fold or cut the cloth into three sheets, creating a pad of adequate size to cover the area to be treated. For example, to use a CO pack over the abdominal area, the size of the flannel cloth might be 10″ x 8″ and three sheets thick.
Cut a plastic sheet. The sheet should be somewhat larger than the flannel cloth. The plastic is used to protect the heating pad from getting oily. Using a plastic garbage bag normally works fairly well, but it is best to avoid using plastic grocery bags, since there are usually printed with ink on one side which can dissolve and spread when exposed to CO.
Saturate the cloth with CO. Place the flannel cloth on top of the plastic sheet. The cloth should be wet, but not dripping. The saturated cloth should be then placed directly on the target area with the plastic sheet on top of it. A plastic sheet should cover the entire exterior of the saturated flannel, since CO is likely to stain any fabric it touches.
Place the heating pad over the plastic sheet. Set the heating pad on either a low or medium setting, or to a comfortable degree. The heat will promote absorption, increase circulation, and encourage the body to relax. This is generally left in place for 1⁄2 to one hour and can be left on for up to 1.5 hours. A bath towel may be placed over the top of the heating pad to help hold in heat.
——-An alternative method is to apply the CO pack without heat, using a towel wrapped around the body. This can be left on for several hours, overnight, or for an entire 24-hour period.
——-Heat should not be used in conditions where it is normally contraindicated, such as appendicitis, diabetic neuropathy or over the abdomen during pregnancy (including after ovulation if you might be pregnant). The CO pack may be used without heat in these conditions.
Wash off the area. After using the CO pack, cleanse the skin using a washcloth and organic soap. Washing the area helps clear acidic toxins that have been drawn out of the body during the treatment and helps prevent reabsorbing these toxins.
CO packs can be reused multiple times. Each cotton flannel pack may be used up to 10 times if, between usages, it is kept in a plastic container and refrigerated. With use, the pack gradually absorbs toxins. Therefore, after 10 uses, discard the pack and make a new one. It is not recommended to try to wash out the pack for reuse.
How often can castor oil packs be used?
In general, CO packs are recommended twice per week, for 0.5 hour to 1.5 hours per session, or as needed for PMS or menstrual cramps. At first, it may work better to skip a day between the use of each pack, rather than using them on consecutive days.
The use of CO packs should always be gentle, without side effects. Cleansing reactions, such as a rash, are rare. If they occur, it usually indicates that the body’s ability to eliminate toxins is not sufficient yet. It may be necessary to temporarily decrease the frequency or length of time of using the packs. The most common cleansing reaction is a rash that may occur at the site of the pack. If this occurs, it is typically noticed during the first few applications of the pack.
Many people continue to use CO packs periodically throughout their lives to help boost the immune system, to keep the lymphatic circulation clear, and to assist in proper elimination.
Using castor oil topically
CO reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It can be used alone on the eyes, face, neck, etc., or with your favorite oil, such as jojoba.
CO also works as an eyebrow serum. It encourages growth and also helps to increase eyelash growth. Apply 1-2 drops each night and wipe the excess. Disposable eyelash brushes are handy for this application.
CO can stimulate hair growth. Apply each night to bald or sparse areas, allow to sit for 1 hour to overnight, then rinse with 2 cups warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons baking soda before shampooing. CO stains everything, so use a shower cap if sleeping in it.
CO has been prized for treating scar tissue naturally. The fatty acids work to soften adhesions and allow new skin cells to regenerate. This method works for both skin surface scars and internal adhesions but needs to be used consistently over a longer period of time.
Precautions
Never use CO on open wounds, uterine growths, or malignant tumors.
CO is occasionally used by medical professionals to induce labor in pregnant women, as it causes uterine contractions. For this reason, it should never be consumed during pregnancy or during menstruation.
CO can also cause gastrointestinal side effects. While it effectively alleviates constipation, as it stimulates muscle contractions, CO may cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramping, and bloating. It should only be used to treat constipation while under medical supervision. Never use CO when intestinal blockages are present.
CO may cause allergic reactions in some people when applied to the skin. Prior to any use, first apply a very small amount to a small patch of skin to see how your body will react.
Additional Information
Benefits of castor oil for the face and skin | Medical News Today
Can you use castor oil on your face? | Healthline
Castor oil packs | The Lymph Guy
Castor oil packs: The science behind the TikTok trend | Rupa Health
DIY castor oil packs and how to use them | Healthline
Do castor oil packs actually work? | Web MD
How to add a castor oil pack to your liver detox | Womens Health Network
How to make and use castor oil packs | Wellness Mama
What is castor oil packing? Experts weight in on holistic wellness trend | Health.com
Why are people putting castor oil in their belly buttons, and does it have health benefits? | Today