I've used a Castor Oil Pack since the 80's and have taught hundreds of people how to do so for their family needs. The healing qualities of the cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the Castor plant (Ricinus communis) are numerous and well-documented. There are entire books written on the attributes of this amazing plant, which oddly, also has parts which are very toxic and even poisonous!
The much cherished oil derived from the 'Castor bean', is the subject of this conversation, and this healing oil is the star ingredient in the famed "Castor Oil Pack" made popular in the 1930s by America's 'sleeping prophet', Edgar Cayce. In fact, the Castor plant is commonly called Palma Christi due to its large leaves which are 'hand shaped'. There are other reasons for this name, but that's another story!
Castor oil can be applied topically, as a facial oil to nourish, as a soothing oil to calm irritated skin, as a healing oil for bruises, sprains, strains, or pulled muscles. Topical application of Castor oil has been shown to be an effective remedy for fungal and bacterial infections, sebaceous cysts, warts, itching and reducing inflammation. It relieves chronic fluid retention, can relieve symptoms of arthritis, congested gallbladder and liver. It effectively reduces and removes mucus from the lungs and colon.
In addition to general topical use, the Castor OIL pack has been a life-saver for my family, friends and clients over many years. Once a habit, it's truly easy to incorporate this healing practice into our lives. I will detail "HOW TO" below.
CASTOR OIL BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS:
- Increases the flow of lymph, improves condition of lymphatic system
- Proven to increase lymphocyte production and activity
- Anti-tumour
- Anti-microbial (anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal)
There are many Castor oil benefits. For now, let's focus on the first 2 attributes above.
Due to increased lymph flow, and the resulting lack of 'stagnation', we heal. When our body's liquids are moving as they should, many dis-ease states reverse or improve.
Why do we care about lymphocyte production?
The three major types of lymphocyte are T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Each form an integral part of our immune system. Increased lymphocyte production = Stronger immune system. Increased lymphocytes speed up the removal of toxins from your tissues, which encourages healing.
WARNING -- this looks quite complicated but I assure you ~ after a couple of times, it's just a process!
To make a castor oil pack, you will need the following:
- High quality cold-pressed castor oil (from your health food store)
- A hot water bottle, heating pad, or my favourite ~ one of those heatable 'bean' pillows
- Plastic wrap or a sheet of plastic. I use recycled plastic bags
- Pyrex or other oven-proof dish and oven 'mitts'
- Wool (believed to conduct heat best) or cotton flannel, about 3 feet long^^
- One large old bath towel
- ONE HOUR of quiet time
I use a piece of wool flannel, measuring about 1 x 3 feet. When folded, it measures 1 x 1 feet. This is ideal for a castor oil pack to be placed over the abdomen, which affects all your major organs, including the liver.
Directions for making and using your Castor Oil Pack:
- Place the cloth in the Pyrex dish
- Saturate the cloth in oil, by adding oil to the cloth in the dish and turning cloth repeated
- Pre-heat your oven to 150 degrees.
- Place Pyrex dish in the oven for about 15 minutes
While the Castor Oil Pack is in the oven warming up, prepare your treatment area :
- Put a sizeable old towel on the bed, so that ½ of the towel is hanging off the side of the bed
- Get 1-2 plastic bags ready (I slice them open to make the surface size larger)
- Prepare quiet music or plan to read something uplifting or just 'be' (this is YOUR time)
- Prepare the hot water bottle, or heat the 'bean bag' or plug in the heating pad and warm it up, and place near treatment area
Retrieve the Pyrex dish from the oven and it all comes together!
- Make sure that the castor oil soaked cloth is warm NOT scalding!
- Have the person lie down on the towel. If it's you ~ great!
- Carefully place the warmed flannel onto your abdomen
- Quickly add plastic (or plastic bags) atop the flannel
- Place the hot water bottle or whatever you are using on top of the plastic
- Reach down and pull the towel up and over the person (or yourself)
- Cover up and keep warm.
- Relax. Breathe. Think good thoughts!
I recommend that folks do a castor oil pack as a series. Suggestions include 3 days on and 3 days off or 5 days on and 2 days off.
Basically, a few treatments in a row yields the best results. The same pack can be used many times (but one pack per person...no sharing!) I have always made the experience ONE hour in length. That works for me. Others have left the pack on for hours or even overnight. Usually, the pack will stay warm with a hot water bottle and additional towel and blanket for an hour so that's my own personal preference. Start over with a new flannel, after 6 months of use. Don't wash the cloth, discard and start over with a fresh piece of fabric.
NOTE: Castor oil is quite thick so a little goes a long way. It can be difficult to remove from clothing or sheets.*
PLEASE contact me if these instructions need clarification. I will work on a printable version of the instructions to make it easier.
For further reading, there are hundreds of articles and many books.
Here are two articles:
Venture Inward - A.R.E. Membership magazine article by Harvey Grady, July/August 1988
"The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy", Harold J Reilly, D.Ph.T., D.S., Ruth Hagy Brod, 1975, MacMillan Publishing Co.
Here's a favourite book on the healing attributes of Castor Oil, uses of Castor oil packs and testimonials:
Check out : The Oil That Heals
Sending a deep green embrace of healing.
xo Carol
click here
thank so mucha lot for your website it aids a whole lot
Akano Adebola
Hello, I would like to know if Castor Oil pack can remove excess fat from the abdomen, since the pack is being placed on the abdomen. Thank you for your anticipated response.
Carol Little
Hello there. I have never heard of Castor oil pack in relation to removing fat from the abdomen.
It does increase circulation, however, which does have a beneficial effect on the organs.
Leora
Hello! I have just started applying castor oil directly to my skin over my pelvis and massaging the area for a while, then covering the area with a towel and then hot water bottle. I use Now Brand Expeller Pressed and Hexane Free. Any issues with this approach? Never quite understood why it's necessary to soak a cloth rather than applying directly to the skin? Am I missing something? Just to prevent mess? Thanks!! :)
Carol Little
Truthfully I cannot comment except to say that this is how I was taught, and have successfully helped so many people feel better with this method. The way I've described is actually quite easy after the first couple of times. I'm sure doing what you are doing is better than not applying castor oil at all, but I feel that the cloth is a good conductor of heat and allows the person to relax while this warm pack is allowing the oil to work it's 'magic'. Some people feel that the cloth 'draws' impurities/toxins from the body.
Hope that's helpful. You need to make your own decisions here. Good wishes! Carol
2paiges
Castor oil comes in different grades. Some actually contain hexane which occurs due to high heat extraction processing.
Much better results using the purest absorbable grade. Even though more expensive I use Organic Cold Pressed Caster Oil. I heat the oiled wool by placing piece of plastic on heating pad 10 min before use. Heats to the perfect temp.
Carol Little
Yes, we want to use the best quality we can find. I use Heritage Store brand, from Virginia Beach. Have for 30+ years with good results.
Mary
I have chronic dry eyes and just tried Palma Christi and it has helped. I also have uvitis and have Retiserts (steroid implants) inmy eyes, these sometimes cause elevated pressure therefore I have to use Cosopt (pressure drops). Can you tell me if the Palma Christi is ok to use after applyimg tge pressure drops? Thanks. Great blog site.
Carol Little
Hello Mary. So glad to hear that Castor Oil has helped with your eyes. I confess to NOT know the answer to your question. I would not think that Castor Oil would be harmful as it is a great healer, but I don't know enough about your situation to be able to answer. Ask yourself. What do you think? Personally, and unofficially, I would plan my Castor Oil 'treatments' on other days, as traditionally we use Castor Oil in a series of treatment with days on and days off.. Thanks for kind words re Studio Botanica blog. good wishes, Carol
Cindi
Hi, Carole: I was wondering the purpose of rotating the castor oil packs, eg 3 days on, 3 days off, etc.? If you are using the packs for liver congestion and assisting with detoxification for a chronic illness, wouldn't it be better to use the packs daily? What is the purpose of taking the breaks? I have seem some people recommend using them daily but most recommend rotating them like you and taking breaks - why? Also do you get a greater benefit if you use them overnight versus less time like a hour? I'd like to maximize the benefits to the greatest extent possible. In addition, some people recommended taking a few teaspoons or tablespoons of olive oil after the series of packs? Do you and if so, what is the purpose of the olive oil? Finally, are there any physical signs to know that they are working for liver congestion or do you simply rely on the fact that you may feel better? If so, when do you generally notice any difference? Thanks for any response!
Carol Little
Sorry to take so long, Cindi. It doesn't need to be 3 days on and then 3 days off. It is suggested that there is time 'off' in between sessions. This is the same with many things in 'natural healing circles'. It is often referred to as 'pulsing' the formula or, in this case, the treatment. You are welcome to use it overnight and see if you feel any different. Most people don't want the potential mess of castor oil in the bed while they sleep. I personally, prefer to enjoy 1-2 hours in a relaxed state, meditating or listening to uplifting calming music. I don't use the olive oil, so I can't reply to that. Castor oil packs are proven to raise lymphocyte blood counts. There are possible signs -- many in fact..Basically people find that they feel better. They have more energy. They feel more relaxed and less agitated.
I highly recommend the book I mentioned. Good luck and sorry for late reply, Cindi.
Svetlana
Have you tried using wool wraps for castor oil packs? It is easy, tidy and pleasant way to do castor oil packs! http://www.wisdomofwool.com http://www.castorwrap.com
carollittle
Hello Svetlana.
This is a very clever idea. I assume that this is your company.
Two things. In my view, there is not enough castor oil to make the magic of the castor oil penetrate and work its magic.
and secondly.. the idea of the healing of the castor oil pack as taught by Edgar Cayce? One lies down and mediates or prays or relaxes in whatever way is healing for the individual. One is not up running about working. The original intention of these packs was to help a person to look within for healing and welcome the healing powers of the oil to assist.
While this pack looks wonderful and I applaud you for the efforts -- I would strongly suggest that Cayce's instructions were to saturate the wool in oil.. NOT apply 1 tablespoon which is truly NOT enough for the pack.
The "Heritage Store" brand of castor oil is THE only one I use and always wool flannel.
Thanks for sharing!
Janette
Is it necessary to make a pack? Can't I just put it on the skin directly, cover it with a paper towel and apply heat?
carollittle
Hi Janette~ I have no experience with your idea. I do know that the idea is to have the healing oil, warmed and staying as warm as possible on your skin -- for good results. The wool or cotton flannel does this better than a paper towel, for sure. Thanks for writing.
Mary
Thank you for the great article. Why is glass used to heat up the flannel and not a tin baking sheet?
I want assist my father to do a Castor Oil pack. He has serious lung congestion. Should the pack still be placed on his stomach for this too?
carollittle
Hello Mary ~
Glass is a good conductor of heat. Also, where healing is concerned, we often choose glass over metal or plastic.
Glad you enjoyed my article. Stay tuned for MORE castor oil ideas!!
Abbey
I am just wondering if you have to warm the oil up first? Is there a reason for that?
carollittle
HI Abbey. I have always warmed up the oil first. I believe that the castor oil, when gently warmed -- between the oil itself and the wool flannel, conducts better.. I guess I mean to say..that the warming action allows the healing powers of the oil to be more penetrating/more effective. I have heard of some folks not heating it at all.. That has not been the way I personally have employed this healing oil pack for 25+ years.. Is there a reason that you would rather not heat it?
Mary
Excellent article, thanks. In massage school our hydrotherapy actinotherapy teacher taught us that the wool cloth is important as it is a mild irritant to the skin which then opens the pores and lets the oil work.
carollittle
That's correct, Mary. Also the wool cloth conducts the heat better than some other materials.
Katie H.
This is really interesting. I've never heard of castor oil packs before. I'm still new to the realm of natural healing, and I just keep learning so many neat tricks from other bloggers. Thank you.
Alex
Hi, Very motivating. A question regarding quantity of oil. I know the consistency of castor oil, and wonder how it could saturate the cloth the size u mention. How much do u use? And do u add more for subsequent uses? Thanx Alex.
ann gallagher
if i use the pack on the stomach area, will it heal the eyes?i have thyroid eye disease
Donna
I have heard about using it on wrists as a Carpal tunnel/nerve treatment. Any suggestions on how to make a wrap for the wrist area?
ree bolton
Great article! I'd love to e-mail it to others, but there is no option for e-mailing :(
Please add it to the ways of sharing your informative information!
Thanks!
Carol Little
There is actually a way to email. Just look at the icons at top of the post.
Sylvie
Since you reuse the flannel several times, can you let us know how you store it in between uses? Does it need to be refrigerated so it doesn't go rancid?
Thanks for the post! Have heard of this for over a decade but I've been intimidated to try. I think Il be giving it a go this week :)
carollittle
Thanks for writing, Sylvie. I can only speak from my own experience, of course.
I have a pyrex glass 'loaf' shaped container which I use exclusively for my castor oil packs.
I keep the soaked flannel in it and it's the same container that I use to heat up the pack in the oven.
I store it in a cool cupboard. I've never had an issue with rancidity.
I am so glad that you have plans to try it.. Believe it or not ~ it's the same as most things...
After a few times, it's easy. Feels awkward at first, but it's so worth the benefits.
Let me know how it goes!! Carol
Helen BC
a) I use Mason Jar (wide mouth) and I will roll Fabric in and cover with the Castor Oil. After the use I will roll it in the shape that fits the mason jar and put it back for easy storage.
b) I do also use a FEW DROPS off Essential OIL in the jar for nice fragrance. I like Lemon, Orange combination.
c) Instead of Plastic is use Emergency Thermal Blanket (looks like a Silver Foil). It is inexpensive and comes as a large sheet (50"x80") so you can cut it for smaller pieces as need it (and reuse it). But the reason I like Thermal blanket is that it keeps body temperature IN, so you do not need heat-pad.
Search "Emergency Mylar Thermal Blanket" and you'll find it easily.
Joel
Sorry for the incomplete message. I am told that half teaspoon of castor oil in a hot cup of green tea is excellent to treat arthritis. This treatment to be carried out for about six months. Please comment. Joel
carollittle
Hi Joel. Thanks for writing. I have never heard of this treatment. I rarely use Castor Oil internally but prefer to use the castor oil packs in a series as I mentioned. I find that all sorts of issues improve with the packs, which seem to increase circulation. For arthritis treatment? I create individualized programmes for clients using herbs in both tea + tincture form and healing foods + lifestyle changes.
Des
Hi carollittle,
You certainly know what you are doing. I salute you.
I also prefer not to take Castor Oil internally.
My mother, bless her soul, used to dose us with this for constipation and it worked, but there are better/safer ways of overcoming constipation.
I feel that your packs are excellent and if applied correctly will correct, yes even constipation, most conditions. After all the mechanisms of transdermal application, especially under the feet seem to transport the medication even into the blood stream.
About under the feet. I remember at school in the early 50's the girls who did not want to attend class used to put blotting paper under their feet in their shoes. This used to cause them to faint!
Do have any knowledge of using Jetropha Oil as a topical pack?
In Zimbabwe the indigenous traditional healers used to use jetropha and sometimes Castor Oil, especially the women for lengthening certain female sex parts for their mans pleasure. This practice is dying out now.
Keep up the good work.
Delores
Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this site. It's
simple, yet effective. A lot of times it's very hard to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say that you've done a great job with this.
In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Firefox.
Outstanding Blog!
carollittle
Thanks very much. Sharing information and trying to make it user-friendly for all.
Visit us often!
Elena
Hi Carol.
Very interesting post. I have a question: I have a uterine polyp, can I use Castor Oil Pack in order to shrink it or get rid of it completely? If yes, for how long can I use the Castor Oil and how often?
Thank you very much
carollittle
Hi Elena ~ I have not personally used castor oil packs to shrink uterine polyps but I have heard and personally seen so many examples of (nothing short of miraculous) amazing changes that have resulted in reversals of many conditions. Check out William McGarey's book "the Palma Christi" ~ A.R.E. press, I think. BTW. The packs can be done indefinitely.. 3-5 days on and 3 days off, alternating. Good wishes, Carol