How To Make A Castor Oil Pack
Castor Oil has been used medically since ancient Egypt. Topically, Castor Oil promotes healing and circulation; the most effective way to apply is with a Castor Oil Pack.
What Is A Castor Oil Pack?
A cloth soaked in Castor Oil, applied to the skin, "mummified" in plastic wrap, and heated, for up to an hour. This approach condenses, heats, and stimulates the healing process and the effects of the Castor Oil. It is extremely soothing and nourishing to the system.
These packs promote the healing of tissue and organs beneath the skin. They are extremely helpful in post-injury healing and have a strong effect in improving sore muscle pain. Other reasons to utilize a Castor Oil Pack include: dry skin, lymphatic circulation, reducing inflammation, qi stimulation, and overall circulation.
Take it from me: As a medical practitioner, my hands can get dry from frequently washing them in between clients, this is when I whip out the Castor Oil Packs. I apply to my hands, knuckles, wrists, and forearms and mummify it all while I relax at the end of the day. The Castor Oil helps the soreness accumulated from times where I had poor posture in my wrists, arms, and especially my low back (also a great place to apply it!), it helps soothe the pain and reset my "overworked" feeling.
No-no's
Do not take internally.
Do not apply to broken skin.
Do not use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstruation.
Do It Yourself
You will need...
Castor Oil
Flannel or unbleached Wool - about 3 layers and large enough to cover the affected area.
Plastic Wrap - enough to completely cover the flannel patch and hold to the skin, usually a couple inches beyond the flannel size.
Hot Compress - such as a hot towel, a heating pad, or a hot water bottle.
How to...
1. Saturate flannel in Castor Oil, you don't want it to be dripping. This is the "pack".
2. Place the pack over the affected area.
3. Cover with plastic, sometimes the oil slips around and more wrap is needed to hold it in place and isolate it.
4. Apply the heat compress.
5. Chill for up to one hour.
*NOTE: Castor Oil stains, be sure that you are wearing clothing you don't mind getting ruined or utilize old towels.
OPTIONAL: When finished, cleanse the area of with a dilute solution of water and baking soda to avoid getting anything else messy ...or rub the oil in to hydrate the skin.
RE-USE: Store the pack in a covered container the fridge, each pack can be used up to 30 times.
