How to prepare and use a castor oil pack or poultice as a potent tool as part of an effective detoxification regimen especially helpful for the pain and inflammation associated with endometriosis and fibroids.
The information and recipe below on the history, uses, and method for preparing a castor oil pack is courtesy of Biodynamic Wellness.
Be aware that the brand of castor oil matters! I recommend this vendor as the best on the market.
This traditional, powerful therapy is particularly helpful for those needing a natural remedy for endometriosis or fibroid pain.
Castor Oil History and Background
The castor bean (Oleum ricini) is known principally as a cathartic and extremely strong laxative. Most people are familiar with the use of castor oil orally as a last-ditch option to start labor.
The severe diarrhea which results sometimes can jump-start the labor contractions. However, this usage is not recommended and not at all what castor oil is best for!
A castor oil pack placed over the abdomen, usually with heat applied, is extremely helpful for detoxification and lowering of inflammation.
The oil is absorbed into the lymphatic circulation to provide a soothing, cleansing, and nutritive treatment.
This differs from others types of poultices such as an onion poultice placed on the soles of the feet.
Uses for Detoxification and Healing
The castor oil pack is specific for non-cancerous uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts.
Other conditions that seem to respond well to castor oil pack treatment include headaches, liver disorders, constipation, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, conditions with poor elimination, night time urinary frequency, and inflamed joints.
Contraindications
Do not use castor oil or a castor oil pack during pregnancy or nursing.
In addition, avoid its use during heavy menstrual flow or the presence of internal bleeding.
Poultice Preparation
Be sure to have these items ready to go before attempting to utilize this therapy.
Castor oil (sources), a sheet of plastic (a cut-up garbage bag is fine), 36″ x 18″ (3 feet by a foot and a half) piece of cotton flannel, hot water bottle, baking soda, and nontoxic pillows are needed on hand before you get started.
Homemade Castor Oil Pack (Poultice)
Method for preparing and using a castor oil pack on the abdomen to effectively reduce and heal inflammatory symptoms of all kinds especially endometriosis and fibroids.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle castor oil preferably organic
- 1 flannel sheet note that castor oil stains are permanent
- 1 sheet plastic garbage bag works well
- baking soda
- 1 hot water bottle
- 1-2 nontoxic pillows optional
Instructions
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Fold flannel into 3 layers to fit over entire abdomen.
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Soak flannel with castor oil. Fold flannel in half and strip excess from pack. Unfold.
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Lie on your back with your feet elevated (use of a pillow under your knees and feet works well), placing oil-soaked flannel over abdomen, cover with a small sheet of plastic and then an old towel. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.
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Leave pack on for 45-60 minutes. Practice relaxation breathing by placing one hand on your diaphragm and the other hand on your lower abdomen. As you breathe in, force your lower abdomen to swell like a balloon. With each breath out, practice relaxing your jaw and shoulders. As you practice more, relax all muscles in your body. You may even fall asleep and wear the pack all night.
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To remove the oil, wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1-quart water or BioKleen Citrus Soap.
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Store the castor pack in the refrigerator in a large zip-lock bag. Add more oil only as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after it begins to change color.
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For maximum effectiveness, apply the pack as often as possible. At least 4 consecutive days per week for at least 4-6 weeks is optimal. Daily use provides the most beneficial effects.
Alternative Method for Children
Applying the castor oil directly to the abdomen without the flannel pack is the best method for young children.
Then, the sheet of plastic covers the oil soaked skin, with towel on top.
Next apply a hot water bottle or heating pad. It is fine to leave this in place for the entire night and in the morning the castor oil will be totally absorbed through the skin.
Note that castor oil stains are permanent. Hence, use a flannel sheet that is designated specifically for this purpose.
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Jocelyn
What do you think Claire ?
I went to a holistic medicine school for massage therapy. We would use castor oil packs on the worst cases of damaged muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments. The D.O. who started the school told me that castor oil is the only oil that can sink into the tissue, rather than just stay in the skin.
Can it be used for indometreosis.? Spelling?
I’m on it Mandy DuBois!!
Tom Sotirakos
I was taught to use these inconjuction with abdominal massage for fertility massage.
Jennifer!
This also works for clogged ducts when nursing and helped my liver abd gallbladder during pregnancy. I previously had cholestasis but this and herbs prevented it.
Sarah Reddick