Have you been in the search for a way to boost your overall health in a natural, non-invasive manner?
Studies have shown that castor oil and castor oil packs have been used as a way to naturally reduce inflammation, support hormonal imbalances, decrease anxiety, and improve antioxidant status (among many other things).
Functional health is an integral part of our daily lives. It impacts our mood, energy, and stress levels, which have a strong correlation to other components of our lives, such as health, relationships, work, and more. By maintaining our functional health, we are able to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, which is where castor oil packs come into play.
There are numerous benefits associated with castor oil packs, which include:
- Helping with deep sleep and relaxation
- Decreasing anxiety and depression
- Balancing your mood by stimulating dopamine (our “feel good” neurotransmitter) and oxytocin (the love and attachment hormone)
- Calming the nervous system
- Improving antioxidant status
- Decreasing inflammation
- Reducing cramping in menstrual flow
- Supporting hormonal imbalances
- Aiding in scar tissue reduction
- Improving digestion, absorption and bowel movements
- Supporting hormonal problems such as estrogen dominance, PCOS, menopause, PMS, PMDD, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, fertility issues ovarian cysts, fibroids, and fibrocystic breasts. It’s also safe, easy, and effective for children!
Castor oil packs should be used both day and night. Ideally, they should be worn for at least an hour if applied during the day, or all night if applied right before you go to sleep. The most common placement of the pack is on the liver, underneath the rib cage. This area covers many of the digestive organs, including the stomach, pancreas, small and large intestines, adrenals, kidneys, and the many lymph nodes in this area. In fact, castor oil packs can be used locally for treatments such as ovarian cysts, fibroid, and joint pain of all types. One bonus component about these oil packs is that the placement can be alternated from liver to other areas of concern as well, from inflamed or strained joints or muscles to your lower abdomen for menstrual pain.
Materials Needed for Castor Oil Pack.
Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area.
- Castor oil
- Plastic wrap cut 1-2" larger than the flannel / Large enough to wrap around treatment area
- Hot water bottle or heating pad
- Container with lid
- Old clothes and sheets
- Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding
Application-
- Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping. This is your pack
- Protect clothing, bedding and furniture with old sheets or clothing
- Place the pack directly on to skin over the affected body part. Cover with plastic wrap
- Place the hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes.
- Rest while the pack is in place.
After removing the pack
- Cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
- Discard plastic wrap
- Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator.
- Each pack may be re-used up to 25-30 times.
It is generally recommended that a castor oil pack be used for 3 to 7 days a week, check with your local Holistic healthcare provider.