How to Use Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs are a great way to naturally and gently detox the body. The body naturally detoxes through the lymph system, liver, digestive tract, and skin. When the lymphatic system in particular becomes congested, toxins begin to build up in the body causing trouble and unwanted symptoms.
The lymphatic system in the body is a complex network of tissues and organs that help the body eliminate toxins and waste. The lymphatic system transports lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body. The cells in lymph, called lymphocytes, are produced and stored in lymphatic tissue-- the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. If you were to spread out all of the nodes and tubules of the lymphatic system, they would encompass hundreds of miles! This network collects waste from tissue and transports it into the bloodstream for elimination. So again, when the lymphatic system becomes congested, toxins begin to build up throughout the body causing unwanted symptoms.
Here are some occurrences where castor oil packs can come in handy:
Liver dysfunction and detoxification
Thyroid cysts or nodules
Non-cancerous uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
Constipation
Gallbladder inflammation and gallstones
Inflammation in joints
Lymphatic drainage
Headaches and migraines
Cysts in breast tissue
Lung infections
Immune system support during a cold or the flu
Here are a few ways you can use a castor oil pack:
If you know you under-convert thyroid hormone T4 to T3, castor oil packs placed over the liver daily can assist this conversion.
For thyroid cysts and nodules, place a castor oil pack over the thyroid for 15 minutes a day to support reduction.
In the case of chronic headaches and migraines, a castor oil pack over the liver once daily for one month may make a difference in reducing frequency.
Congested lymph nodes under the arms, on the neck, in the groin area, etc. can be decreased with a castor oil pack directly over the area of concern.
A castor oil pack over the entire abdomen daily can help ease constipation.
A castor oil pack over the liver daily can help support liver function and detoxification.
Here is a link to my favorite castor oil pack kit: castor oil pack kit.
Instructions for using a castor oil pack: (provided in information booklet with kit)
Place a piece of the wool flannel in a large glass dish.
Saturate the piece of wool flannel with castor oil.
Plug in a heating pad to warm up if you are using one. If you don’t have a heating pad you can prepare a hot water bottle.
Lie down and place the saturated wool flannel on your area of concern-- i.e. liver, abdomen, etc.
Place a ziploc bag on top of the flannel.
Then place your heating pad or hot water bottle on top of the ziploc bag.
Lastly, put a towel on top of the heating pad.
Continue to lie down like so for 1-2 hours. When the time is up, remove your castor oil pack and wipe off any castor oil on the area with the towel.
Repeat daily or as necessary.
Contraindication for using a castor oil pack include (don’t do it…)
If you have an IUD (it may become dislodged), if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, when you are menstruating, if you currently have internal bleeding, or if you are dealing with IBS, Colitis, or diarrhea. If you notice any redness, itching, or a rash over the infected area, then it may be a sign that the occurring detox is too hard on the body. Wait until the irritated area clears up, then try the castor oil pack again. If the castor oil pack is being placed somewhere other than the liver, then the liver may be overloaded. Try doing a castor oil pack on the liver a few weeks before returning the pack to the other area of concern.
As always, consult with your practitioner if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!
