Castor Oil Packs

"The Palma Christi" have been used therapeutically in ancient India, China, Persia, Egypt, Africa, Greece, Rome, the Americas and 17th century Europe. Castor oil applied externally in the form of "packs" is again very popular with natural health practitioners. In the Edgar Cayce Readings castor oil packs are often mentioned and people were instructed to use them to improve detoxification, elimination, circulation and stimulation of the lymph system. Castor oil packs have helped diminish various kinds of cysts, cleared out the liver toxins and relieved pain and relaxed sticky fascia tissue. Of course, it is best to consult your health care practitioner to determine if this is appropriate for you.
What's it Made Of:
A castor oil pack is made from several layers of uncoloured, undyed wool or cotton flannel and saturated with organic castor oil. The castor oil MUST be cold-pressed, organic and not extracted with hexane or other harsh chemicals. Quality casor oil is inexpensive and found at most quality health food stores). You will also need a regular hot water bottle and a large and small plastic sheet and a few old large towels.
How to Apply:
Common areas of application are on the abdomen - over the liver or pancreas - on the right side or left. Other areas on the abdomen or groin or leg or back, that need attention are fine, too
You can use the same castor oil pack over and over and if the oil is organic it should not become rancid, if properly protected. Storing the pack in a plastic storage container or bag and refrigerating it (never leave it out in the sun) between uses, helps. At the beginning of each use, just add some more oil to keep the flannel soaked through all the layers, as oil is used up each time.
The best place to apply the pack is probably in bed - a quiet place where you know you won’t be disturbed and where you can recline, meditate and even fall asleep.
Start by placing a plastic sheet on the bed or reclining area (you'll appreciate this after) and cover this with an old towel. Next, assemble the rest of the items and place yourself on the towel. Then you place the castor oil soaked cloth, folded to about the size of the hot water bottle (at least two or three layers but not too many as you want the heat to be able to penetrate) on the chosen body part. Then cover the castor oil cloth with a thin sheet of plastic (can be a white shopping bag cut open or a piece of saran wrap. The hot water bottle, which is filled with slightly below boiling point water, is placed on top of this. To protect the top bed sheets you will want to put another non-favorite towel on top of the hot water bottle and tuck it in around yourself on both sides to keep things snug..
The heat will penetrate after about 5 minutes and you can relax and after an hour or so when it has cooled you can refill the hot water bottle again and continue. It would seem easier to use a heating pad and Edgar Cayce readings also mention this. However, we have become very aware of EMF’s (Electro-Magnetic Frequencies) and most of us do not want electrical fields that close to our bodies when we are focussing on healing, (just as we prefer not to use electric blankets and water beds).
There is no limit to how often the castor oil pack can be used. NEVER use castor oil internally. Always seek health advice from your trusted health provider.

by Merrie Bakker, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 604-261-7742,
info@pacificholistic.com and http://www.pacificholistic.com
Live Blood Analysis, Oxygen Therapy, Reiki, Dowsing and Reflexology classes