CASTOR OIL PACKS
Caster 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.
A castor oil pack is made from several layers of uncoloured, undyed wool or cotton flannel, saturated with castor oil. The castor oil MUST be cold-pressed, organic and not extracted with hexane or other harsh chemicals (found at most quality health food stores). You will also need a regular hot water bottle and some plastic sheets and old large towels.
Common areas of application are on the abdomen - over the liver and pancreas. Other areas on the abdomen or groin or leg or back, that need attention are fine, too. A session will be most beneficial if the pack is applied for 1 to 2 hours, when you are relaxing and quiet.
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. 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 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 on all layers as oil is used up each time.
The best place is probably in bed - a quiet place where you know you won’t be disturbed and where you can recline, lie down and even fall asleep. Place an old towel on the bed, as this procedure can be a little messy. Next, place yourself on the towel. Then you put 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, which you then cover with a thin sheet of plastic. 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 yourself. Some people also put a layer of plastic under the towel that you are lying on and over the top towel as well - squeaky but less messy!
The heat will penetrate after about 5 minutes and you can relax and possibly refill the hot water bottle after an hour or so when it has cooled. 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 electricity that close to our bodies, especially when we are trying to heal (just as we prefer not to use electric blankets and water beds).
There is no limit to how often the castor oil pack is used. NEVER use castor oil internally. Always seek medical advice and do not use during pregnancy or menstruation.
