Playspace: August 2006


Using a Castor Oil Pack


These are the instructions and intention for using Castor Oil Packs on the liver for the elimination of bad stuff from the system and general detoxification of the body. These general instructions (somewhat truncated here, and parenthetical comments generally Emira’s of Raised Eyebrow fame) come from the fabulous Naturopath Dr. Glenda Laxton.

Materials Needed

  • Castor oil (should be cold pressed)
  • Plastic wrap (think clear saran or a plastic bag that has no ink on it)
  • Flannel cloth (white cotton or wool, organic a plus) cut to approx 30 x 30" (roughly)
  • An old towel
  • Baking dish or oven proof pie plate
  • Hot water bottle or heating pad

Directions

  1. Fold flannel to a thickness of 3 & place on heat resistant plate or dish.
  2. Pour enough castor oil on one side of flannel until well moistened.
  3. Heat in microwave 1 minute or so, or your oven for 5-10 minutes at 350F, or just sit the pack on top of the hot water bottle until it is a comfortable temperature to apply.
  4. Apply cloth directly to skin of treatment area (generally this over your liver -- right side of abdomen below ribs).
  5. Place plastic bag or wrap that is 2-5cm larger than the flannel on all sides over flannel to prevent leaking of oil and subsequent stains.
  6. Cover the flannel/plastic compress with the old towel.
  7. If using heat apply a hot water bottle or heating pad over treatment area to maintain heat.
  8. Rest: read, relax or sleep for 45 to an hour (FYI: if you can stay awake reading with this thing on you are one peppy person).
  9. Remove pack, wipe area clean.

Pack can be stored in your fridge in a ziploc bag for future use. Reuse the pack several times, just add a bit more heated oil as needed to keep the cloth saturated. Replace the pack once it begins to change colour.

For maximum effectiveness you'll want to apply the pack as often as possible. Try for at least 4 consecutive days per week for 1 month.

If the oil does stain anything, remove stains with a solution of 3tbs baking soda/1 litre of water.

Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength.
–Hasidic saying