How to Apply a
Castor Oil Pack
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Materials Needed:
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Castor oil - preferably cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, about 16 - 32 oz.
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Flannel cloth - wool flannel is preferred, although cotton may be substituted
in the case of wool allergy
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Castor Oil Pack Holder - or plastic wrap or plastic sheet, plus bath towel or large
elastic bandage, and a few safety pins
- Electric heating pad - or other heating element, optional
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Instructions for Use
If you like, you may boil or launder the flannel to remove any impurities which may remain
in the fabric. Fold the cloth into three or four thicknesses, creating a pad of a size
adequate to cover the area to be treated.
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If you do not have a Castor Oil Pack Holder, you can improvise with using plastic wrap and a
towel (or other binding). If using plastic wrap, cut a somewhat larger piece than the folded
flannel. A plastic garbage bag normally works fairly well, but it is best to avoid using
plastic grocery bags, as they are usually printed with the store name and that ink usually
dissolves and spreads when exposed to castor oil.
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Place the cloth on top of the Pack Holder or plastic wrap and saturate it with
castor oil. The cloth should be wet but not dripping. The saturated cloth should then be
placed directly on the skin with the plastic wrap on top of it. If you are applying the pack
to your back, you may find it easier to lay the plastic on the bed, put the flannel on top
of it, and roll over onto the flannel in such a way as to position it at the area that needs
to be treated.
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Then, if indicated, a heating pad is placed over top the plastic wrap on either a low or
medium setting, or more if it is comfortable. The heat will promote absorption, increase
circulation, and help the body to relax. This is generally left in place for approximately one to two
hours. Heat should not be used in conditions where it is normally contraindicated,
as in the treatment of appendicitis, diabetic neuropathy, or over the abdomen during pregnancy.
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An alternative is to apply the pack without heat, using the Pack Holder or a towel wrapped
around the body (with safety pins to hold it in place). This can be left on overnight
or for an entire 24 hour period.
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Make sure that your plastic covers the entire exterior of the flannel pack, as castor oil
is likely to stain any fabric it touches!
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Afterward the skin can be cleansed, if desired, with a solution containing a teaspoon of
baking soda per pint of water. The flannel pack may be used repeatedly and may be kept in a
plastic container between usages, although this is not usually necessary as castor oil is
very resistant to spoilage. The flannel pack should be replaced periodically -
especially when it appears soiled, as may happen when the area being treated is
particularly toxic.
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Castor oil packs are one of those rare remedies that cannot be used too much; generally,
with external applications of castor oil, "more is better." While the
ARE Clinic normally recommends that the minimum use be for an hour each day - for three
consecutive days in a week - this frequency and duration may often be exceeded in order to
bring better and faster relief.
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If it is known that there is a critically high degree of toxicity in the body, or a
significant difficulty in eliminating toxins (such as with kidney failure), then it is
best if the packs are used on alternating days for the first week. After that, usually the
packs may be used on consecutive days from that point on.
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Castor oil pack treatments should always be gentle and with no real side effects. The most
common side effect is a rash that may occur at the site of the pack. This typically only
occurs during the first few applications of the pack, and may be relieved by using the baking
soda wash. Rashes and other reactions are rare, and if they occur they usually indicate that
the elimination of toxins through the system are not good, and perhaps the pack should be used
on alternate days for the first week of use.
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Sometimes an oral dose of extra virgin olive oil - a teaspoon or two -
is indicated after every third treatment. Typically this is for relieving conditions of the
gall bladder, liver, and colon.
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Cleaning the Pack
If you absolutely must clean the pack, begin by soaking the pack in a solution of baking
soda and hot water, using four ounces of soda to two quarts of water. After soaking the
pack for at least 20 minutes, wring it out thoroughly and allow it to air dry.
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For more information on castor oil:
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