Castor oil is made from Indian castor seeds and is extremely high in ricinoleic acid, a substance found to have great benefits upon promoting the health of patients. Castor oil has been proven to have a positive impact on the skin of patients as well as providing a relief for those suffering from eye irritations. In India cast oil has prided itself on healing of the skin, digestive soothing and its antibacterial properties. It also has an extremely important function in regards to the body’s immune system. Castor oil has an immediate impact upon promoting the white blood cell (WBC) count in humans, as well as increasing T-11 cells (WBC acting as antibodies). The WBC’s, produced inside the body’s lymphocytes, have a key function in killing off viruses, bacteria, fungi as well as cancer cells.
What Is A Castor Oil Pack? A castor oil pack is an external application of castor oil to the body. A piece of wool flannel is saturated with castor oil and applied to a specified area with, or without, heat.1 The Cayce readings recommend castor oil packs in general to improve assimilations, eliminations and circulation (especially of the lymphatic system) and in particular to breakup adhesions of the lacteal glands( lymphatic system ). Although this therapy may seem unusual, it is one of the best documented. It was recommended, as part of a holistic approach, for epilepsy, back /neck pain, gallstones, scleroderma, constipation (and other intestinal conditions) – just to name a few.
To Make The Pack Materials needed: castor oil (preferably cold pressed/processed), unbleached wool flannel (3-4 pieces or layers about 12" x 14" each), 13-gallon trash bags (cut along the edges that seal it thus giving you two identical rectangular pieces), standard or extra-large electric heating pad or hot water bottle, large plastic sheet (for example an inexpensive shower curtain sold in the Dollar Store), old sheet, paper towels, baking soda, wash cloth or sponge.
The readings say that it is important to heat the pack before placing it on the body. The easiest way to do this is to put the wool flannel on top of the heating pad (the heating pad is first covered by one of the pieces of the 13-gallon trash bag) and turn the heat on. Saturate2 the wool with castor oil. It will warm up in about 15 minutes. Additional amounts of Castor Oil will need to be added to the pack before each use.
Please do not heat the pack in a microwave oven
Note: This method is one of the most efficient ways of making a pack. The easier and neater it is, the more likely it will be used. Saturate the wool – but not to dripping.
Where to Place the Pack: This will depend on what the problem is. For general use (and in epilepsy), it is placed over the liver on the right side of the body, extending, top to bottom, from about the sternum (breastbone) to about 4 inches below the navel or to the groin or pubic bone. From left to right, it extends at least from the navel, around the body as far as it will go, covering as much of the right side as possible. A larger pack, consisting of a king size heating pad (12" x 24") and matching sized wool flannel, will cover the liver and abdominal area more easily and is highly recommended.
Using the Pack: If possible, use the pack in the evening, when you are best able to rest. This is an ideal time to pray, meditate, read spiritually uplifting material, or listen to relaxing music. Decide where in your home you will be doing the pack. Set it up so you will be comfortable, with a pillow under your head and knees. Oil always drips from the pack so it is important to protect bedding, cushions or pillows (some people prefer to use the pack undressed in order to avoid soiling their clothes).
First, place the shower curtain or large piece of plastic over the area you will be laying. Then place an old sheet over that. Finally, take the other of the two pieces of the 13-gallon trash bag and position it across the sheet, under your lower back and beneath the area of your abdomen.
Lie down on your back on the plastic bag. Place the pack on your abdomen, with the oiled flannel against your skin and the heating pad on top. Adjust the heating pad control to the warmest setting you can tolerate comfortably. It should be very warm (“as hot as the body can stand”), but not so hot it burns you. It’s easy to fall asleep with the pack in place so if you find that happening, be doubly careful of the temperature setting, and lower it if necessary. With a sleeping child, you might want to shut it off completely and allow body heat to keep it warm.
Keep the pack on for at least 1 to 1½ hours; this is one treatment where more may be better. It can even be used overnight. Abdominal binders/supports (available from a medical supply store) or a wide bodybuilder’s midriff support with Velcro fasteners are useful in holding a pack in place if you wish to sleep with the pack. A large bath towel, folded lengthwise, placed around the entire torso and fastened with safety pins, can also be used.
When you are finished turn: off the heating pad and put it aside. Take off the pack with the trash bag and fold it in on itself and store it in a leak-proof container. Wipe off excess oil (keep paper towels close by). Cleanse the skin with a solution containing a pint of warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Now is the best time for an abdominal and spinal massage if you are using the packs as a remedy for epilepsy.
Persistency and consistency are called for with many chronic conditions. Use the pack for 3 days in a row. Then take a break for 4 days, and then repeat. This is a typical series of castor oil packs but other variations were given too (4 days on - 3 days off, or 5 days on - 2 days off, every other day, etc.).
The flannel pack can be used repeatedly and be kept in the refrigerator between usages, although this is usually not necessary as castor oil is very resistant to spoilage even at room temperature. Replace the pack only if it smells rancid or discolours from toxins being released from the body.
If despite all precautions, oil gets on the bedding or clothing, launder with an extra amount of your usual detergent and a couple of cups of baking soda. (Oxi Clean has also been found helpful).
After A Series of Packs; On the evening of the final day, Cayce would generally suggest taking olive oil (not castor oil!) by mouth – typically up to two tablespoons. This was recommended especially for conditions of the gall bladder, liver, and colon. [A good time to have a colonic is after a series of packs.]
DO NOT attempt to use the Apple Diet as a cleanser, if using the [Castor] Oil Packs. 543-27 F.
At Lakeside Chiropractic recommend castor oil treatment packs to help overcome chronic conditions. Lakeside chiropractic is located on the Central Walk, Joondalup and is central to Perth’s northern suburbs and we have visitors from Woodvale, Heathridge, Beldon Quinn’s Rock, Mindarie, Yanchep, Tapping, Wanneroo, Kingsley and Alkimos. If you have any further questions regarding castor oil treatment packs please feel free to contact us on 9300 0095 or you can visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au
