Castor Oil – A Natural Approach to Health

Using Castor oil therapeutically has been common amongst many naturopathic practitioners for years. I was first introduced to this and many other natural gifts over 14 years ago when I studied nutrition and naturopathy and have used these in my practice, and retreats ever since.

Many people have experienced benefits when using this powerful healing oil such as improved lymphatic flow, improved circulation as well as improved immunity as the active properties in the oil may improve lymphocyte production.

It may also help with –

Skin issues such as acne, athletes foot.
Stimulation of liver and gallbladder – great when cleansing.
Inflamed joints
Dry skin (some even noticing wrinkle reduction), cracked heels, elbows etc
Constipation
Period pains, and more.

Castor oil uses have dated back to early Egyptian times, used by many folk healers and popularised by the psychic healer Edgar Cayce and used by many naturopaths worldwide.

Castor oil is rich in a fatty acid called Ricinoleic Acid extracted from the castor seed Ricinus Communis which is where the healing properties are found, they are said to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. There are also proteins called Ricin present in the seed which is highly toxic, however this is not found in the oil but for best safe use, apply castor oil topically (although you can take some orally but take advice first)

It can be massaged into the body, or areas of inflammation such as arthritic joints, rubbed into the heels, onto dry skin etc or add to a plaster and placed on a small area to be worked on such as a boil or acne for instance.
I have used castor oil in the form of the Castor oil Pack which can help increase the absorption into the skin for me this is the best application when working with detoxification, liver/gallbladder clearing, period pains etc.
For some who love the general use for castor oil for general health approach, it can be placed over liver and gallbladder

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

A high quality cold pressed castor oil
A cotton flannel large enough to be able to fold over a couple of times and still cover a good area over the abdomen i.e placed over liver/gallbladder area.
Hot water bottle or a heat pad.
An old towel placed on floor, top of bed or sofa (or wherever you are going to lay) to protect surfaces from the oil.
Plastic zip up bag to place the used oiled flannel in for further use, if reusing all you have to do is add more oil to the flannel and use again as needed. You can reuse this pack several times or until the cloth is starting to discolour.

HOW TO APPLY A CASTOR OIL PACK

I like to place the flannel I will be using under the hot water bottle to warm it for 5 mins, then add the castor oil until it is soaked through but not dripping.
Place the soaked flannel over the area you wish such as liver or lower abdomen for period pains etc, then place the hot water bottle or heat pad on top. Place another old towel over the top, wrap in a blanket to keep warm. You can then lie there for 45-60mins, read, listen to music, meditate or whatever you want to do to relax.
When finished, remove the flannel and wipe the skin with a clean cloth and soap/water mix, some people like to use bicarbonate of soda diluted in water but I find the soap/water more than ok.
You may also want to wear an old T-shirt as once this oil is on the material it rarely comes off.

When cleansing can use the packs daily or use when you can, the best reported benefits are from those that use it several times a month.