Research shows that castor oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal qualities, and the numerous benefits of castor oil pack for the relief of pain, including arthritic pain are well documented. Castor oil has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Castor oil is made from “castor beans” which are the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, and Naturopath practitioners recommend buying organic, hexane-free castor oil.
Castor oil pack is for topical use only, and the reason for applying it is that the oil pack is soaked with more oil than if it was rubbed into the skin, which allows for better absorption into our bodies. Use of the pack externally also helps with numerous internal health issues, and is known to reduce aches, pains and inflammation and swelling, enhancing detoxification, and helping with various digestive issues such as constipation.
There are some ready-made options available or you can make your own.
Ready made and ready to use castor oil pack from Castorvida
How to make a DIY castor oil pack:
Firstly, please check for any allergic reactions by applying a little oil on the inner wrist and leave for a few hours.
THE PACK: please dedicate an old towel and a flannel for this purpose
Fold a small towel in half
Place a folded bin liner on top of the towel
Place a soft absorbent flannel on top of the bin liner (this will be soaked with the oil)
Prepare a small heat pad or a hot water bottle, and a larger towel to wrap around yourself or the area you will place the pack on.
Pour some castor oil onto the flannel, but do not soak it so it drips, and work it in.
Your pack is ready
Place the pack - oil side onto bare skin - on the affected area, wrap yourself or the area of concern with the larger towel, hold in place, lie in a comfortable position and apply the heat pad or water bottle.Relax with the pack for minimum of 45 minutes.
If you wish to leave the pack on overnight, it is useful to keep the large towel and the pack underneath in place with a scarf or a fitting T-shirt or leggings.
When you have finished, fold the pack onto itself, and place the pack into a plastic bag for next time - one pack can be used multiple times. Next time, just add more oil onto the flannel.
Wash the skin with warm water and bicarbonate of soda.
