Castor Oils Packs support overall gut and digestive health, and are most helpful for the relief of abdominal pain, constipation and gastrointestinal issues.
Castor oil is is a thick, odourless oil made from “castor beans” which are the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, and its use dates back to ancient Egypt. Ricinoleic acid is the main fatty acid in castor oil with anti-inflammatory properties, and latest studies illustrate that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain. Many practitioners recommend buying organic, hexane-free castor oil.
Castor oil packs are 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 well known in helping with constipation and enhancing detoxification, as well as to reducing aches, pains, inflammation and swelling.
PLEASE NOTE: CASTOR OIL PACKS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
You can make your own pack, or there are some ready-made options available:
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.
FOR 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 approximately 4 tablespoons of castor oil into the centre of the flannel, and work it in, avoiding the edges.
Your pack is now 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 store in a dedicated 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.
