Castor Oil

Castor oil has components that activate the function of the immune system in the areas where it is applied. The body heals pain in different areas faster with the help of the oil. Castor oil is able to penetrate deep into the skin layers and it helps in healing especially if there is a scar and/or adhesions.

Castor oil has a unique chemical profile and is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is only found naturally in castor oil. Studies have shown an increase in lymphocyte production and the level of T cell activity, after applying castor oil to an area. T cells are produced in the bone marrow and thymus gland and are responsible for identifying and eliminating invaders such as viruses, bacteria and fungal infections and for increasing the activity of the immune system. Using castor oil dressings helps the body cleanse the body of toxins and improve lymph flow. Castor oil also has a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system and improves liver and digestive system function.

The standard castor oil pack, as recommended by Edgar Casey, is made of several layers of woolen flannel fabric (cotton-based flannel fabric will also give excellent results) and involves soaking the fabric in castor oil and placing it on the place you want to heal. There is also an easier way which is detailed below.

How to make a castor oil pack:

Warning: Castor oil stains. So before you begin, make sure you have protected your bed/couch with an old towel and you are not wearing your favourite clothing.

Supplies:

Cold-pressed castor oil (available at local health stores and pharmacies, try to purchase the highest quality available. You can also order from abroad, for example from the iHerb.
Wool/cotton flannel or a kitchen towel that you don’t need (it gets dirty), a tetra diaper or kitchen paper towel
A second towel or blanket
Hot water bottle, microwave heating pad or electric heating pad
Disposable kitchen towel for wiping your hands

Instructions:

Gather all your supplies.
Prepare the hot water bottle or heat your microwavable heat pad
Pour a small amount of castor oil over the area you are treating
Place the flannel or disposable kitchen towel over the area and cover with a towel to protect your hot water bottle/heat pad
Place the hot water bottle or microwavable heat pad over flannel or kitchen towel
Place a second towel or blanket over the heat source to help retain the heat
Relax for 30 or more minutes while the castor oil does it’s work
While the castor oil pack is working, you may find it helpful to quietly meditate. Pay attention to any thoughts that arise. Journal any thoughts, feelings or images that arise during this rest time.

How often should you use castor oil packs?

If you are dealing with an acute situation: the recommendation is to perform the treatment five days in a row for half an hour and then two days off – do it for three weeks and then a week off (during menstruation).

If you are trying to get pregnant, use castor oil packs for five consecutive days after the end of menstruation and then stop, because castor oil dressings are not used after ovulation while trying to conceive.

When is it not recommended to use castor oil packs?

• Do not use during pregnancy
• Do not use during menstruation
• Do not use during diarrhea or active inflammation of the stomach
• If you are trying to get pregnant, use only after the end of menstrual bleeding until ovulation or insemination
• Castor oil packs are not used during fertility treatments while taking hormones. Consult your Sobada practitioner for more information.
• In any case of doubt, please consult a Sobada practitioner or another therapist with extensive experience in the use of castor oil
• If you are breastfeeding, pay attention to your baby’s stools. If you think they change after your castor oil use you may want to stop use until your baby is older.