What is a Castor oil pack?
Castor oil packs are cotton flannel, saturated with castor oil, and can be applied to a specified area with or without heat. The Castor oil packs improve assimilation, elimination, and circulation in the body, especially the lymphatic system. Although this method seems unusual, it is one of the best-documented practices. It is recommended as a holistic approach for epilepsy, gallstones, scleroderma, and other intestinal conditions. Castor oil is a slightly yellowish oil that is extracted from the castor bean or seed of Ricinus communis, a tall tropical plant with large palmate leaves. The castor oil plant is native to India, where it has been used to treat all types of gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, and vaginal infections. It is also used medicinally to restore hair, treat constipation, and treat skin ulcers.
Chemically, castor oil is a triglyceride of fatty acids, nearly ninety percent of which is an unsaturated fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. Triglycerides play an important role in metabolism as energy sources. Individuals think that the high concentration of this ingredient gives the oil its remarkable healing qualities. 
Where to place the pack?
When using the pack, placement depends on what the problem is and/or what you are using the pack for. For general use, it needs to be placed over the liver on the right side of the body, extending from top to bottom. It should be placed from the lower rib rage to the groin or pubic bone. From left to right, it should extend from the navel around the body as far as you can, covering as much of the right side as possible. It is better to use this pack in the evening, when you have time to rest. It is the perfect time to meditate or read a book and take the time to take care of your body by using the Castor oil packs.
Make sure you set up a place in your home that is comfortable for you, with a pillow under your head and knees. Before using these packs, be aware that they always drip, so make sure you are protecting your bedding and clothing when using the pack. Some people prefer to use these packs without any clothing to prevent damaging their clothes. It may be a good idea to place a large sheet of plastic and then an old sheet over the area you will be laying, for minimal damage and an easier clean-up. Then, take one of the two pieces of a 13-gallon trash bag and position it across the sheet, under your lower back, beneath the area of your abdomen. Lie down on your back on the plastic bag and place the pack on your abdomen. Then, place the oiled flannel against your skin and the heating pad on top. It is important to control the heating pad to your comfort level; just make sure that it is as warm as you can handle. It is important for the heating pad to be very warm, but not warm enough for it to harm or burn you. If you find yourself falling asleep during the process, make sure to lower the temperature of the heating pad and try to stay awake during this process.
How long should I use the packs?
You should keep the castor oil pack on for at least half an hour to an hour. However, with this treatment, the longer the better, so as long as you can would be better. If you wish to walk around with this pack, a large bath towel folded lengthwise, placed around the entire torso, and fastened with safety pins to hold the castor oil in place can be used. When you are finished using the castor oil pack, turn off the heating pad and place it aside. Take off the castor oil pack with a trash bag, fold it inside out and store it in a leak-proof container. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel; it may be useful to put one next to you before using the Castor oil packs. Then cleanse your skin with a solution containing a pint of warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda.
If you are using this method for a chronic condition, persistence and consistency are better. Using the pack for three days in a row is recommended; then take a break for four days and then repeat. If it is known that there is a critically high degree of toxicity in the body, such as kidney failure, then it is best if you use the packs on alternating days for the first week. After that, the packs are usually used on consecutive days from that point on. This castor oil pack can be used repeatedly and kept in the refrigerator or somewhere at room temperature. Replace the pack only if it smells rancid or is discolored from the toxin being released from your body. On this evening of the final day after a series of Castor oil packs, take organic olive oil, not Castor oil, by the mouth and begin with just one teaspoon. If you feel alright, increase the tablespoons to two next time. If you have conditions related to the gall bladder, liver, and colon, scheduling a colonic after a series of these packs would be a very good idea.
Castor oil packs are now available at our store for use at home. We will also be offering this service at the salon if you feel more comfortable starting the castor oil packs with one of our massage therapists. Make sure you talk to one of our employees, preferably one of our massage therapists, about how frequently and for how long you should perform a series of packs based on your state. You can book your Castor Oil appointment by clicking the link below!
