Replies

Using Castor Oil Packs

(I think I posted before something about these but easier to re-do than find.) Also will post more info soon about this/n/that. If anyone wants on/off ping list just freepmail me.

First, my way of using and experience; below that info from a website. If anyone has questions just ask.

1. My method:

I never bothered with wool; I use old tee shirts or old flannel sheets/pjs cut up.

Get all workings together first: flannel/tee shirt material (all should be 100% cotton), scissors, cut up plastic bags (much easier than plastic wrap), masking tape, castor oil, and a few paper towels. Sometimes depending on area to be treated (such as a limb rather than back/abdomen etc) I use ace bandages to hold it all together.

First generously smear the affected area with castor oil.
Next take flannel/tee shirt material and pour castor oil so it is saturated, I never bothered immersing it (sounds like huge freaking mess!), generally I use about 3 layers of cloth, make sure all well saturated.

Then spread the saturated fabric over the affected area; if a limb, wrap it all around.

Cover with cut up plastic bags. If the bags have printing on them keep it on the outside; best is no printing. Tape on with masking tape.

Final step - if need be, and usually is helpful, wrap ace bandage around snugly to help hold everything in place. If a lareger area on torso, I have a separate longer piece of material like old sheet/etc to wrap around the whole body and pin with safety pins.

Best to do at night and sleep with it on; if danger of all coming undone and messing up sheets, then during the day, but it should stay on at least for several hours.

When ready to take it off, throw the masking tape away, and keep the saturated fabric in a plastic bag as you can use it again many times. I never bothered washing off the affected area; most of the oil just absorbs in. It is very sticky and oily so try not to get it on anything you care about.

I first used on both wrists which were become unusable due to years of practicing shiatsu and other massage on clients. The pain was such I could not lean on my hand or use them much. After the first night the pain was around 90% gone, and after the second night, 100% gone. It seemed like a miracle, and I was sold. I have since used for things like bruises as as well as joint pain or injuries, but do not use on broken skin.

I also never bothered to put a heating pad on it but it would probably be useful.

2.
https://www.trueharmonywellness.com/blog/castor-oil-packs-what-how-and-why
Castor Oil Packs - What, How and Why

* Menstrual irregularities, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids
* Constipation, Congestion
* Inflammation - arthritis, bursitis, cholecystitis
* Bruising, sprains, strains
Function
* Improves lymph flow
* Increases circulation
* Stimulates liver function
* Promotes elimination
* Heals tissue and organs

Materials Needed

* Three layers of undyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
* Castor oil
* Plastic wrap cut 1-2” larger than the flannel / Large enough to wrap around treatment area
* Hot water bottle or heating pad
* Container with lid
* Old clothes and sheets. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.

Application

* Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping. This is your pack.
* Protect clothing, bedding and furniture with old sheets or clothing
* Place the pack directly on to skin over the affected body part. Cover with plastic wrap.
* Place the hot water bottle or heating pad over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes.
Rest while the pack is in place.

After removing the pack

* Cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda.
* Discard plastic wrap
* Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator.
* Each pack may be re-used up to 25-30 times.
It is generally recommended that a castor oil pack be used for 3 to 7 days a week, check with your healthcare provider.