Castor oil, or Ricinus Communis, is an effective at home remedy that naturally promotes detoxification of the body, among many other healing benefits. Being made up of 90% of ricinoleic acid, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the number of white blood cells that attack tissues and cause inflammation. It’s a diverse and effective oil which is favored in naturopathic medicine. Nearly every one of my clients is using castor oil in some capacity.
Benefits & Uses
If you’ve heard of castor oil, it’s most likely because someone told you to drink it to induce labor. However, I don’t suggest this. Ingesting castor oil isn’t ideal, as it can cause nausea and vomiting. However applying it topically is where the health benefits are found. Castor oil is very well absorbed through the skin and into our tissues. Castor oil can be used to improve digestion, support the liver, aid in better sleep, and reduce scar tissue. Reductions in joint pain and menstrual cramps can also be found with the use of castor oil.
One of the most common uses for castor oil is for supporting the liver. Our liver has over 500 jobs to do in our body, one of which is to detox us of toxins. However, due to lifestyle, diet, and stress, the liver needs a little extra love to keep up with the environmental burden. Placing a castor oil pack over the liver will help it to rid the body of any excess environmental burden, so it can perform at its best.
Castor oil is most commonly applied via a “castor oil pack”. A wool, cotton, or flannel cloth is soaked in oil, placed on a specific area of the skin, and heated. This allows for the castor oil to soak into the body and and be absorbed. At first, castor oil packs can seem a little messy but, once you get the hang of it, it’s relaxing and you just might look forward to the next one!
Simply place a castor oil pack over the inflamed or painful area and let it soak into the skin for at least 20-30 minutes.
How To Do a Castor Oil Pack
Materials Needed:
20-48in Piece of Flannel
Castor Oil
Glass Dish
Old Shirt or Thin Towel
Heating Pad
Instructions:
Soak 20-48in piece of flannel in castor oil
Lay down and apply flannel to appropriate location of the body (see above for more info)
Top with an old t-shirt or thin towel
Apply a heating pad on a medium setting
Allow castor oil to soak in the skin for 20-30 minutes
Can repeat as often as you’d like, 1-3 times per week is ideal
Tips
You can store the same piece of flannel in a glass container in the refrigerator for a few weeks. I recommend replacing the flannel after about 30 uses.
Castor oil will stain, wear an old t-shirt you don’t mind getting ruined.
To cut the oil, use soap and a bit of baking soda to wash from skin before changing.
When buying castor oil, always choose hexane free. Organic is even better