The Effects Of Castor Oil Packs

The Effects of Castor Oil Packs

Jun 10, 2010 | By Owen Pearson

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the herb Ricinus communis, which grows in parts of India and Africa, according to the American Cancer Society. It is used as a remedy for several types of ailments. Although some treatments involve ingestion of castor oil, there are also several remedies that call for topical application. To apply castor oil topically, create a castor oil pack by soaking a strip of flannel in castor oil, placing it on the skin, and covering it with plastic wrap to prevent staining your clothes. Consult your physician before using castor oil packs.

Wart Removal

A castor oil pack applied to the skin may help remove warts, according to Joe and Teresa Graedon, authors of "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." Cut a piece of flannel just wide enough to cover the wart. Soak the flannel in castor oil and place it over the wart--if the wart is on a finger or toe, wrap the flannel around the digit. Keep it on the wart for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat once per day for two weeks.

Immune System Enhancement

According to the American Cancer Society, castor oil packs may help improve the strength of the human immune system. Castor oil is thought to increase the body's production of white blood cells, which helps the body ward off disease and attack potentially harmful bacteria and viruses.

Inflammation Control

A castor oil pack applied to the throat may help reduce inflammation associated with hyperthyroidism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hyperthyroidism is often marked by swelling and redness of the eye, face and throat areas, particularly when hyperthyroidism is brought on by Grave's disease. Place a warm cloth or other heat source over the pack and leave it on your throat for up to an hour. Repeat for at least three days to obtain the maximum benefit.