How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
Overview
Topical use of castor oil has a long, respectable history among alternative medical treatments and folk medicine. Recommendations of castor oil packs are found in Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and naturopathy. Edgar Cayce, known as "the Sleeping Prophet," often suggested castor oil packs to aid healing. The University of Maryland Medical Center's website states that castor oil, used externally, is "a powerful anti-inflammatory." The site suggests castor oil packs to help---not cure---a variety of ailments, including menstrual pain, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones and tendonitis. Be sure to check with your doctor before using a castor oil pack to treat any illness.
Step 1
Cut your cloth so that it will cover the area you want to treat. Make it slightly larger than your heating pad so the heat source won't touch your skin. The cloth should be thick; be sure you have two or three layers of it. Natural fabric is best. Thick cotton, undyed wool or flannel can be used.
Step 2
Place the cloth in a pan or bowl. It is often difficult to remove the castor oil residue completely. Choose a container that you can reserve for future castor oil applications or use a disposable baking pan that you won't need again.
Step 3
Pour castor oil over the cloth. Saturate the cloth, but be sure it's not dripping with oil.
Step 4
Put the saturated cloth over the desired spot on your body.
Step 5
Cover the castor oil pack with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This should be a bit larger than the pack itself.
Step 6
Adjust your heating pad to a warm---not hot---setting and put it on top of the plastic. You can put a towel between the plastic and the heating pad if you like. A hot water bottle is a good alternative to the heating pad. Use whichever one you prefer.
Step 7
Relax for at least 20 or 30 minutes. Some sources recommend a longer period. The Association for Research and Enlightenment, Edgar Cayce's organization, suggests keeping the pack on for up to 90 minutes.
Step 8
Put the saturated cloth in a plastic bag after you're done so you can use it again. Store it in a cool place or in the refrigerator.
Step 9
Add a tablespoon of castor oil to the prepared pack each time you reuse it.
Tips and Warnings
- Castor oil packs are messy. Place a large plastic trash bag on your bed and cover it with a towel before you lie down for your castor oil treatment. Be sure to have paper towels or cloths nearby to use when you're finished. For cleanup, a mixture of baking soda and water can help cut castor oil residue.
- Castor oil can be harmful if taken internally. Do not ingest castor oil unless your doctor recommends it. Castor oil is thick and sticky. Use only clothes, towels and sheets that you won't mind getting oily and stained.
Things You'll Need
- Soft, clean cloth such as flannel, wool or cotton Pan or bowl Castor oil Plastic wrap or plastic bag Heating pad or hot water bottle Towels
About this Author
A professional writer and editor for over 25 years, Kim P. Alden writes about complementary and alternative medicine, health, stress management and travel. She is a certified yoga therapist and has worked in college, conference, medical, hospice and private settings. Her B.A. degree is from Southern Methodist University.
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