This oil has an extensive history and humans have known it's power since we knew how to make it. Google or Bing search (for more complete health info) "castor oil pack therapy" and see for yourself what castor oil can do.
Castor oil packs involve the use of heat. Heat is contraindicated in certain conditions. It is VERY important you are thoroughly informed about your issues prior to using a castor oil pack. Consult your primary healthcare practitioner.
I know this therapy to be fantastic for the following conditions:
Joint Inflammation Muscle Strain/Sprain
Skin Infections Arthritis Detoxification Endometriosis
Benign Fibroids Menstrual Cycle Regulation
(But, you already looked it up, so you're aware of it's power!)
The Castor Oil Pack Procedure
Wool or terrycloth (white and free of dyes)
Vinyl Exam Glove (hand) / Bread Bag (foot) / Cut open grocery /garbage bag / (depends on treatment area)
Plastic or Other Barrier
***Double check that the condition that will be addressed is NOT CONTRAINDICATED for heat therapy!!***
Health food stores sell the 7 oz castor oil. You will need this much to get started unless you're using the exam glove on your hand.
Tear a few paper towels apart and have them at hand.
Lay fabric (wool sold for the purpose or the white washcloth) out on foil on the counter.
Pour the oil on the fabric and let it absorb. Fabric should be soaked but not drippy. The idea is to have enough oil to allow for transfer through skin.
Pour the oil directly into an exam glove (for finger joint issues.)
Have the baking soda ready in case the oil gets on any fabric or resists the wipe-off. Baking soda is the only substance the will conquer the oil. Make a very thick paste on the affected fabric, let it set and reapply water until it dissolves the oil.
TV remote, beverage, cell phone, land line phone, book, paper towels for drippage or cleanup later, pillows, big towel to protect bed or chair, plug in the heating pad and crank it up. Get the ziploc bag ready to put the fabric in when you're done. And, just to be sure, go to the bathroom!
Flop the gooey fabric onto your selected area and cover with the plastic. Leave plenty of plastic at least 6 in from fabric in all directions -when oil gets hot.....drip…drip…
For hand and finger therapy, pour the oil into a vinyl exam glove. Use enough to AT LEAST fill the fingertips. Fold a paper towel lengthwise and wrap it around the wrist just inside the glove and tape it. Then, you may wish to tape the glove to the towel around the top to add an extra layer of security. I like athletic tape for this.
I use an old torn t-shirt and put it over the plastic or vinyl. It's thin and lets lots of heat through. You may need a thin old towel or old shirt or something to buffer the heat, yet still allow it to penetrate.
Put the hot heating pad on top of the fabric.
You can prop pillows against it, lay a heavy towel on it or tie something around it. You need to keep it on as long and as hot as you can. I say to aim for an hour. Anything longer is extra credit!
A Kirkland paper towel wipes off the oil great. You put the fabric in the ziploc, wipe off the excess oil from the affected area and put the fabric & ziploc in the fridge. If it's warm in the house, the oil might be fine but the skin cells will get smelly. You can use it over and over - just add more oil.
By the second pack, you should notice positive a difference in whatever condition you are experiencing. This process should never result in anything negative. Get back in touch with your health professional and triple check aforementioned double check of the condition.