So you've heard about using castor oil packs to shrink endometrial lesions, fibroids, ovarian cysts or to help with constipation, but you have no idea where to start? Here is a quick guide. Please read all the precautions. This can be a wonderful tool to heal naturally, but you have to be diligent. The additional use of properly prescribed herbs taken orally and diet modifications will also help speed up the healing process. Please note, if fibroids are extreme in size or wrapping around organs you should probably consider surgery as your safest and most effective treatment modality. Also, if ovarian cysts are deemed to be dermoids and not simple fluid filled cysts you should consider surgery as well! 

HOW IT WORKS

A castor oil pack is placed on the skin to increase circulation and to promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It is used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, improve digestion, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation, and to break up masses such as fibroids and cysts.

 A castor oil pack can be placed in the following bodily regions:

·       The lower abdomen in cases of menstrual irregularities, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.

·       The right side of the middle and upper abdomen to stimulate the liver.

·       Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.

 Safety Precautions

Castor oil should NOT be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin. It should NEVER be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have been advised to use castor oil packs and are actively trying to conceive please only use them in the week between menstruation and your ovulation window.

 Materials

·       Three layers of un-dyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area

·       Castor Oil (star west or Gaia are great brands, but any will do)

·       Plastic wrap, cut 1-2 inches larger than the flannel (can be a plastic bag)

·       Hot water bottle or heating pad

·       Container with a lid

·       Old clothes and sheets as castor oil STAINS!

Method

1.     Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.

2.     Place the pack over the affected area.

3.     Cover with plastic

4.     Place the hot water bottle over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place.

5.     After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a dilute solution of water and baking soda to remove residue.

6.     Store the pack in the covered container in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.

Frequency of use

It is generally recommended to that a castor oil pack be used every other day for a week. After a week of every other day, daily treatments for the following 2 weeks can be used for a more aggressive treatment if needed. Consult your practitioner for exact frequency for your particular case. 

As always, if you have any questions or comments about this please join the conversation in the comment section or on the Facebook page.