Castor oil Packs

A castor oil pack is a piece of wool or a cloth soaked in castor oil so you can apply it on the skin. The cloth may be cotton flannel or other dense material that can soak up a lot of liquid.

People use this against a number of ailments, including skin conditions, blood circulation problems, and digestive issues.

Instructions to make a castor oil pack

You can make and use your own castor oil packs with a few materials.

Naturopath practitioners recommend looking for hexane-free castor oil.

Ingredients and supplies

To make your own, you’ll need these items:

• castor oil
• unbleached wool or cotton flannel
• medium container or bowl
• tongs
• scissors
• plastic sheeting, such as a small tablecloth or garbage bag

Directions

1. Cut the wool or cotton flannel into rectangular pieces, about 12 inches by 10 inches. You can also cut them into strips or smaller squares depending on where you’ll use them.
2. Use at least three to four pieces of cloth to make a pack.
3. Pour castor oil into the container. You should be able to completely soak a piece of the wool or cotton flannel in the castor oil.
4. Drop one piece of the cloth into the oil until it’s completely soaked.
5. Use the tongs to pick up the cloth in the container. It should be dripping with castor oil.
6. Lay the soaked cloth flat on the plastic sheet.
7. Soak the other two or more pieces of cloth in the same way.
8. Add the oil-soaked cloths flat on top of the first one.
9. Once you’ve soaked and layered each cloth, you’ve made a castor oil pack.

How to use your castor oil pack

1. Lay down on a large towel or sheet to help catch any castor oil drops.
2. Place the castor oil pack on the area to be treated. For example, for constipation or other digestive problems you’ll likely place it over your stomach area.
3. Place a small plastic sheet over the castor oil pack. This helps to heat it and press it against your skin.
4. You can place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top of the plastic for more heat if you wish. Make sure you don’t fall asleep while heating the castor oil pack as this can lead to burns or other injuries.
5. Leave the pack on for about 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Remove the pack and wipe the area clean with a warm damp towel.
7. You can store the castor oil pack in the container used to soak them. Cover and refrigerate. Reuse each castor oil pack up to 30 times.

Side effects and safety

Some people may be allergic to castor oil. It may cause a skin rash or reaction when used on the body. If you haven’t used a castor oil pack before, do a patch test:

1. Rub a few drops of castor oil into your skin and leave on for 24 hours.
2. If you don’t have any reaction, a castor oil pack should be safe to use.