Castor Oil Packs

The Many Health Benefits of Castor Oil Packs

This article describes the history and health benefits of castor oil. There are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own castor oil pack at the end of the article. History of Castor Oil Castor oil is extracted from the seed of castor oil plants, called ricinus communis. The oil has long been regarded as a healing agent. In fact, the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine reported that castor bean seeds are approximately 4,000 years old and were found in Egyptian tombs. The report revealed that castor oil was used in ancient times as a medicine in Africa, China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India and Persia. In the Netherlands, stories about the “Wonder Oil” date back thousands of years. In the early 1900s, Edgar Cayce fueled the interest of Americans by recommending castor oil packs to more than 500 of his clients. He advised clients to use castor oil packs for lymphatic disorders and liver stimulation amongst other ailments. Known as the “hand of Christ” or “Palma Christi,” placing a castor oil pack on the skin increases circulation and decreases internal and external inflammation. It helps eliminate toxins and allegedly assists in the healing of organs and tissues. Castor oil packs are placed on joints to help decrease swelling and increase movement. Castor oil has also been used to lubricate leather goods, fuel oil lamps, relieve constipation and positively affect cancer patients. It’s gaining popularity in it’s ability to relieve liver and gallbladder ailments as well as in killing off parasites. It is rich in ricinoleic and undecylenic acid, which are anti-infective fatty acids. Ricinoleic acid is known to prevent growth of bacteria, viruses, yeasts and molds. Undecylenic acid is FDA-approved for over-the-counter use on skin disorders or skin problems. [Source: Wikipedia]

Benefits of Castor Oil * Anti-inflammatory and analgesic * Antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal) * Arthritis and joint pain * Asthma * Athlete’s Foot * Bladder and vaginal infections * Cerebral Palsy * Constipation * Dysentery * Gastrointestinal remedy * Hair loss * Immune system and lymphatic stimulant * Inflammatory bowel disease * Labor stimulant * Liver detox * Lymphatic circulation * Migraines * Mold inhibitor * Multiple Sclerosis * Parkinson’s Disease * Skin conditions like acne, dermatosis, acne, ringworm and warts * Skin infections like sebaceous cysts * Skin dryness * Sunburn * Tumors (some) * Wrinkles * Yeast Infections How Castor Oil Works Castor oil increases blood circulation to the area where it is applied and draws toxins out of the body. Castor oil is known to detoxify the body a deeper levels, thus eliminating the root causes as well as the symptoms. Used topically, castor oil has a high success record in healing skin ailments such as ringworm and inflammations. The affected area is wrapped in wool cloth soaked with warm castor oil for a few nights until the area heals. As mentioned above, Edgar Cayce often recommended castor oil for improving the lymphatic system and helping the assimilation of nutrients throughout the body. Castor oil improves organ function and in turn decreasing the overall level fatigue and depression.