How to Apply Castor Oil

Some doctors prescribe castor oil to treat skin wounds or ulcers as well as to speed healing, according to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' website. For this purpose, a doctor would prescribe a castor oil spray or gel. You can also use heated castor oil "packs" to treat conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome or muscle inflammation or soreness. Historically, some cultures used castor oil to induce or speed up labor, although according to the Creighton University Medical Center, this practice's "safety is questionable." Properly apply castor oil to get the best results from your treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Castor oil, in prescribed gel or spray form
• Castor oil, in its commercial liquid form
• Flannel fabric
• Plastic bag
• Heating pad

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Instructions

Using Castor Oil Medicine to Treat a Wound or Speed Healing

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Treat a wound with castor oil only under a doctor's care. Your physician will prescribe the oil in gel or spray form, which you will apply to your skin.

• 2

  If you are using a prescribed castor oil spray, prime the pump by pumping it repeatedly while holding it upright. Shake your bottle, hold it about a foot away from your skin, and pump to spray onto skin.

• 3

  If you have a gel form of castor oil, open the tube. Apply a small, thin layer to your fingers, and then rub your fingers gently against the affected area. Wash your hands again when finished with the application..

• 4

  Cover the area only if directed to by your doctor. Repeat the process as often as directed by your doctor.

Castor Oil Packs to Treat Muscle Soreness or Carpel Tunnel

• 5

  Create a castor oil "pack" to treat sore muscles or to ease your carpel tunnel syndrome. For this purpose, you don't need a prescription. You can use the castor oil you'd find in your local supermarket. Dampen flannel cloth with castor oil, but don't saturate it to the point that it is dripping.

• 6

  Cover your wrist or other affected area with the cloth, and then cover the cloth with a clean, dry plastic bag.

• 7

  Apply a heating pad over the plastic for an hour. A University of Maryland Medical Center article recommends continuing this treatment at least twice daily and four nights a week until you see relief.