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Castor Oil Liver Cleansing

Castor oil has been used for many years for its powerful medicinal purposes---its use even dates back to ancient Egypt. Many people use the oil to cleanse the liver, but it is used to treat many other things, such as inflammation, appendicitis, and digestive disorders. It used to be common to be take the oil orally, but due to toxicity issues, it is important to only use it topically---on the skin---unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

  1. The Method

    • People attempt to cleanse the liver for a wide variety of reasons. Some feel that it will help with gallstones, others feel it helps them with their allergies, and it is also used to treat liver problems such as cirrhosis.

      To use the castor oil in order to cleanse the liver, you will need to make a pack that can be placed on the skin. According to Chiang Mai, Thailand, Life Events Shamanistic Studies, when castor oil is applied to the skin, it increases lymphatic circulation, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the liver. Use a material such as flannel or cotton, and cut the piece large enough to cover the upper right side of your abdomen, where the liver is located (beneath the lower part of your ribcage). This is not a "less is more" situation, and it is better to err on the side of being a little too big in order to make sure it is fully covered.

      Next, soak the cloth in castor oil until it is fully saturated. Gently wring out the cloth, place it directly on the skin, and then cover it with plastic wrap. You may want to wrap yourself in an old towel or shirt, as this compress can get messy and you will not want the oil to get on anything nice. Finally, place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack. You will want to leave the compress in place for 45 minutes to an hour. Be careful when removing the pack---remember, it's messy--and wash the area with baking soda and water. You will want to do this pack several times in a week, even as many as seven times, and it is okay to reuse the cloth for each cleanse.

    Precautions

    • It is important not to use the castor oil on the skin if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating or if the skin is broken. Talk to your doctor about this treatment before trying it out, and to ensure any liver issues you are having are properly taken care of. Remember not to ingest the castor oil, unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor.

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