How to Make Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil comes from the castor bean plant and has been used medicinally in the United States since pioneer days. A castor oil pack is an old-fashioned remedy that can be used for treating a variety of different ailments. Some common uses of the castor oil pack include liver stimulation when applied to the right side of the abdomen; inflamed or swollen joints, constipation and digestive problems when applied to the abdomen; and uterine or ovarian cysts when applied to the lower abdomen. Use castor oil packs once a day for three to seven days until symptoms subside.

Things You'll Need

• Wool or cotton flannel
• Plastic garbage bag
• Plastic container
• Castor oil
• Hot water bottle
• Baking soda

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Instructions

• 1

  Fold a large piece of wool or cotton flannel into three layers large enough to cover the affected area of the body. Cut a piece of plastic from a plastic garbage bag 1 to 2 inches wider and longer than the piece of flannel.

• 2

  Fill a plastic container with castor oil and place the flannel inside. Allow it to sit until saturated with oil, but not dripping wet. Remove the soaked flannel from the container of castor oil and place on the affected area of the body.

• 3

  Cover the flannel with the piece of plastic and place the hot water bottle on top of the castor oil pack. Leave in place for 45 to 60 minutes for the best results, resting while the pack is in place.

• 4

  Remove the castor oil pack from the body after the allotted time has passed. Combine one half cup of baking soda with 1 cup warm water and stir until the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved. Cleanse the affected area with the baking soda solution to remove any remaining oil.

• 5

  Remove the plastic from the flannel. Place the flannel back inside the container filled with oil and cover. Store in the refrigerator. Reuse the castor oil pack up to 25 times, wringing out any excess oil before applying and using a fresh piece of plastic each time.