By Marianne Graff, Published on the 26 of October, 2024
Here is a tutorial about how to make a compress, also called a pack, with castor oil, based on my experience trying out a few methods.
I am not a doctor, so I will refer to the advice (and link it in the sources) to the doctors whose advice I followed and tested for myself.
I like the detailed explanation provided by Lara Rosenthal.
You can use the following materials:
- Oeice if fabric such as wool flannel or an old cotton shirt, or a cotton tube sock with the toes cut off if you want to place this around an elbow, knee, wrist or ankle
- Roll of cellphane wrap ( e.g. Saran Wrap)
- Heating pad/hot water bottle
- Organic castor oil
- Absorbent owel to mop up any drips (e.g. J cloth)
- Mason Jar
- Tongs (optional- I just use my fingers to put the cloth in the jar and pull it out)
Instructions
- Find acomfortqble spot to do this that is close to where you want to lie down and relax.
- Place a towel down under the mason jar in case of oil drips.
- Put the fabric in the jar (use tongs to do this if you prefer)
- Soak the fabric by adding two tables spoons of castor oil at a time and waiting for it to absorb. You want the fabric to be saturated but not dripping.
- Pull the fabric out and place it over the area you want to treat
- Cover it with plastic wrap. You might want to wrap the plastic around you to anchor it in place. Dr. Berg suggests taping a plastic bag over the cloth using surgical tape.
- Place the hot water bottle over it.
- Relax and breath for 30 minutes (or overnight). This should be very relaxing. Try to maintain the heat throughout the treatment.
- Remove the plastic nad put the cloth back in the mason jar and seal it. Dr. Barbara O’ Neil says the clath can be re-used for two or three months before the oil goes rancid. Lara Rosenthal recommends putting it iin the fridge,and letting it come to room temperature before using the nest time. in
Where Should You Place the Compress?
Compresses can also be used for liver detoxing by placing the cloth under the ribs on the right side.
For example, many people tuck the cloth under their rib cage on the right side to detox liver, or place it over the lower abdomen to reduce menstural cramping and pain. She recommends using saran wrap to cover the cloth and anchor it in place. This works better for some parts of the body than others.
Position your body so the fabric is on top of the area you want to treat. Let gravity help the oil soak in. the weight of the hot water bottle helps the absorption too. In my case, my cat usually likes to settle on my abdomen, so that works too.
Dr. Barabar O/Neil provides an excellent overview of why compresses work better than topical drops of castor oil on the skin. The pressure and heat help the castor oil penetrate more deeply. Castor oil is known to penetrate deeply already, but for internal organ support and deep menstrual cramp aid, the weight feels good and helps a lot.
Some doctors recommend doing this twice a week for thirty minutes each time and others recommend wearing this overnight once a week.
The beauty of this process is that the pain minimizes quickly, and without fanfare. There is no burning sensation or uncomfortable dhilling or numbing as in some essential oil concoctions that use peppermint oil. After a few breaths you will simple notice the pain dissipating.
When I wrap a compress around my aching knees, it doesn’t take long at all- a few minutes- to notice I can move more easily and my knees have stopped creaking and cracking.
The effect is long lasting too. After I apply castor oil to my knees or ankles, I rarely have to reapply that day.
Is there any danger or disadvantages of using Castor Oil?
Dr. Sean McConnell explains that when the oil is pressed out of the Castor Bean, all toxicity is removed. It is safe to use topically and has been used internally since ancient times for constipation.
Sources
Horizons Health. “This is Why Dr. O’Neill Likes Castor Oil So Much“.
Magnolia Medical Centre.Castor Oil Relief for Arthritic Joints. https://youtu.be/lqg7YnXtjwY?si=rt9FNoRrGDbxe7DQ
Rosenthal, L. Castor Oil Pack Instructions. https://lararosenthal.com/castor-oil-pack-instructions
Dr. McConnell, S. The Science Behind Castor Oil. Dr. https://youtu.be/V85MUFI9TXg?si=t-IBnanCvptWIG4o