Using Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil has a centuries-long history as a healing agent in traditional and Ayurvedic medicine. 

This helpful oil has numerous healing properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial. Castor oil is known for its immune boosting properties, as an effective laxative, germicidal, disinfectant, and analgesic agent.

It’s made from castor beans, the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, which are predominantly grown in India. The main active component of castor oil is ricinoleic acid, a type of fatty acid. It’s a very thick oil and can be used both topically and internally.

One useful and time-honored way you can use castor oil externally is by applying it in a pack on your skin to help heal a variety of issues. A castor oil pack is simply a piece of cloth soaked in castor oil.

Castor oil packs can be used for liver detoxing, for skin, digestive, menstrual, lymphatic, or circulation conditions. For deep tissue repair, using a castor oil pack can be helpful. You can place packs directly on strained or arthritic joints or sore muscles to reduce inflammation. 

Oryana carries various specialized castor oil packs from Queen of the Thrones or you can make your own.

Here’s how to make a castor oil pack 

You’ll need:

• 1 piece of cotton flannel cloth folded into the size you want for the area you are treating. You should have at least 3 layers of material. (Oryana sells cloth especially for castor oil packs)
• 1 bottle of castor oil 
• 1 piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the pack
• 1 old towel for covering
• 1 old towel for wiping
• hot water bottle or heating pad

Soak the flannel in castor oil until it’s saturated. (You can wear an old t-shirt that you don’t mind getting oily, as the oil can stain.) Position yourself on a bed or couch with the old towel underneath you, and place the soaked flannel over the desired area; cover with the plastic wrap and apply the hot water bottle or heating pad. Cover this with a towel and relax for 45 – 60 minutes, the longer, the better, even overnight is ok. Then remove the pack and wipe excess oil off your skin. You can store the pack in a plastic bag or container in the fridge and reuse it up to 30 times. Avoid using packs on open wounds. Oftentimes a single treatment brings relief but you may need more than one treatment.

Look for cold pressed castor oil, as chemically-processed castor oil contains hexane. 

Although castor oil packs can be a bit time consuming and messy, their history as an ancient healing practice makes them a valuable tool as a natural healing aid.

Castor oil products available at both Oryana locations

The information contained in this email is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Always consult your healthcare professional before using any therapy, including supplements, vitamins, natural remedies, or lifestyle changes. We encourage you to always be empowered and knowledgeable about your unique path to Wellness.