What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is derived from the seed of the Ricinus communis Ry-Sin-us Kum-Yew-nis plant. It has large, beautiful palmate leaves, hence the name Palma Christi, or “Palm of Christ,” for its reputed healing abilities. The Palma Christi has been used for healing for many centuries. It is part of folk medicine in ancient India, China, Persia, Africa, Greece, Rome, and the Americas. Edgar Cayce, a medical intuitive known as the “sleeping prophet”, introduced castor oil packs for the treatment of many conditions. In Cayce’s book The Oil That Heals: A Physician’s Successes With Castor Oil Treatments
How do Castor Oil Packs Work?
Research indicates that castor oil has a unique chemical composition. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid found only in castor oil. A study called “Immunomodulation through Castor Oil Packs” was published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. It examined lymphocyte levels in 36 healthy individuals before and after applying castor oil to their skin. This study found that castor oil acts as an anti-toxin. It also affects the lymphatic system and improves immune function. The study found that using castor oil packs for at least two hours increased the number of T-11 cells. This change occurred within 24 hours after treatment and was also associated with an increase in total lymphocytes. This increase in T-11 cells indicates a general enhancement of the body’s defense system. Lymphocytes help protect the body by making antibodies against germs and their toxins. [1]
Castor oil packs seem to help balance the autonomic nervous system. They can also improve liver function and digestion.
“Through its influence on the parasympathetic nervous system, or the “rest and digest” system, castor oil may produce a sedative state in the body. Individuals have reported that the castor oil pack relaxes them and helps them sleep when used before bed. One author suggests that this may be the result of placing the packs over the solar plexus, the largest accumulation of autonomic nerve cells in the lower body.” [2]
Another study found that COP “decreased the feces consistency score, straining during defecation and feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement, thus decreasing symptoms of constipation. We conclude that COP may be used for controlling symptoms of constipation.” [3]
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
The standard pack suggested by Edgar Cayce includes several layers of unbleached wool flannel. This type of flannel holds heat better. However, cotton flannel can also be used with excellent results. The material is soaked on the cloth and applied to the area in need of healing. Soak the flannel in the oil to make it well saturated but not dripping. Place the pack over the area to be treated. Place a hand towel between the flannel pack and a heat source (e.g. hot water bottle, or rice pack) to protect the heating source. Secure this in place with a heavy towel. Make sure you wear something that you don’t mind getting oil on, as the oil will stain! The oil will also disintegrate rubber over time, so make sure you put a cozy or clean hand towel over your hot water bottle.
How to Prevent the Oil From Staining?
Protect any bedding or clothing from staining since castor oil is highly penetrating. (Old heavy bath towels are typically effective.) Washing soda (sodium carbonate) may be used during laundering to remove some stains on clothing. I find a dab of Dawn dish soap works wonders on lifting oil out of clothes. I put a small dab on the stain and let it sit for ten minutes before washing.
How are Packs Maintained?
To re-use a pack for multiple treatments (up to 25 times), just re-saturate with oil. Packs can be stored in a glass jar for six months to a year as long as it does not become rancid. Packs should not be shared among persons. Never put your COP in the washing machine, the oil will coat the inside of the machine and ruin your clothes!
How often do I use Castor Oil Packs?
A typical regimen for non-acute conditions is three times a week, every other night for three weeks, with the fourth week off. Repeat this for two more cycles, take a week off, and then continue once a week until symptoms subside. For acute situations, use for 60 minutes nightly for five consecutive nights, then take two nights off. Repeat the cycle for two weeks or until the condition is resolved. In either case, each person’s response may vary based on the symptoms being treated. Please consult your healthcare provider. There can be an individual, unique response, so I suggest always listening to your body first, and do it in doses your body can handle. A typical COP routine for endometriosis involves doing it three times a week. This means three days in a row, followed by a break for the rest of the week. Read more about endometriosis treatments here.
Are there any times I shouldn't do Castor Oil Packs?
Do not use the packs during times of heavy bleeding or during pregnancy. Again, consult with your healthcare provider. Do not use when a surgical mesh is present. Heat should not be used with diabetic neuropathy or appendicitis. Packs can also be used without heat. There may be other times when a castor oil pack shouldn’t be used, so please consult your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure. On rare occasions, a rash can occur at the site. To prevent this, you can wash the oil off after your treatment. Use a weak solution of 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with one cup of warm water.
Where to Buy Castor Oil Packs
Whole Foods, New Seasons, and probably your local health food store carry castor oil. The flannel cloth is typically sold alongside the oil. If you make your own, make sure you use unbleached wool flannel. Amazon also carries the Wool Flannel 
Resources:
1. Grady, H. Immunomodulation through castor oil packs. Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. 1999;7(l): 84-88
2. http://www.marioninstitute.org/biological-medicine-network/resources/articles/castor-oil-essential-health
3. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly
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Author's Bio
Barbara Horsley has more than 26 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist. She specializes in abdominal massage and Visceral Manipulation™ and is an NCBTMB-approved educator. In addition to being certified in abdominal massage, she also studied biomechanics and restorative exercise. She is also a Certified Women’s Herbal Educator and a graduate of the IWHI Perimenopause & Menopause Certificate Program.