Using a Castor Oil Compress
WHAT IS CASTOR OIL?
Castor oil is made by extracting the oil from castor beans which come from the plant Ricinus communis. While the bean does naturally contain a toxic enzyme, ricin, it is deactivated during the heating process the bean undergoes to produce castor oil. Castor oil is widely known and commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin care products. Castor oil is very high in ricinoleic acid, which is why it has health-promoting abilities.
Fun fact: Castor oil was once called Palma christe because its leaves resembled the hands of Christ.
CASTOR OIL COMPRESS EXPLAINED:
A castor oil compress (also known as a castor oil pack) is made by soaking a cotton or flannel cloth in castor oil and then applying heat over the top. A castor oil compress is used for a number of conditions including skin conditions, blood circulation problems, digestive issues and detox. These compresses detoxify the liver naturally, support uterine and ovarian health, improve lymphatic circulation, and reduce inflammation.
From a 1999 study:
With a minimal 2-hour therapy period, this study found that castor oil packs produced a “significant” temporary increase in the number of T-11 cells that increased over a 7 hour period following treatment and then returned to normal levels within 24 hours later.
The T-11 cell increase represents a general boost in the body’s specific defense status. Lymphocytes actively defend the health of the body by forming antibodies against pathogens and their toxins. T-cell lymphocytes originate from bone marrow and the thymus gland as small lymphocytes that identify and kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancer cells. T-11 cell lymphocytes supply a fundamental antibody capability to keep the specific defense system strong.
Because of these benefits, we often recommend a castor oil compress when a client has a clogged duct or other skin infection (including in-grown toenails!).
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CASTOR OIL COMPRESS AT HOME:
Please note, castor oil WILL stain clothing, it is best to wear clothing you do not want stained. Also, these instructions are directed specifically for a clogged milk duct, however you can follow these same instructions for use on other ailments.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Unbleached cotton flannel
Organic cold-pressed castor oil
Glass container with a lid
Hot pack/heating pad
Plastic wrap
Clothes that you don't want stained
DIRECTIONS:
Cut a piece of cotton flannel and fold into thirds to make three layers. **You'll need roughly an 8"x8" piece to fold into thirds for a clogged milk duct.
Thoroughly soak (but not completely saturate) the flannel in castor oil - do this by folding the flannel and placing in the glass container. Add castor oil about a tablespoon at a time (every 20 minutes or so) to give it time to saturate. **You can gently shake in between adding castor oil to help saturate the flannel.
Carefully remove and unfold the castor oil-soaked cloth and place the cloth on the clogged duct.
Cover with plastic wrap or another cloth, and place the heating pad on top of it.
Lie on back with feet elevated and relax for 30 minutes. For more stubborn clogs you will need to leave on for 2 hours.
Use this time to do something relaxing.
After use, place back in the glass container and into the fridge. This can be reused about 30 times. Add more oil if it dries out.
Use a natural soap or a mix of baking soda and water to remove any castor oil left on the skin before nursing baby.
Pump or feed the baby while massaging plug toward nipple.
Relax and rest. Make sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated after doing this to support detox. You can repeat this 2-3 times per day - the clog will usually resolve within 24 hours.
You can use this same process for any skin infection you might have, just simply cut the flannel to the appropriate size, noting that you need a section big enough to be folded 3 times.
**This is not intended to be medical advice, please always seek the help of a practitioner before using at home remedies on your own.**
Click below to download a printable of the above instructions.
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