Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil, made from the castor bean that grows in tropical and subtropical areas on the planet, has been used for a long time in medicine. It is a counter-irritant, meaning it stimulates the body to act. When it is taken orally, it is a cathartic laxative, strongly stimulating the bowels. It has been used to treat many things in this manner in addition to constipation, including headaches and infections. It has been used to start labor as well, though I do not generally recommend that!
In the case of castor oil packs, it is used topically and its actions are quite different and more gentle. It still can help the bowels move efficiently but in a way that supports normal, complete, easy to pass bowel movements. This improves detoxification processes in the body. It also supports normal neurotransmitter production in the gut helping improve sleep quality and quantity. There are studies showing increased white blood cell counts after using castor oil packs three consecutive days. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system that help detect and fight infections.
How to:
Fold or cut a piece of cotton flannel to fit over the abdomen from the rib cage to pubic bone and wide to both sides. Two or three layers of fabric work best. An old cotton flannel pillow case can be put to use or any clean cotton fabric. Soak the flannel in castor oil so it is just short of dripping. You can warm it to 100 degrees in the oven in a glass baking dish if you like but this is not required. Place it over the abdomen and cover with saran wrap or a gallon zip-lock bag cut open along both sides. Optionally, hold in place with an ace bandage or castor oil pack belt. Apply a hot water bottle over the pack. Sit or lie down for at least 45 minutes. It is fine to sleep with the castor oil pack on. After you are done with it, store it in a glass baking dish in the refrigerator. The next day, drizzle a little more oil on it, warm it if you like, and apply to the abdomen.
Castor oil packs are safe in babies as young as two weeks old and great for all the rest of us.
Castor oil will stain clothes and sheets, so cover it well with the plastic as mentioned above, and wear clothes you do not mind getting stained.
If doing the whole pack is not practical every day, you can rub castor oil on your abdomen like you would lotion. Rub in a clockwise direction, up on your right side and down on the left. Put an old t-shirt over and a hot water bottle if desired. Some people like rubbing on their castor oil and then getting in a warm epsom salts bath. All these options are great ways to use castor oil to support detoxification, sleep, and immune system health.