Castor oil packs are made from wool or cotton flannel fabric. The fabric is folded in multiple layers to absorb the elixir and facilitate easy application of the thick, sticky oil. These packs are applied to the affected body areas to cure several disorders. To ensure the packs work efficiently, buy premium-quality The Goodbye Company castor oil. These packs are readily available in the market; however, you can easily make them home (see FAQs section).
How Do Castor Oil Packs Work?
Though there is limited clinical data to explain castor oil packs' actual mechanism of action and how they work for your body, some naturopaths believe these packs work by stimulating lymph drainage and improving blood circulation. They say that inflammation anywhere in the body can result from lymphatic congestion or the blockade of the flow of qi (energy). Therefore, castor oil packs are an efficient natural remedy to relieve congestion and stimulate smooth energy and fluid flow, curing several health problems and managing various beauty concerns.
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It helps to soothe inflammation and pain in various body parts, viz muscles, bones, and joints when you apply the oil with packs and warmth through a heating pad. Ricinoleic acid is also an excellent laxative that helps relieve constipation by normalizing bowel movements. Moreover, this principal constituent of castor oil is quite helpful in inducing false labor in post-term pregnant women.
The constituents of castor oil offer an antimicrobial effect, which makes it a unique natural cure for toenail fungal infections and mild skin ailments. Also, the omega fatty acids and tocopherol-related compounds in castor oil have emollient properties and provide incredible moisturizing and hydrating effects to the skin and scalp, treating a variety of conditions such as dry skin, eczema, scaly scalp, dandruff, rough hair, hair breakage, etc.
How Often Should You Do Castor Oil Packs?
When and how often you apply castor oil packs depends on your purpose. It also varies following the individual body's response to castor oil and the severity of underlying medical conditions. Nevertheless, you can follow the below-mentioned guide for safe and effortless applications.
For General Well-being:
For general wellness and liver detoxification, you can safely use castor oil packs about 2 to 3 times a week. Apply each pack every time for 30- 60 minutes for the best results. However, adjust heating power and time until you can bear it easily and protect your skin from excessive warmth and burns.
For Digestion:
If you have chronic or frequent constipation complaints, you can apply castor oil packs about 2-3 times a week. Nevertheless, carefully monitor your bowel movements to avoid excessive application and bloating.
For Irregular Menstrual Cycles:
Are you facing irregularities in your menstrual cycle? Don’t worry. Just use castor oil packs daily in the follicular phase of your cycle before ovulation and notice signs of regular and stable hormonal levels in just a few months. However, always consult your gynecologist if you are actively trying to conceive or have any underlying gynecological condition.
For Fertility:
Always consult a gynecologist before using castor oil packs for fertility issues since there are several underlying and associated factors. Anyhow, you can safely use these packs daily in your follicular phase. Also, taking a few days of rest in between applications is best.
For Bones, Joint, and Muscles Integrity:
If you are experiencing arthritis pain or muscle aches, apply castor oil packs to the affected area daily. Also, applying a pack overnight can bring the best results in healing pain and inflammation.
Note: Reduce the frequency of using castor oil packs if you notice signs of skin irritation or sensitivity. Do not use them if you are a pregnant or lactating woman. Also, if you notice more bowel movements than normal, take a break from using these packs to avoid bloating.
How Often Should I Use Castor Oil Pack for Fertility?
Despite the fact that many naturopaths recommend castor oil packs for fertility, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Still, many people believe in the magical spells of this Hand of Christ and use its packs frequently. However, it's best to consult a healthcare professional if you are actively trying to conceive or have a medical condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, uterine or ovarian cysts, etc.
So, after consulting with your gynecologist and knowing that castor oil packs are safe for you, you can use them almost daily in your reproductive cycle except for the menstruation days. If attempting to conceive, you can apply these packs daily in your follicular phase after menstruation and before ovulation, which is actually the first half of your cycle. Moreover, some naturopaths suggest having some rest days and taking a break from using castor oil packs in your cycle. Safely, you can use castor oil packs about 3-4 times a week or 10-12 times a month.
The response of castor oil packs can vary individually, so wait for good results and observe any adverse effects that might happen (rarely). Also, be cautious when using castor oil packs frequently since overdoing or incorrect application may cause skin irritation. Remember that castor oil packs are only a natural remedy that provides a cure for several health and beauty concerns and may take time to show prominent results. Since fertility is a complex medical condition with several associated or underlying factors, it might happen that only using castor oil packs may not benefit you. Therefore, consult a healthcare professional to discuss in detail the intervention, contraindications, and drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-treatment interactions.
Where to Buy Castor Oil Packs?
You can buy castor oil packs from pharmacies, drugstores, local apothecaries, and online retailers. The only thing you should pay attention to is that your pack must be made of high-quality fabric so that it does not irritate your skin and efficiently absorb castor oil for smooth application. Also, ensure that your castor oil is 100% organic, hexane-free, GMO-free, and BPA-free. Trust The Goodbye Company to get the finest castor oil packaged to perfection.
FAQs
How to use castor oil packs?
Castor oil packs are just so easy to use. You only need to grab your pack and place it on the affected area for desired results. Then, wrap your pack with an insulating plastic wrapping sheet or cling film and put on a heating pad or a warm water bottle to provide warmth. Relax and leave the pack for about 30-60 minutes. After application, wipe your skin off the thick elixir and store the pack in a refrigerator for later use. You can re-soak your pack with fresh castor oil every time or often before use for the best results.
How to make a castor oil pack?
Well, if you don’t find ready-made castor oil packs, you can easily make them at home, as there's no rocket science. Simply take a large piece of fabric, particularly cotton or wool flannel. Fold it in such a way as to make multiple layers and secure the edges for easy handling. Your castor oil pack is ready to use.
When should I take a castor oil pack in my circle?
You can use a castor oil pack for general reproductive health every day throughout your cycle. However, you can skip menstruation days to avoid severe cramping (due to the false contractions-inducing effect of castor oil). Moreover, if you are trying to conceive, use castor oil packs daily in your follicular phase and skip ovulation and menstruation days for safe application.
Should I use a castor oil pack in the morning or night?
You should wear a castor oil pack at the time of day when you can relax and lay without any stress of home tasks. Applying a castor oil pack for about one hour is generally safe for liver detoxification and pelvic healing. Nevertheless, for other cures, you can place your pack overnight for the best results, but remember not to use a heating device for more than an hour.
Tl;dr
According to naturopathy, castor oil packs are a traditional remedy to cure several illnesses. This is because of the potential benefits of castor oil and the method of application, namely, the packs. The practice includes soaking a folded fabric (cotton or wool flannel) in the oil, wrapping it on the body, and providing warmth through a heating device for healing. The packs are typically placed on the abdomen and pelvic region for their touted benefits of stimulating circulation, liver detoxification, and strengthening the immune and lymphatic systems. These packs are easy to make at home, and you can buy them from stores, too. However, always opt for premium-quality fabric and castor oil for the best results.