Uses: Castor oil packs are very useful because they increase circulation and promote both healing of the tissues and elimination. Thus, they are used for:

• inflamed or swollen joints, tendonitis, bursitis, and muscle strains
• liver detoxification (use over the upper right abdomen, including the lower rib cage area)
• constipation or other digestive disorders (see below)
• improving lymphatic drainage

There are a few simple precautions to be followed when using castor oil packs. It is essential that you read the precautions below before proceeding.

Cautions - do not use castor oil or oil packs:

• orally (do not swallow; do not put in or near the mouth)
• if you are showing symptoms of appendicitis, such as pain in the lower right abdomen, fever and perhaps nausea
• on open wounds
• if there is a possibility you could be pregnant, or if you are nursing

You will need:

• Castor oil (from the health food store)
• Several pieces of flannel or wool, slightly larger than the body area to be covered
• A piece of plastic slightly larger than the flannel, and old clothes or sheets (castor oil does stain)
• A hot water bottle or microwavable hot pack or heating pad.

Pour the castor oil on the flannel, saturating an area large enough to cover the area which you will be treating. Then, place the flannel over the affected body part and cover it with plastic. Place the heat source over the pack, and leave both in place for up to 1-2 hours. When you remove the pack, you can rinse off your skin with warm water and soap, or with baking soda if necessary. The pack can be reused 25-30 times if stored correctly. Between uses, keep the pack in a covered container in the refrigerator. Repeat the castor oil pack for 3- 7 days depending on the condition. Consult a medical practitioner prior to use, especially for symptoms including but not limited to: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and excessive vaginal bleeding.