The castor oil plant is native to India, the mediterranean basin and eastern Africa. It’s latin name is Ricin Communis and the bean itself, composed of ricin protein, is poisonous. From the bean, a nonopolar oil is extracted. The best form of castor oil is cold pressed, organic and stored in a dark glass bottle. Castor oil is not poisonous because it does not contain the polar ricin protein.
Topical castor oil is particularly effective in being absorbed into lymphatic circulation, which can improve digestion, immune function, and reduce swelling in injured joints and extremities. It has also been specifically used in cases of menstrual irregularities, uterine fibroid cysts, and ovarian cysts.
**NOT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY
**Not safe when used overthe abdomen in gallbladder disease, and gall stones
** Do not use on open wounds
** Do not consume castor oil orally, it is a strong laxative
**The castor bean (pictured above) contains a deadly poison, named ricin. The oil is a non-polar substance in which there is no ricin
Traditional Directions
Materials:
- Castor Oil
- Flannel cloth, large enough to cover the affected area (ABDOMEN)
- Heating pad or hot water bottle
- Plastic bag (to cover heating pad/bottle)
- Container with lid
Method:
- Pour a small quantity of castor oil onto the flannel
- Place flannel on specified area
- Cover with plastic covered heating pad, or use rubber hot water bottle
- Set on low heat for 20-40 minutes
- Rest while the pack is in place
- After removal, wipe the area with a paper towel then cleanse the area with water
- The castor oil pack should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator and may be reused numerous times
- Apply the pack at least 3 days a week
Dr. Soni’s Short-cut Castor-oil Pack
Requires:
- Castor oil
- An old T-shirt
- Heating pad
Directions:
- Rub the castor oil directly on the targeted body part. Commonly selected locations are:
- Upper or lower back for muscle tension
- Right upper quadrant of your abdomen for liver and detox support
- Lower belly to reduce inflammation and promote movement in your gastrointestinal tract, relieving constipation
- Over the inguinal region for ovarian cysts
- Put on a T-shirt that you don’t mind having stained and smelling of the odor of castor oil.
- Place the warm heating pad over your shirt and the targeted body part.
Adding heat is important to enhance permeability of the castor oil as well as take advantage of the parasympathetic nervous system benefits, deepening relaxation of the area.