Seeds for Change Wellness
Castor Oil Packs
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What are Castor Oil Compresses?
There exists evidence that cold-drawn oil from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, was used as
many as 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Historical records reveal medicinal use of castor oil in Africa,
China, India, the Americas, and ancient Rome, where it was called "Palma Christi" (the hand of Christ).
The use of castor oil in the form of a heated compress was originally developed by Edgar Cayce in the
early twentieth century. Castor oil may be administered externally or internally. Internally, it has been
used mainly as a cathartic (i.e. powerful laxative) and in induction of labor. The constituent ricin, in
castor oil is acutely toxic, and for this reason castor oil should never be taken internally except under the
supervision of a naturopathic doctor or other qualified health care professional.
Used externally, it is applied as a heated compress over the affected area. Modern research supports
the use of castor oil treatments in stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting
healing of tissues. The precise mechanisms have not been determined, but are thought to be the result
of the combination of heat and some property of the oil extract itself. Among the many uses of castor oil
packs, Cayce recommended their use in relief of pain from arthritis, gallstones, and stomach cramps as
well as in constipation and sluggish liver (symptoms of which include poor digestion and fatigue).
Modern research has provided evidence of the benefit of castor oil packs in the treatment of carpal
tunnel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, joint sprains, disc herniation, and various dermatological
conditions (e.g. healing of surgical scars). They are also commonly used as part of a wider protocol in
the treatment of various women`s health and gynecological disorders including endometriosis,
premenstrual cramps, breast tenderness, uterine or ovarian fibroids, and poor lactation. Castor oil has a
rich history of use throughout the world and across cultures, which continues in this age of stem cell
research as a simple and affordable heated compress that is effective as an adjunct or alone in the
treatment of a range of health conditions.
Article from: August 2003 Newsletter Keystone Naturopathic Medicine
Comments from Susan:
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told this was a degenerative
disease that would continue to get worse over time. Upon leaving the doctor`s office, I remember a
thought that entered my mind which said- "I don`t do Rheumatoid Arthritis!" A day or two later, a health
newsletter, called Alternatives, which I received monthly arrived. In that issue was an article on the use
of castor oil packs for the treatment of arthritis. I was in so much pain, pretty much confined to bed, with
every joint in my body inflamed. So, I figured, why not give it a try. I began the treatments as described,
continuing daily for one week. With each treatment, the pain began subsiding, the areas of inflammation
reduced, and finally after a week, I was up and resuming my normal day-to-day activities. Since that
time, I may have an occasional flare-up, localized to one spot, upon which I promptly give myself a
treatment, and within a day or two, the pain totally disappears and I am off and running again. Use of
castor oil packs have yielded good results for myself and others I know who have used it. The cost is
cheap, but it does involve committing to the time to follow the application protocols. If you would like
more information on using castor oil packs, contact me. or see Castor Oil Directions for Use
Also See: Castor Oil a Wealth of Information
A good reference source to check out:
The Oil That Heals: A Physician`s Successes with Castor Oil Treatments
Author: William A McGarey, M.D.
Publisher: A.R.E. Press, 215 67th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2061
There exists evidence that cold-drawn oil from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, was used as
many as 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Historical records reveal medicinal use of castor oil in Africa,
China, India, the Americas, and ancient Rome, where it was called "Palma Christi" (the hand of Christ).
The use of castor oil in the form of a heated compress was originally developed by Edgar Cayce in the
early twentieth century. Castor oil may be administered externally or internally. Internally, it has been
used mainly as a cathartic (i.e. powerful laxative) and in induction of labor. The constituent ricin, in
castor oil is acutely toxic, and for this reason castor oil should never be taken internally except under the
supervision of a naturopathic doctor or other qualified health care professional.
Used externally, it is applied as a heated compress over the affected area. Modern research supports
the use of castor oil treatments in stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting
healing of tissues. The precise mechanisms have not been determined, but are thought to be the result
of the combination of heat and some property of the oil extract itself. Among the many uses of castor oil
packs, Cayce recommended their use in relief of pain from arthritis, gallstones, and stomach cramps as
well as in constipation and sluggish liver (symptoms of which include poor digestion and fatigue).
Modern research has provided evidence of the benefit of castor oil packs in the treatment of carpal
tunnel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, joint sprains, disc herniation, and various dermatological
conditions (e.g. healing of surgical scars). They are also commonly used as part of a wider protocol in
the treatment of various women`s health and gynecological disorders including endometriosis,
premenstrual cramps, breast tenderness, uterine or ovarian fibroids, and poor lactation. Castor oil has a
rich history of use throughout the world and across cultures, which continues in this age of stem cell
research as a simple and affordable heated compress that is effective as an adjunct or alone in the
treatment of a range of health conditions.
Article from: August 2003 Newsletter Keystone Naturopathic Medicine
Comments from Susan:
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told this was a degenerative
disease that would continue to get worse over time. Upon leaving the doctor`s office, I remember a
thought that entered my mind which said- "I don`t do Rheumatoid Arthritis!" A day or two later, a health
newsletter, called Alternatives, which I received monthly arrived. In that issue was an article on the use
of castor oil packs for the treatment of arthritis. I was in so much pain, pretty much confined to bed, with
every joint in my body inflamed. So, I figured, why not give it a try. I began the treatments as described,
continuing daily for one week. With each treatment, the pain began subsiding, the areas of inflammation
reduced, and finally after a week, I was up and resuming my normal day-to-day activities. Since that
time, I may have an occasional flare-up, localized to one spot, upon which I promptly give myself a
treatment, and within a day or two, the pain totally disappears and I am off and running again. Use of
castor oil packs have yielded good results for myself and others I know who have used it. The cost is
cheap, but it does involve committing to the time to follow the application protocols. If you would like
more information on using castor oil packs, contact me. or see Castor Oil Directions for Use
Also See: Castor Oil a Wealth of Information
A good reference source to check out:
The Oil That Heals: A Physician`s Successes with Castor Oil Treatments
Author: William A McGarey, M.D.
Publisher: A.R.E. Press, 215 67th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2061