Castor oil comes from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus Communis) which is native to the Ethiopian region of East Africa although by the eighteenth century it was already commonly naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world.
The Castor Plant seed is composed mostly of a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid which is what gives castor oil its healing properties. Making your own Castor oil pack is the perfect way to allow ricinoleic acid to soak into your skin and deliver the medicine directly over the areas of your body that are in need of a gentle and warm touch.

Common uses of Castor oil packs are:

• Menstrual cramping and excessive bleeding. Apply the pack between your navel and your pubic bone or alternate between your abdomen and your small back. I recommend that you use the oil the week leading to your period and not while you are menstruating since it could potentially make the bleeding stronger.
• Uterine Fibroids. I recommend that you apply the castor oil pack between your navel and your pubic bone at least three times a week, if not daily, until you start menstruating.
• Breast soreness. If the soreness comes from PMS, apply the pack on your breasts once or twice a day depending on degree of tenderness. Discontinue once you start menstruating.
• Muscle cramps. Apply over affected area until pain is relieved.
• Immunity boost. Apply castor oil pack on your abdomen at least once a week.

To make your Castor Oil Pack you will need:

• A piece of thick cloth (flannel, wool, or cotton work well) about the size of a dish towel.
• Castor oil
• A bowl
• A hot water bottle or heating pad
• A plastic bag

To use:

1. Place the cloth in your bowl and pour warm Castor oil over it until it is saturated.
2. Apply the cloth to where you need it.
3. Cover with the plastic bag then place the heating pad or hot water bottle on top of that.
4. Meditate, read a book, watch a movie, or just rest for about 45 minutes to one hour until the castor oil soaks in completely.
5. When you are finished, take off the pack and wipe off any excess oil on your skin with a towel. I personally like to leave the remaining oil on but if you prefer, you can cleanse your skin with a warm solution of baking soda and water (2 tsp of baking soda to 1 qt water).
6. You can keep the pack in a plastic bag in a cool place or the refrigerator. Just add another tablespoon of castor oil for the next session.
7. With use, the pack gradually absorbs toxins. Discard the pack and make a new one after 10 uses.
8. Keep in mind that the castor oil stains fabric, so wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy!

Enjoy the Healing Hand of this kind Plant!
Yamin Chehin L.Ac. Dipl O.M