Sold by weight. Ricinus communis L. This oil, derived from the castor bean and obtained by cold pressure, is rich in fatty acids and very moisturizing and lubricating to the skin in general. It acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin. Castor oil packs applied with warm flannel are believed effective for pain relief and to “draw out” cysts, boils and warts.
Ayurvedic medicine has long used castor oil for lumbago, sciatica and rheumatism. In the Canary Islands the oil is used to prevent sore nipples in nursing mothers and is also rubbed onto their scalps to prevent post natal hair loss. In soapmaking, although castor oil would appear to require less sodium hydroxide, it sometimes requires more due to its high ricinoleic acid content. It’s also a well-known superfatting agent and well suited for shampoo bars and skin-care products. Without other oils, it produces a transparent soft soap. In combination with over vegetable oils, however, it makes a wonderfully emollient, hard bar of soap. SAP value: 180.3. INCI: Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil.
From folk medicine: Castor oil fomentations are recommended for ridding the body of hardened mucus in the form of cysts, tumors and polyps. The castor oil is applied by soaking a flannel cloth in the oil and applying it over the liver. A hot water bottle or electric heating pad is applied on top of the pack and left on the area for 30 to 60 minutes. This is repeated daily for three days followed by olive oil massages over the same area for three days. On the seventh day, it is recommended by some that the patient should rest by fasting on nothing but distilled water. Depending on the particular case, this procedure should be repeated for between six weeks to six months to properly cleanse the system.
Materials Needed To Make A Castor Oil Pack (1) Three layers of natural, uncolored wool or flannel cotton large enough to cover the area being treated. (2) Castor oil. (3) Plastic wrap large enough to cover the cloth. (4) Hot water bottle or electric blanket. Procedure: (1) Soak cotton with castor oil. It should be saturated but not dripping. (2) Place the pack on the area being treated, for example lower right abdomen [liver]. (3) Cover the pack with plastic wrap and place a hot water bottle over the pack. (4) Leave the pack on for 30-60 minutes. Use the castor oil pack 3-7 days per week. Precautions include avoiding meal times, not using the pack during heavy menses, and avoiding contact with fabric that could become stained. The same pack may be used for weeks or months. Refresh with additional oil if necessary. Conditions are said to have been responsive to castor oil applications include (please consult with a health care professional before you apply a castor pack; the information we provide below is just that, information which is readily available to all either in books or on the web): skin keratosis; ringworm, fungal and bacterial infections; wounds; abdominal stretch marks (prevention); bursitis; sebaceous cysts; warts; liver or age spots; muscle strains; ligament sprains; itching; chronic fluid retention with swollen joints and pain; arthritis; upper respiratory infections involving the sinuses, tonsils and inner ear; colon problems involving inflammation; gallbladder disease; boils; liver cirrhosis; hepatitis; menstrual-related congestion; constipation, bowel impaction or adhesions; bladder and vaginal infections.
Additional info from renowned herbalist Susun Weed:
The commercially extracted (not infused) oil of the seeds of this poisonous plant was the remedy most frequently recommended by the psychic healer Edgar Cayce for resolving lumps and growths. (The poison isn’t in the oil, but—if taken internally—castor oil is a strong laxative.)
The classic application is a hot castor oil compress made by baking a flannel cloth saturated in castor oil in the oven until it is thoroughly heated. This hot compress is applied, covered with plastic and/or layers of towels to hold in the heat, and kept on as long as possible. In extreme cases, compresses are applied continuously, day and night. For small lumps, room temperature castor oil is applied morning and night ( before bed), and covered completely with a regular adhesive strip (or two). Note from Camden-Grey: Please set your oven at the lowest possible temperature and check on it every 5 minutes until done. It’s your responsibility to do this properly!!
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your health care professional with any health-related concerns and for diagnosis and treatment.
Susun Weed, PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498, Fax: 1-845-246-8081
Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com
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