To make a Castor oil pack, you will need the following supplies:

  1. High quality cold-pressed Castor oil
  2. A hot water bottle or heating pad
  3. Plastic wrap, sheet of plastic, or plastic garbage bag
  4. Two or three one-foot square pieces of wool or cotton flannel, or one piece large enough to cover the entire treatment area when folded in thirds
  5. One large old bath towel

Instructions:

  • Fold flannel three layers thick so it is still large enough to fit over the entire area. If you are stimulating lymph or immune systems the area is your entire upper abdomen and liver.
  • Soak flannel with the oil so that it is completely saturated. The oil should be at room temperature.
  • Lie or recline in a comfortable position. If on your back, elevate your feet (using a pillow under your knees and feet works well). Place flannel pack directly onto the area; cover oiled flannel with the sheet of plastic, and place the hot water bottle on top of the plastic.
  • Cover everything with the old towel to insulate the heat. Take caution not to get the oil on whatever you are laying on, as it can stain. If necessary, cover that surface with something to protect it.
  • Leave pack on for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • When finished, remove the oil from your skin by washing with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda to one quart water, or soap and water. (Be sure to wash the towel by itself, as the Castor oil can make other clothes stink if washed together.)
  • You can reuse the pack several times, each time adding more oil as needed to keep the pack saturated. Store the pack in a large zip-lock bag or other plastic container in the refrigerator. Sit it out to come to room temperature before reusing the pack. Replace the pack after it begins to change color.
  • For maximum effectiveness, apply at least four consecutive days per week for one month. Patients who use the pack daily report the most benefits.