Castor Oil has been used throughout the ages as a natural therapy. Castor oil applied externally in the form of "packs" is very popular with natural health practitioners. Some people have said it has helped to improve assimilations, eliminations and circulation… especially of the lymphatic system.

The following info is from the American Cancer Society...
CASTOR OIL
Other common name(s): castor, castor bean, palma christi, Mexico seed, oil plant, mole bean
Scientific/medical name(s): Ricinus communis

DESCRIPTION
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis, an herb native to Africa and India. For most uses described here, castor oil is applied to the skin rather than swallowed, but it can be taken by mouth.

OVERVIEW
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that applying castor oil to the skin (called topical use) is effective in preventing or treating cancer. Taken by mouth, castor oil works as a laxative. And, castor oil is used in mainstream medicine as a way to deliver chemotherapy drugs to cancerous tumors.

HOW IS IT PROMOTED FOR USE?
Castor oil, taken by mouth, has been used as a laxative for many years. It may also be used to treat some eye irritations and skin conditions and is used in mainstream medicine to deliver chemotherapy drugs to cancerous tumors.
Naturopathic practitioners (see our document, Naturopathy) and some others claim that castor oil boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cells, which help the body fight infection, and other immune cells. Some also claim that castor oil can help "dissolve" cysts, warts, and tumors, as well as soften bunions and corns. Other claims for castor oil include treating lymphoma, bacterial and viral diseases (including HIV), arthritis, skin and hair conditions, eye irritations, diseases of the colon and gallbladder, bursitis, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson disease. It is also promoted as a way to "detox" the body and stimulate digestion.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
Treatment involves massaging castor oil into the body or using a warm or hot castor oil pack or compress. The castor oil is massaged along the problem region, spine, abdomen, and sites (or pathways) of lymphatic drainage. If using a compress, the warm castor oil pack is placed over the affected joint or organ and left in place for up to an hour. Promoters say castor oil should be applied until the problem is healed.
Some treatments may include taking small amounts of castor oil by mouth.

The American Cancer Society used to have info on this link, but it doesn't work anymore.
cancer . org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/ManualHealingandPhysicalTouch/castor-oil

A Castor Oil Pack is made from several layers of wool flannel material, enough to absorb and hold the castor oil during application.

A common area to apply the castor oil pack is on the right side of the abdomen, between the upper part of the rib cage and the upper edge of the hipbone. Another common area is across the abdomen from the right to the left side of the body, covering from the sternum to the pubic or groin area. Other people have tried it on areas of pain such as arthritis pain, torn ligament, frozen shoulder, etc.

WHAT YOU NEED
·    Cold-Pressed Castor Oil: Available in an 8 oz., pint, quart, or gallon size. I don’t like to buy a large amount of castor oil because I like it to be fresh & not old (rancid oil). Small amounts of castor oil should be added to the pack before each use to refresh it.

·    Wool Flannel: Found at many health food stores. Wool holds heat really well but if you’re sensitive to wool, silk is another good choice because it also holds in the heat. I wouldn’t use cotton unless for some reason I had nothing else because it doesn’t hold the heat in well.  

·    Hot Water Bottle or Buckwheat Pillow: Placed on top of the castor oil pack to keep it warm during application. I don’t like using a heating pad because it gives off too much electromagnetic radiation (EMF).

·    Plastic bag & large old towel.

HOW TO USE A CASTOR OIL PACK
·    Fold the wool flannel into 2-3 layers.  Add castor oil to the flannel a little at a time, saturating all three layers, but not so much that it drips from the flannel. DO NOT cook oil to warm it.
·    Protect your hot water bottle by placing plastic wrap on top of it (or put it in a plastic bag).  If using heating pad, turn to “low” heat.  
·    Place flannel on top of the hot water bottle. Let sit for 1-3 minutes or until oil is warm.  
·    Place large old towel across where you’re going to lie.  
·    When you are ready to begin, flip the castor oil pack and hot water bottle on to your abdominal area so the flannel is against your skin.  Fold ends of towel over hot water bottle and relax. If desired, fasten towel snugly with large safety pins.

Application is usually 1 to 2 hours. Consult your health care practitioner to determine frequency of application. If using Castor Oil Pack at bedtime, take heat off after 2 hours. You can use the same castor oil pack for additional applications.

HOW TO STORE THE CASTOR OIL PACK
It’s best to store the castor oil pack in a storage container between uses and store it in the freezer (or refrigerator) so it doesn’t get moldy. Be sure to keep the pack out of the sun and in a cool dark place. Discard the pack if it becomes rancid.  `

*Always seek medical advice prior to use. Do NOT use during pregnancy or during menstrual flow.