Page 40 - Spring2015

If your wiped out, you are working too hard and taxing in Europe during the early Middle Ages as well.

exercise your adrenal glands. Exercise should be ex- Due to its powerful healing properties, the early
hilarating. Gentle stretching, brisk walks, deep Romans called the plant the Palm of Christ.
routine leaves breathing, jumping rope and rebounding are all The constituents of castor oil that are respon-
you wiped forms of movement that stimulate the lymphatic sible for its therapeutic effect are ricinoleic acid,
out, you are system, which is part of the circulatory and im- comprising 89.5 percent of the oil, and oleic acid,
mune systems. It is an open system, acting like making up three percent. These substances have
working too a pump to move toxins to the liver for processing been studied for their antimicrobial properties
hard and and elimination as well as distributing lympho- and are very effective against several species of
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taxing your cytes and other white blood cells for immune bacteria, yeasts, and molds. As a pack placed
support. A stagnant lymphatic system is a sure over the abdomen, usually with heat applied,
adrenal glands. way to slow down the body’s ability to properly the oil is absorbed into the gut-associated lym-
and efficiently detoxify. phatic tissue and circulates, providing a soothing,
cleansing, antimicrobial, and nutritive treatment.
CASTOR OIL PACKS
Another traditional remedy for supporting DRY BRUSHING
the lymphatic system is the castor oil pack. The Dry skin brushing is a gentle therapy which
first recorded use of castor oil packs (expressed stimulates the skin and, to a certain degree, the
from the castor bean, Oleum ricini) was among underlying lymphatic system. Aside from being
the ancient Egyptians, and was commonly used one of your organs of detoxification, your skin

HOW TO UTILIZE CASTOR OIL PACKS

The castor oil pack is specific for non-cancerous thyroid nodules, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts. Other conditions
that appear to benefit from castor oil packs include constipation, liver congestion and cirrhosis, cholestatis (sluggish bile
flow), gallstones, migraines, intestinal disorders, urinary tract disorders, arthritis and joint inflammation, as well as global
detoxification.
A word of caution: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding should not
use castor oil. Those persons with intestinal blockage, internal bleeding, acute inflammatory intestinal disease, appendicitis
or abdominal pain should be under the guidance of a trained health care practitioner before implementing castor oil packs.

Materials needed:
• organic castor oil
• piece of cotton flannel, preferably organic
• hot water bottle, preferred, or heating pad
• hand towel
• small sheet of plastic
• pillows
• baking soda

1. Fold flannel into three layers to fit over entire abdomen. May also cover breasts/chest and thyroid gland.
2. Soak flannel with castor oil. Fold flannel in half and squeeze excess from pack. Unfold.
3. Lie on your back with feet elevated; a pillow under your knees may be used. Place oil-soaked flannel over abdomen,
cover with a small sheet of plastic and then an old hand towel. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.
4. Leave pack on for 45-60 minutes. Practice relaxation breathing by placing one hand on your diaphragm and the other
on your lower abdomen. As you breathe in, allow your lower abdomen to swell like a balloon. With each breath out,
relax your jaw and shoulders. Allow all muscles in your body to relax. You may even fall asleep and wear the pack all
night.
5. To remove the oil, wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda or 1/2 teaspoon Branch Basics to one quart
TM
water.
6. Store flannel in a large zip-lock bag. Add more oil only as needed to keep the pack saturated. Replace the pack after
it begins to change color.
7. For maximum effectiveness, apply the pack as often as possible—at least four consecutive days per week for at least
4-6 weeks. Daily use provides the most beneficial effects.
38 Wise Traditions SPRING 2015 Wise Traditions

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