Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil packs aid in elimination and detoxification processes in the body, through some mechanism that is likely related to its anodyne and anti-inflammatory properties such as cytokine modulation.

INDICATIONS

Uterine fibroids, non-malignant ovarian cysts, headaches, liver disorders, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, intestinal disorders, gallbladder inflammation or stones, night time urinary frequency and inflamed joints

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Castor oil packs should be used with caution or avoided during pregnancy, bleeding disorders and active ulcers. Castor oil packs should not be used in cancer as heating treatments may help the cancer spread. Individuals with chemical sensitivity disorders may have an increase in symptoms after using the castor oil pack, especially at the beginning of treatment, as it aids (and stimulates) the process of elimination and detoxification. It may be best to shorten the length of time of the castor oil pack treatment initially and should be discussed with your physician.

SUPPLIES

• Flannel Cloth (cotton or wool, washed and dried, 20” to 40” x 24” to 48”)
• Plastic wrap (clear kitchen plastic wrap or plastic bag without printing)
• Glass dish (Pyrex or similar dish large enough to warm the flannel castor oil pack prior to use)
• Old bath towel
• Hot water bottle or hot gel pack
• Castor oil
• Large zip-lock bag

DIRECTIONS

1. Fold the washed and dried flannel cloth so that it is 2-3 layers thick and fits over most of your abdomen.
2. Soak the flannel cloth in castor oil. Strip or loosely wring out the excess oil. There will be excess oil for the first few applications, after that the castor oil pack should not drip excess oil.
3. Put the castor oil pack in a heat-safe glass dish and place in oven or in microwave to heat to a comfortable temperature.
4. Lay down in a comfortable position. You may want to place an old towel or plastic under you during the initial applications to avoid oil stains from getting on your bedding, upholstery or carpeting. Place the castor oil pack directly on your abdomen.
5. Cover the pack with a sheet of plastic, again to avoid staining.
6. Wrap an old towel around your abdomen to hold the castor oil pack in place, and secure. Place a hot water bottle or gel pack over the towel. Wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
7. Leave the castor oil pack on for 45-60 minutes.
8. It is fine to fall asleep with the castor oil pack on, as long as you are not using an electrical heating source.
9. When you are done, store the pack in a large zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. The pack can be used repeatedly, adding more castor oil as needed. The castor oil pack can be used for several months.

ALTERNATIVE DIRECTIONS

This is an alternative method for applying castor oil to the abdominal area:
1. Use Castor oil from a bottle or in a roller ball form.
2. Apply the castor oil directly to your abdominal area.
3. Cover with and old piece of cloth and cover this with plastic wrap or a plastic bag without lettering, to avoid staining and to keep in the heat.
4. Apply a hot water bottle, hot gel pack or heating pad.
5. Keep warm pack on for 45 to 60 minutes. If using a hot water bottle or hot gel pack, change them to keep the pack warm.

Resources
1. Thom DDS, ND, Dick. Biotherapeutic Drainage using the UNDA Numbers. 2002. Beaverton, OR. JELD Publications. P. 210.

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Gallbladder Diet

Your gallbladder is a “pouch” below the liver that stores a fat emulsifying liquid (bile) produced by the liver.

While a small amount of cholesterol in the bile is normal, bile acids and lecithin are necessary to keep the cholesterol soluble. When there is more cholesterol than the bile salts and lecithin can dissolve, gallstones begin to form.

This type of gallstone, made primarily of cholesterol, occurs most frequently. There are also many types known as “mixed” because they contain varying amounts of calcium and bilirubin along with cholesterol.

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) are the two most common forms of gallbladder disease. Gallstones are usually present when there is an inflammatory process going on within the gallbladder, and there is a controversy as to which of these disorders occurs first.

What follows are dietary guidelines to decrease both the cholesterol saturation of the bile and the irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder. Since the two conditions are so closely related, the same dietary guidelines apply. If you feel any of them need to be modified for your unique situation, please ask your doctor.

• If applicable, reduce your total caloric intake. Being overweight is associated with an increased incidence/risk of gallstones.
• Avoid fats, particularly if you are experiencing any symptoms, as fats stimulate contractions of the gallbladder. This means avoiding all dairy products, fried foods, meats, chocolate, nuts, olives, avocados, gravy, creamy sauces, etc. Even if you are not currently symptomatic, these foods are to be avoided and high quality fats are encouraged in moderation for overall health and to help keep the bile flowing. These “good fats” are available in foods such as fish (baked, broiled, poached, or grilled, not deep fried), soy beans and soy-derived products, olive oil, cold-pressed vegetable oils and flaxseed oil.
• Avoid all refined and processed foods. They are generally high in fat and sugar, and low in fiber. All three of these factors, together or independently, tend to increase gallstone formation.
• A high fiber diet is also recommended for overall health benefits, but specifically in this case as fiber prevents constipation and binds fats to encourage their excretion. High fiber foods include grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes (beans).
• Eat primarily a vegetarian diet. Vegetarianism is associated with reduced risk/incidence of gallbladder disease. This may be due to the fact that vegetarian diets generally consist of fewer calories, less fat and more fiber than non-vegetarian.
• Avoid all foods that you have a known sensitivity to (wheat, dairy, etc.). They do not cause gallstones, but can trigger attacks.
• Eliminate eggs, onions and pork from your diet and make note of any changes in your symptoms. These foods are particularly irritating to the gallbladder in many individuals.
• The following foods may also cause gastric distress, and should be omitted from your diet if they are not tolerated well: broccoli, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, green peppers, radishes, turnips, dried peas, and various beans.
• Certain spices can cause distention of the intestinal tract and increased intestinal movement (peristalsis), which may be irritating to the gallbladder. Avoid any spices that cause you discomfort.
• Drink at least 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water a day to keep your system properly hydrated. Additionally, drink juices and teas freely, but avoid coffee and alcohol as they put extra stress on your liver. When drinking juices, dilute them with water (mix half water, half juice), as they have a high natural sugar content.
• Incorporate beets and artichokes into your diet liberally. These foods help to nourish and strengthen your liver, the primary organ responsible for processing cholesterol.
• Read food container labels to avoid “hidden” fats, sugars, and chemicals.

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