Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Health
  4. / Home Remedies

by Answerbag Staff on December 23rd, 2009

Answerbag Staff

Question

Help answer this question below.

What Are Castor Oil Packs Good For?

Share:
Other

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.

  • by David Harris on December 23rd, 2009

    Answerbag Experts

    Great Answer

    Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

    Many naturopaths--doctors who practice holistic medicine--prescribe castor oil packs to treat a variety of illnesses, reports NaturopathicThoughts.com. These packs are generally cloth-soaked in castor oil and then held against the skin. Castor oil is taken from the seeds of the Ricinus communis herb.

    Function

    Castor oil packs are used to treat conditions such as headaches, inflammation, digestive disorders and liver conditions. According to RegenerationSprings.com, castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps increase the production of the body's lymphocytes, small white blood cells that help fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi.

    Significance

    It is thought that when the skin absorbs castor oil, it can help with the flow of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a series of organs and ducts that transport a fluid called lymph, which contains immune cells, throughout the body.

    Effects

    When held against the skin, the castor oil pack is also thought to improve blood flow. However, the oil should not be administered during menstruation because it can stimulate heavy bleeding.

    Considerations

    According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), some doctors prescribe castor oil as a treatment for skin cancer, although there is no scientific evidence to support any benefit. According to the ACS, some naturopathic doctors believe castor oil can help dissolve skin tumors.

    Warning

    Some people can have allergic skin reactions to castor oil packs. If you notice a rash or inflammation when using a castor oil pack, contact your doctor.

    Source:

    Cure Zone: Castor Oil Packs

    American Cancer Society: Castor Oil

    NaturopathicThoughts: What Is Naturopathic Medicine?

    More Information:

    RegenerationSprings: Castor Oil Packs

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What Are Castor Oil Packs Good For?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

Castor oil cancer bleeding
How long can i wait after purchasing a house before i refinance
Castor oil dissolves skin cancer
Castor oil packs for inflammation
Castor oil pack for headache during heavy menstrual period

Answerbag

a Demand Media company