When I attended the Florida School of Massage in 1989, our hydrotherapy teacher instructed us in offering a castor oil pack for the abdomen. Over the years, I have offered it to many people dealing with abdominal or menstrual pain and/or digestive complaints – with great success.
I wondered if there might be equal benefits in using castor oil in reflexology sessions and was pleasantly surprised to learn there might even be more!
Let’s start with what castor oil is and the qualities of the chemicals that make up the oil:
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant – the castor plant. It’s commonly from Africa and India, and in Hindi is known as Arandi.
- The oil is very high in ricinoleic acid, which makes it a good anti-bacterial.
- It is rich in fatty acids, so it’s a great moisturizer.
- Because of its high Omega-9 content, castor oil can reinforce the skin’s protective hydrolipidic film and provide a robust external barrier to bacteria.
- Castor oil boosts immunity when applied topically by increasing T11 cells.
- It is anti-fungal, which makes it an excellent oil to use on the feet.
- It’s anti-inflammatory and reduces joint pain from arthritis.
- And it’s marvelous for skin wounds.
Adding Castor to a Reflexology Session
Apply castor oil to one foot and wrap. Apply heat source. Reflex the other foot, then apply castor oil and the heat source to the foot you just worked and reflex the first foot.
If you’ve never used castor oil before, be prepared for a much higher viscosity than most oils you might use. Warm your hands first to help disperse the oil.
Sleep with Castor
Before going to bed, massage your feet with castor oil mixed with just a drop or two of Lavender or Ylang ylang essential oil. Really work the oil into your feet, especially in dry, calloused areas. Put on a pair of thick socks and go to bed.
Either of those essential oils will aid in a very relaxing sleep; your feet will be hydrated and feel amazing in the morning. For best results, do once a week.
Purchasing Castor Oil
Insist on a castor oil that has not been heavily processed. Highly processed oils will appear almost clear. A natural, nutrient-filled castor oil is golden in color. Oils devoid of nutrition offer no benefits.
Thanks so much Karen. I sell castor oil . its from a Dr. Who makes the formulas herself. This castor is made from hje purest virgin olive oil and its the best i have ever tried. Let me know ifvl you are interested in trying some. Tks for a great article.
Dianne – can you share the web address for people to order the oil? I’m sure some people would be interested. Thanks.
I am very interested in purchasing some of the oil. My email address is wishwell01
@aol.com. I would appreciate any information. Thank you,
Karen I have been using Castor Oil with my Ancient Therapies Reflexology treatments since I graduated from Advanced Healing Arts in Tucson, Arizona in 2000. Our teacher and mentor Susan Warren showed us that Castor Oil, Palma Christi was used in ancient times when Christ walked the earth, for its wonderful benefits. I buy my Palma Christi (castor oil) through the ARE, Association for Research and Enlightenment, Edgar Cayce foundation. Its pure, nothing but castor oil, no processing and organic. My clients love it and my hands love it. Ancient Therapies Reflexology, healing the planet one step at a time.
I think that is a good resource for castor oil also, Sylvia. It’s a wonderful oil. Do you apply the castor oil just on its own in your reflexology sessions? Or do you add anything to it?
Hi Karen, I know Sylvia Ossa, we both live in the Sedona area. I will contact her when she returns from Baja. I want to use that Castor oil, it sounds so good.
BTW, I took classes in toe reading at SWIHA=Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts, there is a book on Amazon by K. C. Miller, she taught it there. I met her briefly at a continuing education class of AZRA, Arizona Reflexology Association.
Just wanted to let you know that I am still into reflexology, just had a few interferences, so to speak , but I am ready to start again.
I am settling down in my own house, that is the new development and I am happy.
Talk to you soon,
Elke Schreiber
So great to hear from you Elke, and I’m glad you’re back into offering reflexology. Your hands were always such a gift.
Karen
How do you use castor oil for menstrual cramps? I have one daughter who has issues sometimes
And how do you make a pack?
Thanks
Castor oil packs are great, Karen, and can be used for many different situations. There’s a little prep involved. First get a piece of flannel that when folded in half will cover the entire abdomen. Then grab one of those plastic bags you probably have around the house from the grocery store. And you need a heat source. That could be a hydrocollator pack (the best choice), or an electric heating pad, or one of those ‘pillows’ you can put in the microwave oven to heat. Now, you’re set. Massage the castor oil into the abdomen, then put the plastic bag over that, and then the heat source on top. The plastic bag is there to prevent the heat source being smeared with oil. The thick oil will virtually melt and absorb into the tissue. Leave on for half an hour or better still, while you work the feet. Focus on the reflexes to the reproductive and endocrine reflexes; the SP6 points on the lower legs also. When you’re done, toss the plastic bag, but not the flannel. Fold the flannel into a square, put into a plastic bag and store in the freezer. You can re-use it – on the same person – as many times as you want. Just remember to remove from the freezer a bit before you want to use, so it can thaw out. I add an essential oi to my castor oil mix also. For menstrual cramps, I would use jasmine, clary sage or bergamot.
Hello , I’ve noticed a couple of references to certain castor oil products, are any of these still available? And to Australia? Regards🙏
Hi Jean!
Unfortunately, I don’t know what brands of castor oil are available in Australia. I would Google “organic pure castor oil” and see what companies come up. You can then go to their websites and read a description of the quality. Just stay away from the denatured ones they sell in grocery and drug stores. No nutrient value in them.
It helped sleep better and moisturized foot. But, does applying castor oil mixed with a little bit of lavender oil and massaging the bottom of the foot everyday before sleep, cause a feeling of pumping of blood vessel in the thigh of the foot? If it does, Why?
Rao – Reflexology and massage to the feet will increase circulation in the lower extremity, but I have never heard or experienced a ‘pumping of blood vessels in the thigh.’