September 2010
Dear Friends,
It is my hope to impart health information to you that is practical and applicable to your daily lives. Those of you who know me, know that I try to strike a balance between natural and allopathic medicine. I would like to talk about the condition of fibroid tumors, which is handled very well through holistic treatments. In my practice I see many women with fibroid breasts and/or fibroid uterus’. Fibroids are considered to be a condition that results from an excess of estrogen and this has become more prevalent now that we are exposed to so many xenoestrogens from plastics, oral contraceptives, pesticides, spermacides and even our cookware. You can learn more about xenoestrogens in my February 2007 newsletter on my website.
I have found that one of the most effective ways to treat and heal fibroid conditions is this two pronged approach.
- Step One: Use herbs taken orally to stimulate the lymphatic system which is vital to eliminating contaminants and waste from the body.
- You can obtain the oral herbs through me. I have developed an herbal tincture called Fem Fit.
- Step Two: Application of castor oil packs at the site of the fibroids.
Castor oil packs are a traditional holistic treatment for a range of conditions, such as: inflammation of the gall bladder, poor eliminations, epilepsy, various liver conditions, scleroderma, headaches, colitis and toxemia. It involves the use of cloth soaked in castor oil, which is placed on the skin to increase circulation and to promote elimination and healing to the tissues and organs underneath the skin. It stimulates the liver, purges toxins, relieves pain, increases lymphatic circulation, and improves digestion and has an anti-inflammatory effect to applied areas.
How to make a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of flannel or cotton in castor oil and placing it on the skin. The fabric is covered with a sheet of saran wrap, and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack.
Areas on the body to use Castor Oil Packs:
- The right side of the abdomen.
- Inflamed and swollen joints, bursitis, and muscle strains.
- The abdomen to relieve constipation and digestive complaints.
- Lower abdomen in cases of menstrual abnormalities, uterine fibroids & ovarian cysts.
- Breasts with fibroids.
Supplies Needed
· Three layers of un-dyed wool or cotton flannel large enough to cover the affected area
- Castor oil
- Microwave or pot to heat castor oil
- Plastic wrap cut one to two inches larger than the flannel (can be cut from a plastic bag)
- Hot water bottle
- Container with lid
- Old clothes and sheets or towels. Castor oil will stain clothing and bedding.
- Baking soda (to make a dilution of 1 teaspoon to 1 cup warm water)
Method
- Place the flannel in the container. Soak it in castor oil so that it is saturated, but not dripping.
- Heat castor oil soaked fabric in microwave until warm, being careful not to overheat.
- Place the pack over the affected body part.
- Cover with plastic.
- Place the hot water bottle or healing pad over the pack. Leave it on for 45-60 minutes. Rest while the pack is in place and envision your healing taking place.
- Remove the pack & cleanse area with a solution of water and baking soda.
- Store the pack in a covered container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Each pack may be reused up to 25-30 times.
How Often
At least 3 times a week or as often as needed for pain.
Note: Don’t heat oil cloth in plastic. So when you heat the castor oil pack in the microwave, use a plate rather than a plastic container.
Also: it may not always be practical to lay down for an hour at a time, so when you can’t you can use a heating pack held in place by an Ace Bandage in place of the hot water bottle. But keep in mind that it is good to have some “down time” and visualize your healing taking place.
I hope this method will bring you relief, comfort and healing.
Love and Light, Lori
