The first time I used a castor oil pack was on my right ankle in 1995 (through 2000 after my second surgery) - I'd torn all the ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, soft tissue in the foot and ankle.

While many of the "alternatives" I tried didn't work for me, the packs seemed to help. Fortunately, I now enjoy the return of more than the 60% functioning the doctors expected.

Regular use of castor oil packs was followed by a lull in use...honestly, I fairly forgot about them until I took a few natural health science courses and dappled with them again as part of the education process.

But, they didn't become a staple in my toolbox until a few years back when I was having issues with leaky gut.

It was during the detox process that my nutritionist suggested using castor oil packs across my abdomen to support the stomach, liver and intestines. Once again, my system responded positively to the packs!

It should be no surprise to those who study natural health that the ancient Egyptians were using castor oil medicinally for centuries prior to recording it in their medical papyrus in 1550 BCE.

While castor oil itself has been used in soaps, shampoos (and is even said to encourage hair-growth), for me it was the research explaining its anti-inflammatory properties that felt the most valuable.

Renowned author/physician Dr. Christiane Northrup actually suggests them for a variety of uses, including severe monthly cramps and related body changes we experience during our cycle, as well as for overall immune system health.

Another author, Carolyn DeMarco, notes that they can be very supportive for those living with enlarged and twisted veins; in supporting the health of the liver, gallbladder and kidneys; as well as enhancing the body's natural response to constipation, sciatica and arthritis.

The key factor with castor oil is it's ability to help pull toxins out of the body while providing our cells with an immunity boost!

On top of all the benefits, they're actually a fairly easy and inexpensive way to support health of body, mind and spirit:

• Clean cotton or wool cloth (old towel, shirt - avoid synthetic materials)
• Bottle of castor oil (readily available at the drug store, big box store or online)
• Essential oils (optional)
• Plastic wrap or bag
• Towel (older one)
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
  

Get comfy because you're going to want to leave this pack on for about 20-30 minutes and I suggest wearing old garments as larger amounts of the oil are used and difficult to get out of your clothes.

To start, pour enough oil on the cloth to saturate it, but not so much that it's oozing or dripping.

Next, place any essential oils on the same cloth. I've used Release (1 drop only please - it's very potent) and Lavender as they both support the natural detoxification of body, mind and spirit.

Once you have your oils on the cloth, lay the cloth across your abdomen (ankle, wrist, knee, etc.) and cover with plastic wrap or an old plastic bag. This helps "trap" the heat which aids in the absorption and detox process.

Now, cover the plastic with a towel (just in case you do ooze a bit) and top the stack with your heating pad or hot water bottle.

Set your timer for 20 minutes and relax. Sip some water to support your detox and enjoy. After 20-30 minutes, reverse the stacking process and give yourself a mini massage in that area...you're done!

For me, it's a wonderful way to unwind with a book or music before bed.

Some suggestions:

• If your packing your foot, ankle, hand or wrist - consider layering everything up and then instead of putting the plastic bag ON your foot, place your foot (hand) IN the plastic bag and  cover with a towel before applying heat
  
• Save the pack for reuse (store in a plastic bag or glass jar and place in a cooler area)
  
• Use regularly (except during menses) - up to 3 times a week

Feel free to hit the google bar to learn more about the benefits of castor oil packs and how to maximize their use as you walk along the nourished path!

If you have questions or comments, please let me know: [email protected].

Image: google

One of the most versatile essential oils (EO), Lemon (Citrus limon) refreshes in the summer, brightens in the winter, offers detox properties and is a house-hold cleaning staple.

Additionally, it’s affordable and easy to use, just be sure to always use organically grown, therapeutic-grade, sustainably harvested essential oils that adhere to the strictest standards and verify products are tested regularly and throughout the entire process from soil, planting, growing, harvesting, distilling, processing and bottling. (For example, the Young Living 15 ml bottle comes in at just over $15 while the Vitality 5 ml bottle, for culinary/consumption, is under $9. A 15 ml bottle averages about 360 drops of EO)!

Honestly, I start every day with a few drops of Lemon EO in warm water. It’s a great way to wake-up the digestive tract and provides a little detox before dropping more food or beverages in the system.

Throughout the day, it’s a great refresher in cool water and there are so many options to adding it to adult beverages, baked goods and Paleo “fat bombs” to boost metabolism. When it's cold outside, it can be added to warm water for a soothing sip, or even to your favorite teas.

Cold-pressed from the rinds, Lemon EO offers a bright aroma that is cheerful, sweet and nostalgic. It can eliminate odors (summer trash cans or winter basements) and infuse your home with a clean, lemon-drop scent that may boost your mood.

Adding a drop to an evening moisturizer can reduce the appearance of blemishes (citrus oils like lemon can cause photosensitivity so be cautious about sun exposure after applying to your skin - wait 2 hours between application/use and exposure to sun). A few drops in your hair conditioner adds a refreshing scent that also smooths and shines the look of hair.

Beyond all this, it’s a terrific, non-toxic, “smells-great” cleaning agent – just avoid using on granite or stone as it may etch the surface, especially if the counter/floor has not been sealed.

Lemon EO is also a great detox for most animals (start with a low and slow exposure like diffusion or a drop on your hands before petting pets and please use with caution around felines as their systems can’t process citrus oils as well as other animals can). Another option is to rub a drop between your hands and then pet your dogs as a flea-away option.

Again, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy this zesty oil:

• Add a few drops to naturally derived floor, window and surface cleaners (or make life easy and pick-up some Thieves Cleaner – a wonderful, deep cleaning, all-natural product that already contains this EO powerhouse).
• Diffuse solo or combine with EO like Tangerine, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Tarragon or Eucalyptus Radiata for a clean-smelling and positive environment.
• Add Lemon’s bright, dynamic flavor to your favorite dishes throughout the year with Lemon Vitality (start with a small drop and add from there to taste):
  • Mix a few drops of Lemon Vitality, Rosemary Vitality, olive oil, Black Pepper Vitality and sea salt together as a rub for roasting chicken or turkey
  • Add to pastries, cakes, homemade popsicles, juice blends/smoothies and other treats instead of zesting or juicing
  • Boost your vanilla protein shake with a drop or two of Lemon EO
  • Mix a drop in with your favorite vanilla, plain or raspberry yogurt
  • Craft custom vinaigrettes/marinades for pasta and garden salads, fish, chicken and turkey meals, as well as when grilling
  • Add to tea, homemade preserves and other treats
  • Add a drop to NingXia Red and club soda for a refreshing “beat the heat” treat

With the temps soaring this summer, you'll want to try this refreshing, healthy, thirst-quenching lemonade that's all natural!

Honey-Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 5 lemons, juiced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup of raw honey (local preferred)
• 2 drop Lemon Vitality EO
• 2 drops Lavender Vitality EO
• 9-10 cups ice water
• Lavender sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, lime juice, honey and EO in large glass pitcher
2. Add water to taste (adults: consider replacing some of the water with vodka)
3. Mix and garnish
4. ENJOY!

You could also freeze this into popsicles and, for the over 21 crowd, this would be lovely as an adult beverage with some vodka, gin or prosecco!

If you’re a fan of Lemon EO, it’s also found in blends like Citrus Fresh, Clarity, Joy and Harmony.
To learn more about Lemon EO and Young Living oil-infused products, please visit www.BlossomWithOils.net.

For more support on your journey along the nourished path, please email [email protected] and be sure to follow us on Instagram at @NourishedPath. Happy Sipping!