Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Castor Oil Heat Pack (IBS-C especially, but for both it seems)

Hi everyone

,

I have been going to see a massage therapist at a local massage school and the girl I see (who is awesome) just did a study with a naturopath who specialises in IBS and IBD. One of the things he recommended is a castor oil heat pack. The students were recommended to try it every day for 7 days. When I saw her, she had done it for the first time the night before. She didn't say she had IBS, but did say she had really bad menstrual cramps and that it relieved the pain really quickly and usually she gets them really badly.

She said that the doctor she'd worked with had said it was beneficial for both constipation and diarhea and my own research has mostly spoken about the benefits for constipation (as well as for liver function, joint pain, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts and other digestive issues).

Anyway, this is what you are supposed to do:
Smear a layer of castor oil across your abdomen. Cover with plastic (she used a garbage bag) and then with a towel. On top of that, put a heating pad and lie with the heat on for 45 minutes. She said to do it every day for 7 days, then 4 days the next week and then 2-3 days a week after that for 2 weeks (I think, this might not be exact). You can also soak flannel cloths in castor oil and cover with plastic, and then with cloths soaked in boiling water if you don't have a heating pad. Castor oil is very thick and sticky and will stain clothes/bedding, so make sure you and whatever you are lying on is protected. Apparently you can clean it off with a solution of baking soda and water.
I haven't tried it yet, but plan to when I get back from holiday (I leave on Wednesday and am gone 'til April 7th) so I will let you know my experiences.
I found a few links that you might want to check out:
IBS webpage that mentions castor oil packs

Alternative Medicine Website

Cure zone website

Cheers!

Steph

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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.

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