Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths are a natural way to improve skin conditions. They work very well for rashes, eczema, itchy skin and dry skin and are a great example of how you can use food as your medicine.

Here's how:

Take 1 cup of oatmeal and blend or process the oats with a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. For babies, you'll only need about 1/3 cup per bath. You can use instant oatmeal (unflavored), quick oats or slow cooking oats.

Blend or process the oats until you have a very fine, consistent powder. To check to see if the oats are the right consistency, stir 1 tablespoon of the ground oats into a glass of warm water. If the oats readily absorb the water and give it a milky look and a silky feel, you've blended long enough.

Giving the bath:

Sprinkle the oatmeal into a tub of running water and stir the water with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. Feel along the bottom of the tub for clumps and break up any you find.

Be cautious getting in and out of the tub, as the oatmeal will make the tub even more slippery than usual.

Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes and pat dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.  Do not rinse your skin.

This bath can be done 1-2 times per day or as needed.

Castor Oil - Topical Uses

Castor Oil is one of my favourite things. Its like my Naturopathic duct tape - fixes everything...well, almost.

Castor oil has many beneficial properties when used topically. Castor Oil is anti-inflammatory, it improves movement of the lymphatic system, supports detoxification by the liver and stimulates white blood cell production.

Castor oil can be used on the skin to reduce swelling from any cause and can decrease the redness of eczema, rashes and acne. It can also be used over stiff and sore joints to reduce inflammation, decrease pain and improve mobility.

Traditionally, Naturopathic Doctors recommend castor oil packs to be done over the abdomen.  In addition to the above benefits, this can also soothe an irritated digestive system, reduce menstrual cramping and support liver function.

To do a castor oil pack.:
1. Take a piece of flannel (or cotton) cloth that measures approximately the size of the abdomen.
2. Soak it in castor oil. The cloth should be saturated but not dripping with oil.
3. Place the cloth over the skin, covering the entire abdomen.
4. Placing a hot water bottle or heating pad over the cloth will aid the absorption of oil into the skin.
5. Relax with the cloth in place for 30-45 min.
6. Remove the cloth and place in a storage container for re-use. The skin should feel moisturized and not oily or greasy.
7. Do castor oil packs daily for maximum benefit. Add castor oil to cloth every couple of days, or as needed.

Note:
Castor oil is a potent laxative and should only be taken orally as directed by a physcian.
Check with your Naturopathic Doctor if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with abdominal cancer. In these instances, heat should not be used.