Judy Longstreet

22/08/2025

19/08/2025

Castor Oil Packs: A Natural Remedy For Liver Health and Detoxification

By Dr. Mayer ND / AKA – “Dr. Green Mom”

The liver is a remarkable organ that plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. It performs a wide range of functions, including detoxification, synthesis of bile from cholesterol, hormone regulation, and blood cleansing. Ideally, our liver will perform optimally on its own. Since today’s lifestyle is filled with stress, processed foods, and exposure to environmental toxins, our livers can become overwhelmed and need support in order to function optimally. One effective way to support liver health is through the use of castor oil packs.

WHY ARE CASTOR OIL PACKS BENEFICIAL?
LIVER DETOXIFICATION
Castor oil contains a unique compound called ricinoleic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (1). When applied topically, ricinoleic acid is believed to pe*****te the skin and stimulate lymphatic circulation, helping to remove toxins and waste products from the liver.

IMPROVED LIVER FUNCTION
Castor oil packs have historically been used to support liver function. It is thought that they do so by reducing inflammation and congestion in the liver and improving blood flow to this vital organ. I was not able to find much in terms of specific research to support this; however, it is likely that simply by providing gentle heat and compression, castor oil packs can help increase the flow of nutrients and oxygen to this organ, allowing it to function more efficiently.

CONSTIPATION RELIEF
Castor Oil Packs can be useful for occasional constipation. This is something I see clinically in my practice, and it has also been demonstrated in a small pilot study (2). The warmth and increased blood flow likely contribute to this benefit!

CASTOR OIL PACK TUTORIAL
Making a castor oil pack is simple. Here are the materials you’ll need:
Castor oil: Choose a high-quality, organic, & cold-pressed castor oil for best results.
White Cloth or Flannel: Use a soft clean cloth or flannel that is large enough to cover the liver area.
Towel: Use to cover the castor oil-soaked cloth and prevent oil stains.
Heating pad or hot water bottle (optional): Apply gentle heat to enhance the effectiveness of the pack.

Instructions For Castor Oil Packs
Pour approximately 1 tablespoon of castor oil onto your cloth, making sure it is well saturated but not dripping.
Place the cloth with the castor oil directly on your skin over your liver area, which is located on the right side of your abdomen just below the rib cage.
Cover the cloth with towel or wrap to hold it in place and to prevent oil stains on clothing or bedding.
If desired, apply a heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack to provide gentle heat. This step is optional; if you have a sensitive constitution or suspect you have a lot of toxins to eliminate, you may want to skip the heat at first to see how you respond.
Relax and allow the castor oil pack to remain in place for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour. I usually have my patients start with a smaller amount of time and gradually increase if desired.
Afterward, remove the pack and gently cleanse the skin with warm water and mild soap to remove any residual oil. The pack can be stored in a resealable bag in the refrigerator and reused daily until it starts to change color. Every couple of days, a small amount of oil should be added to the pack to keep it fully saturated. The castor oil pack should be replaced at least every two months.

Who Should Avoid Using Castor Oil Packs?
Castor oil packs are not usually recommended during pregnancy or lactation, unless advised by a medical care provider. The same goes for individuals with acute infections or conditions affecting their liver, or those with open wounds or skin infections in the area of application. I also don’t recommend castor oil packs for young babies under 18 months of age. If you or your child is new to using a castor oil pack, I recommend starting very slowly… If using a heat pad on a child, always use extreme caution and make sure the child can communicate if they feel any discomfort.

Summary
Incorporating castor oil packs into your family’s self-care routine can be a great practice for supporting liver health, enhancing detoxification, and promoting overall well-being. Castor oil contains a unique compound called ricinoleic acid, which is believed to be responsible for the benefits of castor oil packs, such as enhanced detoxification, reduced inflammation, and improved liver health. Pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as people with liver conditions, should avoid using castor oil packs unless otherwise advised by their doctor.

References:
Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S. Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. doi: 10.1080/09629350020025737. PMID: 11200362; PMCID: PMC1781768.
Arslan GG, Eşer I. An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):58-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 18. PMID: 21168117.

11/08/2025

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and recharge—and there’s no better way to do that than with a relaxation Massage.

Increased outdoor activity, travel, heat, and packed schedules can leave you feeling tight, tired, or out of balance. Massage helps release muscle tension, boost circulation, and promote deep relaxation so you can truly enjoy the season.

Treat yourself to the reset your body deserves – book your summertime Massage today!

Contact me, Judy Longstreet at 905-702-7846 to schedule and appointment.

06/08/2025

Contact Judy Longstreet RRPr. at (905) 702-7846 to book your Reflexology Treatment!

06/08/2025

Aches, pain, stiffness, and tension can take a real toll on your body–and your plans. When you're dealing with discomfort, it’s easy to miss out on the activities you enjoy most.

Judy Longstreet offers several effective therapeutic treatments to help keep you moving: Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Raindrop Technique and Aromatherapy Massage. Whether you want to stay active, bounce back after a tough workout, or ease nagging pain, these treatments can help you perform at your best–day after day.

Book your treatment today and keep doing what you love!

Contact Judy at (905) 702-7846 to schedule your next appointment.

31/07/2025

NEW!!! Add On Services!!! – Add One Of These Services To Your Next Treatment!

CASTOR OIL PACK
Add to your next Reflexology Treatment or Relaxation Massage! – $15.00
Support your liver function, enhance detoxification, while promoting overall well-being with a castor oil pack.

EXFOLIATING FOOT SCRUB
Add to your next Reflexology Treatment! – $5.00
This treatment uses the combination of a granular substance (either sugar or salt) along with coconut oil and aromatic essential oils to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting the regeneration of new cells. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, combined with the therapeutic benefits of massage.

GUIDED MEDIATION
Add to your next Reflexology, Ear Candling or Massage treatment! – $10.00
Meditation is scientifically proven to improve cognitive function and sleep. It also lowers stress and decreases pain. Combining meditation with massage can deepen relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. Consider adding a 10 minute guided meditation to your treatment for a comprehensive, rejuvenating experience.

HYDRATING FACIAL SHEET MASK
Add to your next Reflexology Treatment or Relaxation Massage! – $10.00
Hydrate your skin while you relax with a moisturizing face mask that will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

ICE MASSAGE
Add to your next Relaxation Massage! – $10.00
Cryotherapy offers a unique approach to pain relief and inflammation reduction. This add on service leverages the therapeutic properties of cold therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for;
Reducing Inflammation: Helps minimize swelling and inflammation in tissues.
Pain Relief: Offers a numbing effect that can alleviate acute pain.
Speeding Recovery: Aids in the faster recovery of sports injuries.
Enhancing Circulation: Encourages blood flow to treated areas after the ice is removed.

SHOULDER, NECK, HEAD & FACE MASSAGE
Add to your next Reflexology Treatment! – $15.00
This massage addition focuses on the upper body where tension accumulates. The incorporation relieves tension, reduces pain, soothes, relaxes and nurtures your mind, body and spirit.

31/07/2025

Holistic Wellness With Judy – “Aging, Not So Gracefully…”

I’ve heard people say that “getting older isn’t for sissies / the weak”. I really didn’t know what this statement meant until recently…

When I hit those milestone birthdays ending in zero, like 20, 30 and 40 I didn’t feel like I was getting older; I was just becoming more aware of the passage of time.

By the time I turned 50, I started to feel that maybe I wasn’t as young as I once was, especially since I realized I likely had more years behind me than ahead. Still, life has felt fine, and I’ve been learning to embrace the changes that come with aging. At this stage I certainly notice a few more aches, pains and wrinkles than before, and Ms. Menopause is certainly giving me a run for my money!

Having turned another year older last month has me contemplating my age and existence greatly. My Dad died at the age of 66. Thinking of his passing and the passing of others that have died rather young has made me realize that I might only have 10 to 15 years left!!!

How quickly a year flies by – it feels like just a few weeks. While some days can drag on, the years certainly don't.

As time speeds by, I'm trying to enjoy every moment more, focusing on what I really want to do instead of what I'm expected to do. I’m sure many of you can relate to that.

This month, have some fun doing things that you truly want to do. Life is short. Time is fast. No replay. No rewind. So enjoy every moment as it comes.

Blessed be,
Judy Longstreet

14/07/2025

Why Working Out Outside is Healthier Than Hitting the Gym

While gyms offer a convenient and controlled environment for workouts, there are numerous benefits to taking your fitness routine outdoors.

Here’s why working out outside might be healthier for you:

1. Natural Vitamin D

The sun is a primary source of vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Spending time outdoors exposes you to natural sunlight, helping your body synthesize vitamin D.

2. Fresh Air and Oxygen

Outdoor workouts provide a constant influx of fresh air and oxygen, which can improve lung capacity, heart health, and overall energy levels.

3. Mental Health Benefits

Exercising in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The combination of physical activity and exposure to natural surroundings can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

4. Changing Terrain

Outdoor workouts often involve varying terrain, which can challenge your muscles and improve balance, coordination, and functional fitness.

5. Reduced Risk of Injury

Outdoor environments typically offer a softer surface than gym floors, reducing the risk of injuries like sprains and strains.

6. Social Connection

Outdoor activities like hiking, running, or cycling can be a great way to connect with friends, family, or like-minded individuals.

7. Cost-Effective

Many outdoor activities are free or require minimal equipment, making them a more affordable option compared to gym memberships.


While gyms offer a controlled environment and various equipment, the benefits of working out outdoors are undeniable.

By incorporating outdoor activities into your fitness routine, you can improve your physical and mental health while enjoying the beauty of nature.

By: Thrive Lifestyle – thedietofcommonsense@gmail.com

08/07/2025

Summer is in full swing and with this time of year comes yard clean work – cutting grass, digging in the garden, trimming trees and planting. For many individuals this means that those muscles in the body that have been sedentary all winter are now going to be feeling the repercussions of hard work.

Gardening causes much back, neck and shoulder pain for many. Reflexology is extremely effective for any type of back pain, whatever its origin. When the corresponding areas of the feet or the hands are treated with the right amount of pressure, the results are truly amazing. Nerve flow to the area of the back, neck, or shoulders causing the pain is improved and, over several sessions can even be optimized. The same goes for the blood and the lymph, which flows to the problem areas of the body.

Many gardeners are also afflicted with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments, where individuals feel pain along the bottom of the heel. Sharp pain is usually felt along the heel during the first steps in the morning, after not putting pressure on it throughout the night. Reflexology is beneficial because it stretches and relieves heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. During this treatment, ligaments and muscles of the foot are relaxed and loosened, in addition to the calf muscles. The entire lower leg and foot experiences increased circulation, muscle relief and improved flexibility. Those who routinely go for a reflexology session experience less pain in the foot, heel and lower leg and are able to maintain full flexibility when doing daily activities.

It is important to remember that Medical Reflexology is NOT a foot massage. The Reflexologist may incorporate some massage techniques in the treatment to relax the patient but the bulk of the treatment is in no way a massage. The Reflexologist will “probe” the feet to look for congested areas. When he or she finds those congestion areas, deep pressure techniques will be applied to de-congest those reflexes. This may sometimes be uncomfortable. As the Reflexologist’s fingers are working on the congested area, if they see that de-congesting a reflex is painful to you, he or she should ask you to breathe deep through the nose. This will release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer.

A Reflexology session lasts between 45 minutes to one hour. In children and the elderly who are very sick, the time can be reduced (and the pressure applied is very light in the first treatments and only very gradually increased). The Golden Rule of Reflexology is that the closer together the sessions are in the beginning, the faster the recovery. Often, after a few weeks of intensive treatments, a patient will experience great improvement in the health of their overall body. Reflexology relaxes, detoxifies, and revitalizes the body. Treatments are safe, calming and unobtrusive.

Written by: Judy Longstreet R.R.Pr., CH. of Georgetown Ontario
Specializing in Reflexology Since 1995
(905) 702-7846
jl.longstreet@hotmail.com

02/07/2025

July brings opportunities to elevate your energy, connect more deeply with your inner wisdom, and rediscover the power of sacred support. What will shift for you this July?

29/06/2025

Holistic Wellness With Judy – “Cosmic Wisdom From A Chinese Mystic”

The passage below, from the Tao Te Ching, transcends culture, space, and time. I hope you enjoy this ancient wisdom as much as I do!

Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu – Verse 8
“The supreme good is like water,
which nourishes all things without trying to.
It flows to low places loathed by all men.
Therefore, it is like the Tao.
Live in accordance with the nature of things.
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation, go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling be just.
In action, watch the timing
No fight: No blame
One who lives in accordance with nature
does not go against the way of things.
He moves in harmony with the present moment,
always knowing the truth of just what to do.”

Blessed be,

Judy Longstreet