DO CASTOR OIL PACKS REALLY WORK? (+ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN)
If you’ve ever stepped foot into a health food store, you’ve probably seen a bottle of castor oil on the shelf patiently waiting for you to realize how amazing it is. Castor oil is one of the biggest unsung heroes in the wellness world. And even though so many people have heard of castor oil packs, unfortunately—most people don’t actually do them.
This is understandable. The directions to make castor oil packs can be confusing and unclear. They look way too messy and time consuming, especially when you’re not sure what they actually do. And let’s be honest—it seems like all the castor oil enthusiasts are either TikTok influencers trying to earn their affiliate commissions or they’re super earthy-crunchy folks who wear homemade hemp pants and don’t believe in toothpaste.
But you don’t have to go down either one of those roads (unless you want to). Castor oil packs are beneficial to so many people for so many reasons. And today’s the day you’ll finally learn exactly how they can help improve your health. Plus you’ll discover just how simple, easy, and mess-free they can be.
SO . . . WHAT IS A CASTOR OIL PACK? AND HOW DO THEY WORK?
Even if you’re brand new to the idea of castor oil packs, they have a long history of use in various cultures including ancient Rome and Egypt. There’s a reason castor oil packs date back to ancient times. But to fully understand how beneficial castor oil packs truly are, you’ll first want to know just a little bit of the science behind what makes castor oil so special.
The biggest takeaway here is that castor oil penetrates much deeper into the skin compared to all other oils. The reason is because ricinoleic acid is the primary fatty acid in castor oil, comprising about 85-95% of its composition. Ricinoleic acid has a unique chemical structure and lower viscosity that allows castor oil to spread easily and be absorbed more readily by the skin.
When you cover the castor oil with a piece of fabric, that oil is able to penetrate deep into the skin to help reduce inflammation, increase circulation, eliminate toxins from the body, and support tissue health and repair.
But the castor oil itself is only half of the castor oil pack magic.
Simply rubbing castor oil on your skin may give you a dewy glow, but you really need compression to get all of the benefits that can only happen when the oil penetrates deeper.
That’s where the packs come in. In its simplest form, a castor oil pack is a piece of cotton flannel or wool flannel with about 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil on it. You then place this fabric on your skin oil side down with a source of heat on top.
Most people place the castor-oil-soaked cotton over their liver, cover it with a towel they don’t mind getting sticky, and then sit for 40 or so minutes with a heating pad or hot water bottle on top. Some people wrap the piece of flannel with saran wrap or an ACE bandage to help prevent drips.
As you can imagine, doing this can be messy and quite inconvenient. You risk ruining your couch, favorite chair, or bed sheets. And no matter how careful you are, your shirt is probably getting stained. Plus who wants to be stuck sitting perfectly still for all that time?
This is where buying an actual castor oil pack comes in.
A ready-made castor oil pack wraps around you and either has elastic straps or velcro to hold itself in place. The compression from the pack lets your own body heat do the work so there’s no need to use a heating pad or hot water bottle. The compression of the pack also helps increase the contact between the castor oil and the skin, improve blood and lymphatic circulation where it’s applied, and allows the oil to absorb better and penetrate more deeply.
With a castor oil pack like this, you can skip the heating pad and hot water bottle. You can walk around with it, which lets you wear it longer. And if you put the castor oil on a separate piece of organic wool or cotton and wrap the castor oil pack over it, you have even more protection between the oil on your skin and the fabrics you don’t want to stain.
While most people only think of castor oil packs for the liver, you can find specific packs for your knees, thyroid, feet, pelvis, wrists, eyes, and breasts. A quick search on Amazon will give you several results that make doing castor oil packs much easier, more portable, and incredibly less messy. For those smaller packs, you’ll use much less oil too.
Just make sure you always buy 100% cotton or wool packs.
You don’t want synthetic materials or even organic bamboo in contact with your skin because one of castor oil’s super powers is its ability to penetrate deeper than any other oil . . . so you don’t want it taking any toxic friends along for the journey.
Even with these convenient packs, this might still sound like too much trouble. Just know that they really are simple and easy. And after you read the benefits of doing castor oil packs, hopefully you’ll try them for yourself.
BENEFITS OF CASTOR OIL PACKS
Castor oil packs have so many health benefits. They help with everything from improving digestion, boosting your fertility, regulating your menstrual cycle, assisting in detox, deepening sleep, and balancing your microbiome. Adding castor oil packs to your wellness routine can also help reduce inflammation, bloating, and anxiety. There really isn’t much these things can’t do! Once you overcome the awkward new-to-all-of-this phase, there’s a good chance you’ll be completely hooked!
So how do they work? What do castor oil packs really do?
CASTOR OIL PACKS SUPPORT BETTER BOWEL MOVEMENTS AND HELP PROMOTE GOOD GUT HEALTH
Applying castor oil packs to the abdomen helps break up waste in the colon, reduces inflammation in the digestive system, and encourages smoother bowel movements. If you often experience diarrhea, castor oil packs will help. If you’re constipated, they’ll help that too! Bloated? You guessed right. Castor oil packs can help.
When you have healthy bowel movements everyday, harmful bacteria and biofilm don’t get the opportunity to build up in the gut. This means the food you consume will be better absorbed by the body.
The gut is closely connected to the lymphatic system since lymph vessels surround the intestines. So the castor oil packs will help lymphatic drainage too. This indirectly supports gut health by assisting in the removal of toxins and waste products that may accumulate and cause a disruption to your microbiome.
CASTOR OIL PACKS STIMULATE LYMPHATIC FLOW, ENCOURAGE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE, AND SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Your lymph’s job is to balance the fluids in your body, defend it against pathogens, transport nutrients, remove waste, absorb lipids, and initiate immune responses. The lymphatic system relies on motion to maintain its health and proper functioning. Because it doesn’t have a pump of its own, it’s up to you to keep things moving.
When your lymphatic flow is impaired, you’ll likely experience symptoms like reduced immune function, fibrosis, and swelling, tightness, and heaviness in your limbs. Applying castor oil packs to the abdomen helps improve lymphatic flow by reducing congestion, promoting fluid movement, and removing waste products and toxins from the liver.
CASTOR OIL PACKS ENHANCE CLEANSING AND LIVER DETOX
Your liver is a workhorse. It’s the largest organ in your body and has over 500 jobs to do. It filters toxins, helps balance hormones, and is the main organ that regulates the flow of Qi in the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the energy life force. When there is a smooth flow of Qi in the body, you’re balanced physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The amount of harmful toxins in our modern world leaves our livers overworked and sluggish. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, and gallbladder issues. Applying castor oil packs to the liver area (the upper right portion of the abdomen just below your ribcage) can increase bile flow and aid in liver detoxification by promoting the production of glutathione—the most abundant antioxidant in our body.
When there’s increased blood flow to the liver area, the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the liver improves, supporting detoxification. And since the liver is responsible for the emotions of stress, anger, and frustration—getting rid of this stuck energy throughout the body will lead to improved sleep, greater emotional well being, and an overall relaxed body.
Simply wearing the castor oil pack over the liver is relaxing. It’s comforting (like one of those thunder jackets they sell for dogs) and feels like a warm hug. If you’re not sure what kind of castor oil pack to start with, this is the one!
CASTOR OIL PACKS HELP REDUCE PAIN, DECREASE INFLAMMATION, HELP BREAK DOWN CYSTS, AND EASE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
When it comes to soothing aches and pains, castor oil packs are a tool you definitely want in your toolbox. They can help alleviate all sorts of discomfort—from menstrual cramps to muscle soreness to joint pain.
And even though scientists haven’t studied how castor oil packs break down scar tissue, cysts, nodules, and fibroids, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting these claims.
You don’t have to wear a white lab coat to understand how this makes sense. Castor oil packs improve circulation, promote lymphatic drainage, reduce inflammation, and ultimately stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
CASTOR OIL PACKS CAN HELP IMPROVE A THIN UTERINE LINING TO IMPROVE FERTILITY
One of the most common reasons women have a difficult time getting pregnant and staying pregnant is that their uterine lining is too thin. This can cause infertility because it prevents proper implantation. A thin uterine lining is associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
You want a nice, thick uterine lining for a fertilized egg to implant itself, but not too thick because the blood won’t be able to flow as well. Adding castor oil packs to your fertility journey is a great way to keep your womb warm, improve blood flow, and boost the uterine lining.
But castor oil packs shouldn’t be used if you are pregnant. So if you’re trying to have a baby, it’s best to limit the use of castor oil packs to when you have your period and during the follicular phase of your cycle. Stop using them during your fertility window, during ovulation, and in your luteal phase. If you get your period again the following month, you can repeat this cycle.
CASTOR OIL PACK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT KIND OF CASTOR OIL SHOULD I BUY?
When you’re buying castor oil, look for:
Organic
Cold-pressed
Hexane free
A glass bottle
There’s plain castor oil and then there’s black castor oil. Plain castor oil is raw. Black castor oil is roasted. They come from the same castor oil bean, but the plain castor oil is what you’re looking for to do castor oil packs. The black castor oil is good for your scalp and hair.
WHAT KIND OF CASTOR OIL PACK SHOULD I BUY?
If you have a specific area of your body that is inflamed or in pain, you can consider buying a specific castor oil pack for your thyroid, pelvis, wrists, feet, or knees.
When you’re shopping for castor oil packs, look for cotton or wool that hasn’t been bleached or treated in any way. Organic is best when possible. It’s okay for the outside to be coated in something that makes it less likely to leak, but you don’t want polyester or even bamboo in contact with the castor oil. Some of the specialty packs even come with an additional cotton insert to make them less messy. And If you prefer, you can always add your own flannel insert if that seems easier for you.
If you’re built a bit larger or want a castor oil pack that covers a bigger area of your stomach, try a pelvis castor oil pack (even if you’re using it on your liver).
This one from Queen of the Thrones is especially great for men or people who prefer a larger pack. But skip adding their castor oil to your cart. The Queen of The Thrones castor oil is no longer cold-pressed so buying the Heritage brand is still your best bet. Queen of The Thrones recommends replacing your pack every 3 months, but you don’t have to do this if you add a separate piece of flannel that you put the castor oil on instead of applying it directly to your pack.
Beauty tip: When you’re buying your castor oil pack supplies, add some silicone scar tape to your cart as well to make your own all-natural “Botox”. To use it, just rub a dab of castor oil on your forehead and wherever else you have fine lines and cover it with the scar tape. Leave it on for 30 minutes, a few hours, or even overnight. When you take it off, your lines will be plumped up and you’ll look younger and dewier.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO A CASTOR OIL PACK AND FOR HOW LONG?
Apply your castor oil pack as often as you’d like.
A lot of people wear them to bed every night, which is especially good for the liver since the liver repairs itself between 1-3 a.m. according to the Chinese Organ Body Clock.
If you are trying to get pregnant, only do castor oil packs during the first half of your menstrual cycle and stop a few days before you ovulate.
You don’t want to do castor oil packs when you are pregnant or could possibly get pregnant (right before ovulation and in the luteal phase).
IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULDN’T DO CASTOR OIL PACKS?
Castor oil packs should NOT be used during pregnancy because they can stimulate contractions and potentially induce labor.
The only contraindication with castor oil packs is pregnancy, but because castor oil packs do such a good job promoting blood circulation, there is a chance that you’ll experience heavier bleeding during menstruation. There are some people who say you shouldn’t use castor oil packs during your period, but that’s a personal choice and there’s no harm if you choose to do so.
Most women find that the cramp-relieving benefits of doing castor oil packs during their period far outweigh the potential risk of a heavier flow. If you’re new to castor oil packs, you may not want to start doing them for the first time during your period. Instead, you could wait until your flow ends. But ultimately, it’s your choice so do what feels right for you.
If you have an IUD (intrauterine device), you may want to do some more research to make sure you feel like castor oil packs are a good fit for you. There’s no scientific evidence suggesting that castor oil packs interfere with the effectiveness or placement of an IUD, but since these natural home remedies aren’t always studied—it’s understandable if you’re hesitant.
DO YOU WASH THE CASTOR OIL PACK AFTER EACH USE?
There’s no need to wash your castor oil pack after each use.
The buildup of castor oil will actually help your pack be more effective over time. When it becomes too saturated with oil after several months of use, you may want to try soaking and washing it, but it might just be time for a new piece of flannel.
HOW DO I KNOW MY CASTOR OIL PACK IS WORKING?
If you sleep with a castor oil pack over your liver, you’ll likely wake up feeling more well rested and less stressed.
Everyone’s experience is different, but most people experience a flatter, less bloated tummy and smoother, easier, bowel movements within the first week of consistent use.
OKAY, I’M READY TO MAKE A CASTOR OIL PACK. WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Just keep reading. The directions will depend on where you want to apply your castor oil pack and if you plan on adding a heat source or not.
HOW TO MAKE A CASTOR OIL PACK
To make a castor oil pack, you’ll need high quality castor oil and a piece of reusable cotton flannel or reusable wool flannel.
If you don’t mind risking the mess and already have a heating pad or hot water bottle, here’s what you do:
Wash (and dry) your flannel cloth with all natural laundry detergent before using.
Add 2 tablespoons of organic cold pressed castor oil to the center of your flannel.
Fold the flannel in half to let it disperse evenly. Then open it back up.
Place the piece of flannel on your skin with the oil side down. If you aren’t targeting a specific body part, place it over your liver (upper right stomach area by your ribcage).
Cover the piece of flannel with either an old towel or wrap yourself in Saran wrap or an ACE bandage.
Sit somewhere cozy and apply the hot water bottle or heating pad on top. You might want to put an old towel under you.
Leave your castor oil pack on for about an hour.
When you take the castor oil pack off, roll up the piece of flannel to reuse again.
If you’re looking for the easier and more convenient way to do a castor oil pack, here’s what you can do:
Follow steps 1-to-4 above.
Cover your piece of flannel with a castor oil pack like this one from Queen of The Thrones (wash and dry it first with natural laundry detergent). Some people put the oil directly on this pack and skip the flannel. You can do this too, but adding the flannel makes it easier to wash and cheaper to replace when it gets too oily.
Wear your castor oil pack under your shirt and go about your business. Sleep in it. Workout in it. It can go wherever you are. Leave it on as long as it feels comfortable.
NEXT STEPS: USING CASTOR OIL PACKS WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Castor oil packs are a great way to increase circulation, reduce stagnation, and promote healing in the body. They work great in conjunction with acupuncture, lymphatic therapy treatments, massages, and cupping.
If you’re local to Costa Mesa, come see us at Magnolia Wellness for additional treatments that can complement your castor oil packs. And if you want further guidance on how castor oil packs can help build your uterine lining as a part of your fertility journey, book a Fertility Consult to learn more.