Castor oil packs might seem like the latest wellness trend, especially with their growing popularity on platforms like TikTok, but they’re far from new. This age-old remedy has been used for centuries in various cultures to support health and healing. 

Now, thanks to a combination of social media buzz and scientific curiosity, they’re making a well-deserved comeback – especially in the world of functional medicine.

And honestly, it’s no surprise. Castor oil packs offer impressive benefits, from helping your body detoxify more efficiently to easing inflammation, supporting lymphatic flow, and enhancing liver function. (1, 2) 

They’re also one of my go-to recommendations for patients—and a cornerstone of my own self-care routine.

What makes castor oil packs so effective? And how can you incorporate them into your routine to maximize their benefits? 

Let’s take a look at the science, the practical how-to, and the time-tested wisdom behind this fascinating tool.

What Are Castor Oil Packs?

A castor oil pack is a simple, natural therapy that involves soaking a cloth in castor oil, placing it on the skin – typically over the abdomen or liver area – and applying gentle heat. 

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, a hardy shrub native to tropical regions. (3) For centuries, traditional medicine, from ancient Egypt to Ayurveda, has revered castor oil for its healing properties.

This plant has played a remarkable role in health practices throughout history, and castor oil packs offer a modern way to harness its benefits. Simple to use yet deeply rooted in tradition, castor oil packs remain a favorite for supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

How Castor Oil Packs Work: The Science

Modern research has uncovered many of castor oil’s health benefits, especially when it’s ingested. However, the science of topical use, like castor oil packs, is still evolving. 

While we don’t yet have all the answers, much of what we do know points to the power of ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid in castor oil that seems to do a little bit of everything. (4)

Although more research is needed to fully understand how castor oil works on the skin, promising studies and practical experience support its benefits – detoxification, reduced inflammation, lymphatic support, and liver health. 

Let’s explore what we do know about the science behind these claims.

Detoxification Support

Castor oil packs are believed to help detox your body by enhancing circulation to the liver and stimulating the lymphatic system. 

The liver, your body’s natural detox powerhouse, relies on steady blood flow and bile production to process toxins effectively.

While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, studies have shown that ricinoleic acid in castor oil may help stimulate the smooth muscle tissue in your digestive tract, potentially aiding in eliminating waste and improving overall gut motility. (5) 

Castor oil packs are a gentle way to encourage the body’s natural detox pathways.

Lymphatic Drainage

Your lymphatic system is critical to detoxification, transporting waste, toxins, and immune cells throughout the body. 

Castor oil packs are thought to promote lymphatic circulation, helping to reduce stagnation and encourage proper drainage.

Preliminary studies suggest castor oil can boost the production of certain immune cells, including lymphocytes. These cells play a role in fighting infection and supporting overall immune function. (6)

Stimulating lymph flow using castor oil packs can help the body clear toxins more effectively while reducing fluid retention.

Liver Health

The liver is your body’s filtration system, working tirelessly to break down toxins, hormones, and waste products. 

Castor oil packs are often placed directly over the liver, where they are believed to improve circulation to this vital organ. Increased blood flow may support the liver’s natural detox processes, enhancing its efficiency in clearing out harmful substances.

Emerging research also suggests that castor oil may help reduce oxidative stress – a key factor in liver dysfunction – and promote bile production, essential for the digestion and removal of fat-soluble toxins. (7, 8, 9) 

While more studies are needed, these early findings highlight why castor oil packs have become a staple for supporting liver health.

Pain Relief and Inflammation

One of the most exciting properties of ricinoleic acid is its anti-inflammatory effect. 

Research suggests that castor oil helps modulate the production of prostaglandins – hormone-like compounds involved in the body’s inflammatory response. (10, 11, 12) This may explain why castor oil packs are often used to ease joint pain, muscle tension, and even menstrual cramps.

Additionally, applying castor oil packs locally over areas of discomfort may help reduce swelling and improve tissue healing, thanks to their ability to increase blood flow to the area. 

It’s a simple yet powerful way to calm inflammation and find relief.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs

While detoxification, inflammation relief, lymphatic drainage, and liver health are the main reasons I recommend people use castor oil packs, this versatile remedy offers many other great benefits:

Improved Digestive Health

Castor oil packs can promote circulation in the abdomen, easing bloating, constipation, and improving overall digestion.

Hormonal Balance

Castor oil packs help eliminate excess hormones, potentially aiding in hormonal regulation by supporting liver function.

Menstrual Pain Relief

Applying castor oil packs to the lower abdomen may reduce cramps, relax muscles, and ease pelvic discomfort.

Skin Health

Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may support skin healing, reduce redness, and improve the appearance of scars. (13)

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Castor oil packs can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress by promoting relaxation. (14)

How to Use Castor Oil Packs Safely

Now, for the fun part – how to actually use castor oil packs! While it might seem like a fancy wellness ritual, castor oil packs are actually super simple. 

Here’s how to get the most out of this effective remedy. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Castor Oil Packs

1. Cut a Piece of Cloth – Pick a cloth that’s the right size for the area you want to treat. Organic cotton or flannel works great.
2. Soak the Cloth – Saturate the cloth with castor oil – just enough to coat it evenly without making it drip.
3. Apply the Cloth – Place the cloth directly on your skin, usually over your abdomen or on the right side for the liver.
4. Use a Castor Oil Pack Kit – For a mess-free experience, I always recommend using a high-quality castor oil pack kit, which comes with a cloth pack that ties on, making it much easier to use. Just tie it in place over your abdomen or liver area, and you’re ready to go!
5. Relax or Sleep – For sensitive people, start with just 5-10 minutes to see how you feel, then gradually increase to an hour or even wear it overnight. I personally love tying on the pack and heading off to bed.
6. Wipe Off – After removing the pack, gently clean your skin with warm water or a mild soap to remove any leftover oil.
7. Store the Cloth – Store the cloth in a sealed container and refrigerate it for reuse (up to 30 times).

Best Practices and Precautions 

There are no hard-and-fast guidelines, but I usually suggest using castor oil packs several times a week for best results. Studies have shown that 60-90 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week for two weeks is effective, but you can use them for longer if needed. 

Castor oil packs should be avoided during pregnancy, as they may stimulate uterine contractions. It’s also a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions. If you have any underlying medical conditions, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before using castor oil packs to ensure they’re a safe addition to your routine.

And remember, consistency is key with castor oil packs, so give your body time to respond and don’t rush the process.

Ready to Give Castor Oil Packs a Try?

By now, you know how easy it is to add castor oil packs to your routine and start reaping the benefits for your health. It’s a simple, effective way to support your body’s detox process, reduce inflammation, and take control of your wellness.

But, I also know that sometimes, the journey to feeling your best isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. 

If you’re feeling unsure or need a little extra guidance, don’t worry – you’re not alone. 

I’m here to help you create a personalized plan that will truly make a difference in your health. 

A consult with me is the first step toward lasting wellness, where we’ll dive into your unique needs and get you on the path to reclaiming your health.

Let’s take that next step together – you deserve it!

Resources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11534859/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/castor-oil
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33515683/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/ricinoleic-acid
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3384204/
6. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:52838898
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39776028/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39328466/
9. https://draxe.com/nutrition/bile-salts/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22615395/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11050297/
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11124509/
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8837976/
14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11124509/