Castor oil packs have been used for centuries for beauty and health benefits, popularized for their gentle, yet deep healing properties. Castor oil comes from the castor plant (Ricinus communis) and is a rich, thick oil. A castor oil pack is made from a piece of cotton fabric, also called cotton flannel, and the castor oil is then placed on the abdomen, especially over the liver.

Castor Oil Benefits

Castor oil packs have many benefits throughout the whole body!

1. Liver detox and drainage

When applied over the liver, the castor oil seeps into the skin and organs, helping to stimulate circulation, lymph flow, and the movement of toxins out of the liver. Poor liver detox and drainage can look like acne, skin rashes, greasy stool, waking up around 2 am. If you are working with a practitioner on a gut, heavy metal, or mold detox protocol, adding in a castor oil pack may be a beneficial addition to your detox protocol. See below for more signs and symptoms.

2. Healthy bowel movements

Castor oil packs are magical for promoting regular bowel movements. Due to the soothing effect of castor oil packs and their liver benefits, many people find castor oil packs help them have complete and easy bowel movements. Castor oil packs work equally well for those with constipation and diarrhea.

3. Hormones

Did you know that hormones, like estrogen, need to be detoxed and removed through the liver and GI tract once we use them? This means that if you have trouble with detoxing or with daily bowel movements, it may lead to hormonal imbalances. This can affect women’s monthly menstruation cycles, energy levels, and skin health.

4. Lymphatic Support

Have you ever woken up feeling puffy, swollen, or bloated? Many people who experience puffiness in their face, armpits, gut, or ankles are struggling with lymphatic fluid flow. Castor oil is absorbed through the skin and can promote proper lymph flow. People using castor oil packs usually report waking up feeling much less puffy and inflamed.

Who should do a castor oil pack?

People dealing with the following conditions might benefit from castor oil packs:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas and bloating
• Detoxing from mold, heavy metals or other toxins
• Hormone imbalances such as PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles
• Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
• Puffiness or swelling
• Sensitive individuals who cannot tolerate other detox protocols
• Kids and children (under the supervision of a practitioner)

How to make a castor oil pack

Option 1:

What you need:

• Castor oil
• Queen of Thrones Castor Oil Cotton Pack

Instructions:

1. Pour about 1 tbsp of oil onto the cotton side of the pack
2. Spread the oil around evenly on the cotton pack
3. Place the pack over the abdomen, slightly to the right to cover the liver and use straps to tie in place

Option 2 (DIY option):

What you need:

• Castor oil
• Cotton flannel or old t-shirt
• Towel
• Bathrobe strap or other tie
• Heating pad

Instructions:

1. Pour about a tablespoon of castor oil onto your cotton flannel or old t-shirt Take a few minutes to massage it in.
2. Place a flannel cloth over the oiled area. You can use an old face cloth or you can cut up a towel into sections. Cover the flannel cloth with another towel.
3. Place the heating pad or hot water bottle over the towel and set on low heat for 30-60 mins.
4. Rest while the pack is in place.
5. When you are done, gently cleanse the area with water.
6. The same piece of flannel can be reused 3-4 times.
7. Take it very easy for the rest of the evening and eat very lightly, if at all.

Castor Oil Tips and Tricks

• Start with 1 tbsp per use. After a few uses or once the cotton pack is saturated with oil, use less and less oil each time
• Wear a large shirt over the pack that you don’t mind getting castor oil on!
• Timing:
  • Start of with wearing the castor oil pack for about 30 minutes to test your tolerance
  • Slowly work up to wearing the pack for a few hours or overnight.
• If going a few days without using the castor oil pack, keep the oil and cotton flannel in the refrigerator to avoid the oil from going rancid
• To wash the cotton flannel, gently hand wash the pack or follow these instructions to wash in the dishwasher:
  • Put your castor oil pack in your dishwasher, securing it by tying the straps to the inner rack
  • Run your dishwasher with a natural dishwashing soap
  • Remove from dishwasher, using an old tea towel, roll it up in the towel to blot and press out any oil residue
  • Hang to dry

Once you try a castor oil pack, you will be hooked!

*This blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health changes.