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The Healf Source
Castor Oil Packs: What Are They And How Do They Work?
Written by: Samantha Nice
Written on: March 14, 2024
From ancient memory to modern day ritual, here’s everything you need to know…
Castor oil packs are suddenly everywhere. TikTok’s overflowing with tutorials and even those who would normally side-eye natural remedies are claiming they’ve changed their digestion. But what exactly are these oil-soaked cloths all about and do they actually work? Castor oil has been around for centuries, used by everyone from ancient Egyptians to modern-day naturopaths for everything from skin issues to gut health but now, it’s making a major comeback in the holistic health world. Here we dive into whether it lives up to the hype.
What is castor oil and what are castor oil packs?
“Castor oil is a thick, pale-yellow oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, that has been used as a natural remedy for centuries,” explains registered nutritional therapist, Cara Shaw . “It's rich in ricinoleic acid - a unique fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and even moisturising properties.”
Because of this, it has long been used in natural medicine. “Traditionally, castor oil has been used in various different cultures for medicinal ailments ranging from skin conditions to pain relief,” says Cara.
One of the most popular ways to use it today however is through castor oil packs. “Castor oil packs are a form of topical therapy where castor oil is applied to the skin (typically over the abdomen or liver area), covered with a flannel, cotton or a wrap and applied for 30–60 minutes. It’s optional to add a heat source like a hot water bottle on top. Castor oil wraps are the most convenient as they can tie around the body, so you can enjoy more comfortably,” says Cara. “When applied externally, castor oil penetrates the deeper layers of the skin.”
How castor oil packs actually work
At first glance, castor oil packs seem pretty straightforward - just a cloth soaked in oil and placed on your body. But there’s actually a lot more going on under the surface, from the way the oil interacts with your body, to how it taps into your nervous system.
Cara highlights a key few mechanisms here:
- Transdermal absorption through the skin, allowing ricinoleic acid to interact with your lymphatic system, immune cells and smooth muscle tissues.
- Boosting blood flow, which improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients, while helping remove toxins.
- Stimulating the liver and lymphatic system, both essential for detoxification.
- Activating the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest mode) nervous system, encouraging relaxation and reducing stress.
These effects not only come from the oil itself, but also how the packs are used. The warmth and stillness of the practice can also help further activate the parasympathetic nervous system to encourage better rest, digestion and repair too.
The many benefits of castor oil packs
Now you better understand how they work, it’s easier to see why people are raving about the long list of castor oil benefits. From gut health to glowing skin, these oil-soaked cloths are being used to support all kinds of issues - especially those linked to inflammation, stress, and sluggish detox pathways. “Whilst there is limited research, there are centuries of anecdotal evidence,” explains Cara. Here are some of the most commonly cited benefits:
- Digestive support: “Many people turn to castor oil packs to help with their digestion - notably constipation,” says Cara. They are also said to help ease bloating and general digestive sluggishness too.
- Liver and lymphatic drainage: When placed over the liver area, castor oil packs are thought to help the body detox more efficiently by encouraging healthy liver function and better lymphatic system flow - your body’s natural waste-clearing system.
- Period pain and hormonal balance: Thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to promote liver detox (which helps process hormones), some find castor oil packs helpful in easing menstrual cramps and supporting hormonal health.
- Stress relief and relaxation: The ritual of lying down with a warm pack isn’t just soothing - it may also help shift your body into its parasympathetic state, making it a powerful tool for nervous system regulation.
- Skin support: With better circulation and the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial effects of ricinoleic acid, castor oil packs may also calm irritated skin, ease acne and support overall healing.
How to use (and apply) a castor oil pack
Using a castor oil pack at home is super simple, but a few top tips to help you get the most out of it and without any mess. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Organic, cold-pressed castor oil. We love Fushi’s Organic Castor Oil .
- A clean cloth (such as flannel or cotton) or a ready-made castor oil wrap. Queen of the Thrones has every base covered… literally.
- A large towel or plastic wrap (if not using a ready-made one).
- Optional: hot water bottle or heating pad.
A Healf-approved step-by-step to applying:
- Do a patch test: “before applying, conduct a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any skin reactions,’ says Cara. To do this, use a small amount of castor oil on a discreet area of skin (like your forearm) and wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching or irritation appears. If all clear, you’re good to go.
- Prep your space: “Be mindful that castor oil can stain so don’t prepare the wrap or use it near nice clothes or furniture,” says Cara.
- Apply castor oil: “Add 1-2 tbsp of castor oil to the skin (commonly the abdomen or liver) and cover in your chosen fabric,”
- Apply wrap or fabric: “With a wrap, just tie it up or without, you can cover with a large towel,” explains Cara.
- Optional: add gentle heat. A warm compress can enhance the benefits, but always take care, warns Cara. “If using a hot water bottle, just ensure this is a new one (less than 12 months old) and not piping hot, to avoid any burning of the skin.”
- Relax: “You can enjoy the pack for as long as you like, but I’d recommend 30–45 minutes several times a week to see benefits. During this time, I’m a big advocate of practising breathwork or even listening to a guided meditation,” adds Cara.
Are castor oil packs for everyone?
For most, castor oil packs are a gentle and safe addition to any wellness routine. As Cara explains, “They are safe for most adults wanting support for sluggish bowel movements, hormonal imbalances or inflammation.”
That said, there are some situations that it may not be a wise idea to use. “Use with caution or avoid if pregnant or trying to conceive as this can stimulate the uterus,” Cara advises. “It's also worth being mindful during menstruation - particularly if you experience heavy periods as this may increase flow,” she adds. Those with sensitive skin should take extra care too. “If you’ve got open wounds or rashes in the application area, or if you have a known allergy to castor oil, I’d recommend not using.”
If you have any medical conditions, are taking medication or are unsure about how castor oil might interact with your skin or body, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider before using. While many integrative and holistic practitioners see castor oil packs as a supportive tool - especially for detoxification, circulation and hormone balance - they’re best used as a complementary therapy, not as a substitute for medical treatment.
The takeaway
- Castor oil packs involve applying castor oil–soaked cloths or readymade castor oil packs to the skin, allowing ricinoleic acid to penetrate deeply into the skin and support detox, circulation and relaxation.
- They work in lots of different ways but mainly by improving blood flow, stimulating the liver and lymphatic system and activating the parasympathetic nervous system for stress relief.
- Benefits commonly reported include relief from digestive issues (like constipation), improved detoxification, easing of menstrual cramps, reduced inflammation and better skin health.
- Using a castor oil pack at home is simple: apply 1–2 tablespoons of organic castor oil on a clean cloth and place over the abdomen or liver. Cover with a wrap or towel, optionally add gentle heat, and relax for 30–45 minutes.
- While generally safe for everyone to use, castor oil packs should be avoided or used cautiously during pregnancy, heavy menstruation, or if you have sensitive skin, open wounds, or allergies. Like with anything, do consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Samantha Nice is a seasoned wellness writer with over a decade of experience crafting content for a diverse range of global brands. A passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing, she brings a particular focus to supplements, women’s health, strength training, and running. Samantha is a proud member of the Healf editorial team, where she merges her love for storytelling with industry insights and science-backed evidence.
An avid WHOOP wearer, keen runner (with a sub 1:30 half marathon) hot yoga enthusiast and regular gym goer, Samantha lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle she writes about. With a solid black book of trusted contacts (including some of the industry’s leading experts) she’s committed to creating accessible, well-informed content that empowers and inspires Healf readers.
- 1. From ancient memory to modern day ritual, here’s everything you need to know…
- 2. What is castor oil and what are castor oil packs?
- 3. How castor oil packs actually work
- 4. The many benefits of castor oil packs
- 5. How to use (and apply) a castor oil pack
- 6. Are castor oil packs for everyone?
- 7. The takeaway
