Everything You Need To Know About Castor Oil Packs | with Angela Hywood

A castor oil pack is one of the OLDEST, most widespread healing rituals in the world and the best kept secret known to few.

From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Indian Ayurveda to modern Naturopathic Medicine, castor oil has withstood the test of time for centuries in cultures all over the globe.

It is the ritual of applying castor oil to a piece of organic cotton flannel then placing it onto the body (traditionally over the liver) and wearing it for up to 1 hour at a time.

It is the ritual of applying castor oil to a piece of organic cotton flannel then placing it onto the body (traditionally over the liver) and wearing it for up to 1 hour at a time.

In this journal post, we will guide you through the steps of using castor oil packs, as well as share some of the benefits and precautions of this incredible natural remedy.

What are castor oil packs?

Castor oil packs are a simple way of topically applying castor oil, usually over an area that needs healing or detoxification. This allows it to absorb through your skin and into tissue.

Castor oil is a thick, yellowish oil that comes from the seeds of the castor plant. It has been used for centuries as a laxative, a skin moisturiser, a wound healer, and an anti-inflammatory agent.

The therapeutic component in Castor Oil is ricinoleic acid. When ingested, the small intestine releases ricinoleic acid from the castor oil, which mildly irritates mucosa in the intestines, leading to a laxative effect.

Castor oil packs are made by soaking a piece of cloth (such as flannel, cotton, or wool) in warm castor oil and then placing it over the desired area. The cloth is then covered with plastic wrap or a towel to prevent the oil from staining your clothes or bedding. You can also use a hot water bottle or a heating pad to increase the warmth and penetration of the oil.

Some of the common areas where castor oil packs are applied are:

The abdomen

The lower back

The chest

The thyroid gland

The breasts

The uterus & ovaries

Benefits of a castor oil pack

For centuries, castor oil packs have been used for:

What supplies do I need?

This is our favourite kit for heatless, mess-less Castor Oil Pack Kit, which makes this transformational self-care ritual easier than ever before.

What’s Included?

And it combines well with:

Where should I put castor oil?

The most common application is over the uterus and ovaries, liver and intestines to soothe female reproductive and digestive complaints.

How do I use a castor oil pack?

The process has multiple variations but generally entails applying a thin layer of castor oil to the area, covering it with a flannel or other non-permeable cloth and allowing it to soak in for approximately 45 minutes or more.

What do I use a Castor oil pack for?

Now you’re probably thinking, how could a piece of cotton with castor oil on my skin impact my insides?! It all sounds a little 'woo-woo', don't you think? I thought so too, until I tried it, felt the benefits and discovered that this ritual is clinically practised and scientifically supported!

A Castor Oil Liver Pack supports:

How does castor oil work?

How to make and use castor oil packs?

To do castor oil packs at home, you’ll need:

The steps are:

1. Wash and dry the cloth thoroughly.

2. Pour some castor oil into the glass jar and warm it up slightly in a pot of hot water or the microwave.

3. Soak the cloth in the warm castor oil until it is saturated but not dripping.

4. Wring out the excess oil and fold the cloth into a size that fits over the area you want to treat.

5. Place the cloth over the area and be careful of drips! Castor oil can easily stain fabrics and materials, and possibly even leather. You may like to cover the area with your old towel or lay on the towel to catch drips or buy a castor oil wrap to keep the cloth on securely.

6. Place the hot water bottle or heating pad over the cloth to keep it warm and slightly compress the area.

7. Relax for 30 to 60 minutes while the castor oil pack does its work. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in some mindfulness practices which will supplement the restorative effects of the castor oil pack. We recommend reading, meditating or even having a nap!

8. Remove the cloth and wipe off any excess oil from your skin with a damp cloth.

9. Store the used cloth in the glass jar you used for heating with some more castor oil for future use. You can reuse the same cloth and oil up to 30 times before discarding it.

You can use castor oil packs once a day or every other day for several weeks or months depending on your condition and goals. You can also alternate between different areas of your body if you have more than one issue to address.

Check out our castor oil packs online - to shop for a complete kit, or individual components if you only need some materials.

What are some precautions for using castor oil packs?

Castor oil packs are generally safe and well-tolerated by most people, but there are some situations where you should avoid them or consult your practitioner before using them:

You should also avoid applying castor oil packs over your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or any other sensitive areas. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything containing castor oil, as it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

Castor oil packs are a natural and inexpensive way of improving your health and well-being. They can help you with various issues ranging from pain and inflammation to digestion and detoxification. However, they are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, so always consult your doctor before using them if you have any doubts or concerns.

To book an appointment for your personalised treatment plan  book a consult with Angela here.

Naturopath and Founder of Floralia Wellness & Apothecary, Angela Hywood, has been specialising in women’s health, hormones and fertility for over 25 years.