How to Do a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs are one of the oldest and gentlest tools in naturopathic medicine. They're simple, inexpensive, and done at home. For many of my patients, they also become a built-in ritual of rest: an hour of warmth, stillness, and care for the body.
Castor oil packs support the body's elimination and detoxification processes. This is likely related to castor oil's anodyne (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties, including its effects on immune signaling molecules called cytokines.
When castor oil packs can help
Uterine fibroids / Non-malignant ovarian cysts
Headaches
Liver concerns
Abdominal pain / constipation
Constipation and other intestinal concerns
Gallbladder inflammation or gallstones
Nighttime urinary frequency
Inflamed joints
When to use caution
Avoid castor oil packs during pregnancy, during menstruation (especially if you have heavy bleeding or fibroids), and if you have a bleeding disorder or an active ulcer. Do not apply them over broken skin, an active infection, or a recent surgical site.
If you have chemical sensitivities, you may notice a temporary increase in symptoms when you first start, since castor oil packs stimulate the body's elimination and detoxification. In that case, start with shorter sessions, and talk with me before beginning.
Supplies
Flannel cloth (cotton or wool, washed and dried), about 20 to 40 inches by 24 to 48 inches
Castor oil (look for organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free oil in a glass bottle)
Plastic wrap (clear kitchen wrap or an unprinted plastic bag)
An old bath towel
A hot water bottle or hot gel pack
A large zip-lock bag for storage
Directions
Fold the flannel so it's 2 to 3 layers thick and covers most of your abdomen.
Soak the flannel in castor oil, then loosely wring out the excess. It should be saturated but not dripping.
Lie down in a comfortable position. Place an old towel or a sheet of plastic underneath you, since castor oil stains bedding, upholstery, and carpet.
Place the castor oil pack directly on your abdomen, over the liver (upper right side) and the belly.
Cover the pack with plastic wrap.
Wrap an old towel around your abdomen to hold everything in place.
Place a warm hot water bottle or gel pack over the towel, then wrap yourself in a warm blanket.
Rest for 45 to 60 minutes. It's fine to fall asleep with the pack on, as long as you're not using an electric heating pad.
When you're done, wipe away the excess oil. A little baking soda in warm water helps remove the residue from your skin.
A common rhythm is 3 to 4 evenings a week. I'll let you know what's right for you.
Caring for your pack
Store the pack in a large zip-lock bag in the refrigerator. You can reuse it many times, adding a little more castor oil as needed. Replace it after a few months, or sooner if it smells rancid or changes color.
A simpler alternative
If a full pack feels like too much, you can apply the oil directly:
Massage castor oil (from a bottle or a roller ball) onto your abdomen.
Cover it with an old piece of cloth, then plastic wrap to protect your clothing and hold in the heat.
Apply a hot water bottle, hot gel pack, or heating pad.
Keep the area warm for 45 to 60 minutes, swapping hot water bottles or gel packs as they cool. Don't fall asleep with a heating pad on.
