In this post today, we’re going to be talking about castor oil packs.
Since my family and I started working on improving our health, we’ve done different alternative or natural remedies that I never thought we would do.
One of them is castor oil packs.
Aren’t Castor Oil Packs Weird?
I remember the days when I thought chiropractors were bizarre.
NEVER did I think I would be taking probiotics, going gluten-free, going sugar-free (oh man, did I eat a lot of sugar!), take stomach acid, try homeopathy, consider acupuncture…..yes, this is the world that I live in now.
And truly, if I hadn’t moved into this world of alternative care, I truly believe that I would be seriously handicapped or possibly even dead.
Anyhow, back to the castor oil pack.
Until recently, I had only heard about castor oil as something that kids would struggle to get down at the urging of mothers.
Then later, when looking for natural hair-loss remedies, I read that castor oil was a great thing to apply to your scalp.
NOT true. Just take my word for it — it’s terrible. I could barely get it out of my hair and basically lost MORE hair just in the attempt to remove the goo from my hair.
While I was under the care of the practitioner who wrote this post on thyroid health, the idea of castor oil packs for liver health came up.
And I’m glad it did.
These days we are constantly bombarded with toxins. From the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to our contaminated food, to what we put on our bodies (from heavy metals in cosmetics to artificial fragrances in personal and home care products), to general heavy metal toxicity, we are just living in a toxic soup.
Your liver has a huge job to do to filter out so many toxins, so it’s crucial that you do what you can to support the liver so it can keep doing its job.
There are many ways to do that, and some of them taste good (like my Nourishing Coffee Substitute), but the castor oil pack is a great thing to do.
Our Experiences with Castor Oil Packs
My Results
As I mentioned, I first started using castor oil packs when under the care of the author of this post on thyroid health. Whenever I used them, I felt “less clogged” the next day, more relaxed, and my eyes seemed to be less puffy.
Also, I noticed that if I started having a breakout of acne on my face, if I used the castor oil pack at night, the next morning the pimples would be somewhat or significantly reduced.
My Son’s Results
We know that my son has detox issues. He had Asperger’s, which is a form of autism. He’s tested with a double mutation of the MTHFR gene (more on that later) and there’s a lot of evidence from lab work that he struggles in this area. The first time I used a castor oil pack on my son, he itched under the pad. I watched him carefully thinking he might have an allergy to the castor oil, but then when we removed the pad, interestingly he had broken out in what appeared to be hives on the opposite side of his abdomen!
It was as if his body was pushing things out, away from the castor oil pack.
Since then, he hasn’t reacted that way, but has been noticeably more calm following the castor oil packs. We are currently interviewing other practitioners to work with him and have been told that the packs are a great addition to his natural care.
Castor Oil Pack Benefits
When used correctly, castor oil packs are said to support the liver by increasing it’s capability to detoxify. Castor oil’s lipid structure goes easily through the skin, stimulating a healthy flow of lymph fluid. It can also have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects. (Source)
Additionally, they are thought to support uterine and ovarian health as well as improve lymphatic circulation and reduce inflammation.
This study, though small, showed
a “significant” temporary increase in the number of T-11 cells that increased over a 7 hour period following treatment and then returned to normal levels within 24 hours later.
“The T-11 cell increase represents a general boost in the body’s specific defense status. Lymphocytes actively defend the health of the body by forming antibodies against pathogens and their toxins. T-cell lymphocytes originate from bone marrow and the thymus gland as small lymphocytes that identify and kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancer cells. T-11 cell lymphocytes supply a fundamental antibody capability to keep the specific defense system strong.” (Source)
Castor Oil Packs for Thyroid
A reader asked me about whether or not castor oil packs can be used for thyroid health. I actually have read about people using these for thyroid issues and finding them to be successful, but I don’t know if it’s true or not.
Important Notes
Position
While lying down for an hour during the pack treatment would certainly be a very relaxing thing, typically that isn’t an option for me (or for many busy people) — and try getting your kid to lie down for an hour. So this heating pad, or something similar, is very handy as you can keep the pack in place while you go about your daily routine. Plus it doubles as a cold pack.
Add Lemon
Lemon essential oil is supposed to be very supportive for the liver, so adding it to the castor oil could be of help.
Keeping it Clean (sort of)
Castor oil is messy and its stains can be very hard to remove, so make sure to wear something you don’t care about. Depending on the weather, I either put on one of my husband’s icky old T-shirts or sweatshirts and an old old pair of shorts or sweat pants (buy a pair secondhand if you don’t have any handy), and I’m set.
Don’t Be Cheap
Do not purchase cheap castor oil. Some of it is processed with chemicals or in other ways that leave a less than desirable resulting product including possible contamination with toxins.
For information on why I chose the essential oils company that I recommend, read Which Essential Oils Company is “Best”? or skip to the end of the series here.
How Often Should You Use Castor Oil Packs?
Most people recommend using castor oil packs about 3 times a week to start for best results.
However, there are lots of different recommendations depending on why you are using them.
One site that I saw recommends 4 consecutive days for 4-6 weeks.
Who Should Not Use Castor Oil Packs
There is mixed information out there about this as well, but some say that those who should not use castor oil packs include pregnant women, those with cancerous fibroids, ovarian tumors or breast tumors, unless under the supervision of a physician, and those with IUDs.
Additionally, castor oils packs should not be used over areas of active bleeding (wounds, ulcers, during menstruation), in cases of suspected appendicitis, or in patients with bleeding disorders. People with skin sensitivities and those with chemical sensitivities have also been mentioned as those who should exercise caution.
I know the whole castor oil packs thing sounds a little weird, but with all of the toxins we’re exposed to, your liver sure can use all the help it can get. Trying to do whatever you can to improve liver health is certainly a good idea.. As with all things, please consult with your physician to see if castor oil packs are right for you.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
What You Need:
High Quality Castor Oil
Lemon Essential Oil – optional
Plastic Wrap (please at least get BPA-free plastic wrap)
Heatable Wrap
Soft Flannel Pad or an Organic Cotton Cloth (if using cotton I recommend organic, if possible)
Instructions:
- Moisten flannel or cotton with castor oil. (Add 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil to the castor oil, blending well, if desired.)
- Place moistened flannel pad or cloth on right side of abdomen, just below rib cage.
- Cover the pad with plastic wrap and wrap around entire abdomen for stability.
- Heat the heating pad according to manufacturer directions and place on top of cloth.
- If using a pad that is in a securable cover, secure cover. Otherwise, lie down.
- Keep cloth in place for 1 hour.
Have you ever used a castor oil pack?
What did you use it for?
Be careful ladies!! I guess it doesn’t work for everyone..my painful menstruation ended after my 8 weeks miscarriage in 2018..before that every month was a nightmare..i was finally relieved that i didn’t have to experience discomfort cramps and vomitting during monthly cycles..came across castor oil packs while searching for cure for fibroids..started doing it in october 2019..from then onwards every month has been a nightmare..same pain and torture returned..i regret doing it till date!!
I am so sorry you had that experience! Did something else change at the same time, perhaps? Sometimes things happen and we think we know the cause, but we are mistaken since we didn’t notice another factor. Hope you can find improvement somehow.
Absolutely sure it was due to castor oil pack..there was nothing new that i practised..i read in some other comments few other ladies had same experience..it made mensus more painful and terrible..so basically its good we sharing our experience..people will be aware of such side effects as well..
I’m so sorry to hear this. Best wishes to you. Did you see this tea by chance?
Have you ever had your Iodine checked?? Some women’s issues can be linked to Iodine deficiency. (Especially hormone related like fibroid and cancers.) Mine was. My functional doctor put me on Iodine, and 12 years of worsening menstrual issues went away.
I read Dr. David Brownstein’s book about Iodine cover to cover, and found everything that pertained to my situation to be absolutely true. And his supporting. supplement recommendations (to take with Iodine) worked beautifully.
Some of his patients have even had their breast cancer tumors dissolve with proper Iodine supplementation, under his careful guidance.
Look on YouTube for Dr. David Brownstein and Dr. Jorge Flechas, and Iodine.
I just found out my liver is enlarged… I’m thinking of using the oil pack. Do you think it would help?
Hello there. Sorry I can’t medically advise but I know that a lot of people love these for so many reasons. Please consult w/ your doctor if you are concerned.
Responding to Christy:
I had the same problem, no microwave, nor heating pad. But, I didn’t let this keep me from using castor oil packs! I did the pack anyway, using wax paper over the pack and securing with a 6″ elastic (Ace) bandage. Then, I put an old t-shirt on and a sweatshirt, too. This kept me warm so my own body heat would facilitate the oil’s absorption. It worked fine for my liver and when I had ovarian, luteal cysts, as well as for tendonitis and bruises!
Great idea and I was thinking the same thing–not quite as warm but can work! What happened w/ your tendons and bruises. Would love to hear–cysts too?
Yep, I figured since the packs are anti-inflammatory I’d try using them for musculo-skeletal issues; have also suggested to others with positive reviews.
As for the ovarian cysts, my ND recommended castor oil packs years ago when I had PCOS – they worked wonders!
Wow that is so great to hear!
Thanks for this post about Castor Oil. I recently started using it for mastitis and a holistic healer in town recommended Castor Oil compresses. I have just been using it for three days now and I am healing nicely and actually had great energy today. I had no idea this gooey expensive “Christ” oil has more uses.
I’m thinking I might as well try this because a healthy liver goes a long way!
So so interesting!! Yes, our livers are important!
I’d love to use the hot/cold compress option you linked but we don’t have a microwave and I’m not sure a toster oven would work for heating the pack without melting it. Any other ideas or sources on how to do caster oil packs and still be able to move around? This is a big obstacle to my doing them more often!
Hmmm…how about a double boiler?
That might work. Not sure I want plastic in my pans either though. Plus there’s the extra dishes to wash. I’ll have to keep thinking on it. Thanks!
I understand. I have heated up a pan of water and then just popped the pack in. You could get an inexpensive pan from a thrift store and use it only for this purpose. I don’t think that plastic leaching would affect a pan b/c I don’t think it would adhere to the pan but I appreciate your desire to stay away from plastics! Maybe a rice sock made into a pad could work?
Thanks for the ides. We’ll see what I come up with!
The “Queen of the Thrones” castor oil pack ties on with elastic straps and is perfect for if you have to move around with it on, as it’s one piece. It also uses non-toxic materials that direct your body heat back instead of using a heat source to warm it up. Been working well for me. But will still get on clothes if you saturate it too much or don’t follow directions.
I saw this the other day. I thought it looked interesting but others were saying it’s still messy and I assume you have to keep buying them, correct? Would get really pricey!!
It isn’t bad, mess wise. If you just put a small drizzle across the pack, keeping it away from the stitching around the edge it isn’t that messy. Basically follow the directions and don’t saturate it. I over did it in the beginning, so a small amount has gotten on my pajamas, but I just wear ones I don’t care about, and wash them separate after, just because the oil doen’t really totally come out of clothing.
The pack is a one piece pack that you just put oil on, and strap on. The oil is in a glass bottle which is way healthier then plastic.
The pack AND castor oil combo is $60, BUT you can wash the pack if needed (directions included) and my husband and I both bought one and we aren’t even through the first bottle after a month and a half or more.
They say to replace it sooner, but I will just get my money’s worth first ?
It is everything they say it is, and is a big part of detoxification and fixing my digestive system issues. Worth every penny to me!! And I am super duper “pinch a penny and make it scream” frugal, so that says alot!!
Super interesting. So…..do they tell you how many times you can use this and wash it before you have to replace it? I’m sort of interested?? Just not able to wrap my mind around this (pun not intended) yet!
Hello, can the castor oil pack help with blocked filopian tubes , and if so do you know what I should expect from my while doing the pack treatment.
Hi there. Sorry but I can’t medically advise. I would recommend checking with your physician and doing your own research–you can of course take your findings to your practitioner. I have found that some physicians are open minded to add in alternative healing alongside mainstream medicine. Best wishes!
I read that caster oil packs help heal scaring I was wondering if I could use it to help heal lung tissue and if so how would it be applied for that area?
Hi there – I’m sorry I can’t medically advise and also don’t know the answer to that question. I think I recall reading about that but not sure–very interesting question! I hope you find some answers!
Do you apply the pack anywhere on your body where you feel it may help? Thyroid = over the front of your neck? Sciatica = on your gluteus?
I have heard of people using castor oil packs for many things. I can’t medically advise so I would recommend doing your own research and asking your physician if you have a specific medical concern.
Hello, thanks you for the information about castor oil packs! I have a question, I can castor oil be used for thyroid health? Is it apply the same way on the liver area? Or can it be applied directly on the thyroid area? Thanks in advance.
You are so welcome. I have actually read about people using them for that purpose. I just added that information to the post–thanks for a great question!
Does the cloth need to be completely wet with oil or can I use the castor oil on my tummy then place the flannel over my tummy?
I think the latter is just fine!
Hi- I was just wondering why you shouldn’t use this if you have an IUD.
Hi there. I have heard that theoretically it could cause the IUD to dislodge or release excess copper. Hope that helps!
I got rid of kidney stones with a castor oil pack. I would like to kn ow if any body knows if it helps type 2 blood sugar
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Thank youy
Any thoughts on oil pulling with castor oil (as long as it’s high quality, cold-pressed, hexane-free…)?
I have heard it’s a good option!
Hi again. Just wanted to update you since I just wrote this post on oil pulling :). https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/coconut-oil-pulling-benefits/
We were told that our son had acid reflux at 3 months old. They wanted to put him on gurd medication. We used castor oil packs on his feet at night under his socks. This worked wonders for his reflux!
How fascinating!!! I can’t believe this – thanks for sharing! I wonder why this helped?
How much does the castor oil liver pack cost?
There are links in the post to the items you need to make them. It depends on what size / items you buy. Hope they work well for you!
Under 3 dollars at walgreens
The castor oil needs to be organic and without a 3- letter chemical. I cannot think of the name at the moment. Best to buy it at an health food store. That is my suggestion.
I used it on my kidney and liver. Amazing results.
This is a very informative post, as are all of the other posts I have read on your blog. However, please allow me to point out that castor oil is WONDERFUL for hair growth–depending upon your hairtype. I am of African-American descent and castor oil has been a game changer for my children and my hair. Unlike other hairtypes, our hair is dry, and castor is an awesome moisturizer (although I don’t recommend putting in too much due to its heaviness). Having moist hair causes us to retain length/reduce tangles and breakage–which some people interprets as hair growth. It works (for some)– trust me. 🙂
BTW, I can’t wait to give this a try! Thanks for the share!
thanks!
Yes, I tried it and it caused so much ripping out of my hair – any tips? It was so hard to get out! I do need more moisture! I tried a heavy moisturizing shampoo recently and it caused all the tangling again, however. It was terrible. I couldn’t even comb my hair! Thanks for the compliment!
You have to mix the castor oil with a secondary oil like coconut oil or olive oil so it’s not as thick and won’t tangle or pull any hair from your scalp. Mix equal parts of both and massage in scalp for a few minutes. Leave in your overnight and shampoo your hair as normal in the morning. 🙂
Thank you! Maybe I will try it! I have found a hair product / system that appears to be really helping my hair but will remember this as well!
I agree. it’s important to mix with another oil in equal parts & coconut oil is perfect. Also, when going to wash the oils out, add conditioner to your hair & work it thru as if it were shampoo prior to using the shampoo to wash it out. The conditioner helps to break down the oils prior to washing, allowing the shampoo to finish the oil removal nicely with no damage or tangling. Hope this helps. This is my method I learned through research & it works like a charm 🙂
Thank you! How often do you do this and does your hair seem improved?
For those who have trouble removing the castor oil, I find that after leaving it (castor oil plus olive oil to thin it) on my hair overnight, if I put some conditioner on the dry hair before wetting and shampooing, then wash and condition as normal, the oil residue is gone and my hair is super manageable.
I have Spurs n nerve pain under my both foot and pain in my neck and pain in my left hand fingers will it work if l use castor oil pack? Doctor only prescribe pain killer for me
and l don’t like taking them, long run it destroys my kidney.
I have not heard of castor oil doing this. I have heard about other things helping with pain. Maybe find a more natural minded doctor who can help you with alternatives? I can’t medically advise. Sorry.
Try apple cider vinegar… 1 tablespoon acv in 8 ounces of water every day.
I have neuropathy in my feet due to going Vitamin B12 deficient. I rub my feet each night with castor oil and put on socks, this has enabled me to be able to sleep and has reduced the pain as the castor oil helps with increased circulation. you can a bit of peppermint oil also, it adds a tingle and you can literally feel your nerves responding to a wake up call! Best of luck.
I’ve had a kidney transplant (3yrs ago), and my new Kidney lives in my right lower abdomen; it’s rather large, and I’m quite small lol. Some organs may have moved a bit to accommodate my new kidney…
Do you see any issue in using a castor oil pack on my right side? It wouldn’t be directly on my kidney, just near it.
Cheers!
Katie
Hi there. Wow you have been through a lot. I’m not sure I understand your question. Are you still planning to use this as a liver pack? I would of course defer to your doctor regarding all medical issues. I personally don’t know why this would be a problem but I am not a physician.
Castor oil for my knees I suffered from terrible pains I left my package all night I heated the castor oil in bath Maria and I put it was excellent the pain disappeared
Can I use the oil on my skin alone without the packs?
You could but it’s very very messy and stains clothing and the heat helps make it more effective from what I have read.