Castor Oil Packs

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil, derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) has a long history of medicinal uses dating back to ancient Egyptian days.  The oil can be used internally as a laxative, but I want to focus primarily on external uses as internal usage can cause potential toxicity if not careful.

Castor oil packs are used on the skin to increase circulation and to promote elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin.  These can help stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Some of the conditions that seem to benefit from using castor oil packs are:

  • Appendicitis

  • Arthritis

  • Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gall bladder)

  • Colitis

  • Congestion

  • Constipation

  • Epilepsy

  • Headaches

  • Inflammation

  • Intestinal disorders such as stricture and colon impaction

  • Liver, kidney, and pelvic disorders

  • Neuritis (inflammation of nerves)

  • Toxemia

  • Poor eliminations

  • Scleroderma

  • Various liver conditions such as cirrhosis and torpid liver

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Warts and moles


Pretty impressive, eh?

Why this works.  When a castor oil pack is placed on the skin, it increases the circulation; improving blood flow resembling acupuncture, without the needles.  It also promotes elimination and healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin.

You’ll Need

  • High-quality castor oil (preferably organic and hexane free)

  • unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel – can be reused up to 30 times

  • hot water bottle or heating pad

  • glass container with lid – I use a quart-size mason jar for storing the oil-soaked flannel between uses

  • old clothes, towels, and sheets – castor oil does stain!

  • patience (most difficult to find!)

NOTE: I highly recommend carefully prepping the area where you’ll be doing the castor oil pack to prevent mess. Try using an old shower curtain, covered with a sheet under you to make sure nothing stains. I don’t often have to wash the sheet, and I just fold and store it in the bathroom cabinet for the next use.

How to Use a Castor Oil Pack

  1. Cut a large piece of cotton flannel and fold into thirds to make three layers. My original piece was 20 inches by 10 inches and when folded it was roughly 7 inches by 10 inches. Yours could be larger or smaller, depending on where you are planning to place it.

  2. Thoroughly soak (but not completely saturate) the flannel in castor oil. The easiest way I found to do this was to carefully fold the flannel and place in a quart-size mason jar. I then added castor oil about a tablespoon at a time (every 20 minutes or so) to give it time to saturate. I also gently shook the jar between adding more oil so that the oil could reach all parts of the cloth. Ideally, this should be done the day before to give it time to evenly soak. I save the jar since this is where I keep the flannel between uses (it can be used about 30 times).

  3. Carefully remove and unfold the castor oil-soaked cloth.

  4. While lying on an old towel or sheet (optional), place the cloth on the desired body part.

  5. Cover with plastic to prevent oil from getting on the heating pad. A hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or rice heating pad can be used, but hot water bottles and rice packs may need to be reheated several times.

  6. Lie on back with feet elevated and relax for 30-60 minutes (or longer).

  7. Use this time to practice deep breathing, read a book, meditate, or pray.

  8. After the desired time, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass container. Store in the fridge.

  9. Use a natural soap or a mix of baking soda and water to remove any castor oil left on the skin.

  10. 10.Relax and rest. Make sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated after doing this to support detox.

 Ideally, this treatment should be done every day, therefore resulting in the most beneficial effects.

Castor oil has been recommended to be massaged into cysts, bunions, tumors, even skin and breast cancers.

Castor oil can also be mixed with baking soda (mix until it becomes a paste) and massaged on calluses, moles, ingrown toenails and warts.

Some practitioners have added ginger to the castor oil and found it successful with addressing issues such as kidney and gallstones.

Please note the seed and plants of the Castor Bean are poisonous.  Castor oil should not be taken internally, or applied to broken skin, or used during pregnancy, or breastfeeding.