I have to be honest. I never heard of a castor oil pack until a year ago and when I did, I wasn’t sure I believed the hype but wow I was wrong! Castor oil has been used for thousands of years. A castor oil pack is simply a piece of organic cotton flannel with castor oil added in the center that you tie on to your body and wear overnight. The most common place to wear a castor oil pack is over your liver but castor oil packs can also be worn on many different areas of your body for different benefits (see below). You can also buy ready-to-use kits, which I think is MUCH easier and prefer! My favorite is by The Queen of Thrones @thequeenofthornes. Link is in Favorite Sections. Buy castor oil in a glass bottle because the oil can absorb chemicals from plastic bottles. Castor oil packs are most impactful when you use them nightly or at least a few times a week.
Why use a Castor Oil Pack?
Castor oil packs are one of the most simple, inexpensive yet powerful tools to:
- Stimulate lymphatic system and liver function
- Promote healing
- Help balance hormones
- Relieve constipation and bloating
- Promote sleep
- Ease stress and anxiety
- Help clear acne and tightens skin
- Help with hair loss and growth
How do you use one?
To use a castor oil pack, pour 1 tablespoon of castor oil in the center of the cloth or cotton side of ready-to-go pack. Lay the cloth against your skin on the desired area and tie it in place. The compression of tying the pack on is what moves the lymph fluid. If using for your liver, sleep with the castor oil pack on and remove it in the morning.
Where to place the Castor Oil Pack?
Castor oil packs can be placed over the liver, pelvic area and back. For hair, skin and/or belly button use, simply rub the oil in to the desired area on your body.
Liver– To detox the liver, relieve constipation and reduce inflammation – tie the pack on right side of abdomen under rib cage
Pelvis and Hip– To relieve menstrual cramps, abdominal bloating constipation- tie the pack over pelvic area for an hour.
Back- To ease arthritis pain and inflammation, sore muscles, sciatic pain- tie the pack over the desire back area
Hair- To reduce hair loss and promote growth. Warm the oil in your hands and run the oil through your hair – Leave on for 20 minutes and then shampoo. (Can apply to eyebrows and eye lashes with a q tip)
Skin-To tighten skin, reduce dark spots, treat dry skin- apply a small amount directly to face or body for anti-aging benefits, to tighten skin, reduce dark spots, treat dry skin. Wipe off with a warm towel after 20 min or keep on overnight.
Pour oil directly in the belly button- To ease constipation, menstrual cramps, bloating, and improve gut health. The belly button is the gateway to the body so the ingredients are absorbed best here so as strange as it sounds! Simply pour up to a tablespoon in and lay down.
Personally, castor oil packs have been a game changer in my health! They have helped balance my hormones, reduce digestive issues, and I even see my eyebrows and eyelashes growing more. This practice is one of the best kept secrets that is just too good not to share!