Castor Oil Packs: Natural Relief for Inflammation, Pain & Drainage
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries as a gentle yet powerful healing tool in natural medicine. Derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid—a unique fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory, circulation-boosting, and detoxifying properties.
When applied topically in the form of a warm pack, the oil penetrates deep into tissues, promoting relaxation, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body's natural healing processes. Castor oil packs provide a gentle way of improving blood flow to the organs in your pelvis and your liver and can be use to soften well-heal scar tissue after surgery. They are incredibly relaxing and a great excuse to lay horizontal!
While castor oil packs are well-known for supporting uterine health—helping with menstrual imbalances, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic congestion—they’re equally valuable for liver detoxification and lymphatic drainage. The liver is our body’s primary detox organ and castor oil packs stimulate bile flow which acts as a clean up tool. It also reduces the liver's inflammatory markers (CRP) and prevents any further tissue damage caused by medication, alcohol use, metals and pathogens.
Incorporating castor oil packs into your holistic rehab program can help reduce stagnation, encourage better circulation, and support organ function naturally—making them a simple yet deeply nourishing self-care ritual.
Some people like to use them when they have their periods, and others prefer not to but if you have a heavy flow do use with caution.
As with all oils and anything trying new, you should apply a small amount on your skin and wait 24hours to see if you have a negative reason to it before getting fully stuck in.
To make your own DIY castor oil pack, you will need:
A bottle of high-quality cold -pressed organic castor oil
A piece of cotton flannel or muslin baby cloth - it needs to be large enough to cover your lower abdomen when folded in half.
A hot water bottle or heating pad
Another muslin square or small old towel to cover the pack with while you are using it.
An old towel to place underneath you and old clothes to wear as the oil does stain.
A glass container with a lid to soak the flannel in and to store it between uses.
Warning:
The oil does get hot easily and can burn your skin. So the hot water should be warm (80 degrees max) but NOT just-boiled.
The oil is thick and does stain - so have plenty of towels going and use old sheets the first time you do this.
Do not use after ovulation if you are trying to conceive.
Instructions: A short video clip: here
Fold your cloth so it is the size of your lower abdomen
Place your cloth inside your glass container
Pour the castor oil in the jar, soaking the cloth.
Place your old towel on your bed and have your towels at hand
Get your hot water bottle ready (do not pour boiling water into any hot water bottle, it must be 80 degrees and only ¾ quarter full)
Get your relaxing space ready, maybe some nice music, candle light, a book near and most importantly turn your phone off
Lay down on your bed / towel and be comfortable
Carefully remove the cloth from the container, unfold it, and place it across your lower abdomen OR your liver (on your right side rib cage)
The cover the saturated cloth with an old towel
Place the hot water bottle on top of the old towel
Take some deep breaths, relax, meditate, read a book or… fall asleep
Keep the pack on between 30-60mins
When you have finished, remove the saturated cloth back into the glass container. Place the lid on and it can be reused around 30times, though you will need to top it up with oil each time.
Wipe off any excess oil with your towels and relax or go to sleep 🙂
The recommendation is to do the pack three days a week for 3 months and assess if you feel they are helping you.
Get in touch if you tried this and what changes you see in your health!
