DIY Castor Oil Packs and How to Use Them

A castor oil pack consists of a piece of wool or fabric drenched in castor oil that is applied to the skin. People often use these packs for concerns such as skin complaints, circulation issues, and digestive troubles.

Castor oil is extracted from “castor beans,” the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. Traditionally, castor oil has been employed for various health-related uses.

The cloth is commonly cotton flannel or another dense fabric able to hold a substantial amount of liquid. Continue reading to find out how to prepare a castor oil pack.

Steps to prepare a castor oil pack

You can assemble and use your own castor oil packs with some basic supplies.

Naturopathic sources advise choosing castor oil labeled hexane-free when possible.

Materials and supplies

To make a pack you will need:

• castor oil — see recommendations on types such as cold-pressed or hexane-free in resources about castor oil
• unbleached wool or cotton flannel
• a medium bowl or container
• tongs
• scissors
• plastic sheeting, such as a small tablecloth or a garbage bag

Preparation

1. Cut the wool or flannel into rectangles roughly 12 inches by 10 inches. You can also trim them into strips or smaller squares depending on the treatment area.
2. Use at least three to four cloth pieces to build the pack.
3. Pour castor oil into the container. There should be enough oil to fully saturate one piece of wool or flannel.
4. Place one piece of cloth into the oil until it’s thoroughly soaked.
5. Use tongs to lift the cloth from the container. It should be dripping with oil.
6. Lay the saturated cloth flat on the plastic sheet.
7. Soak the remaining two or more cloth pieces in the same manner.
8. Stack the oil-soaked cloths flat on top of the first layer.
9. After soaking and layering each cloth, your castor oil pack is ready.

How to apply your castor oil pack

1. Lie down on a large towel or sheet to protect surfaces from oil drips.
2. Position the castor oil pack over the area you want to treat. For example, for constipation or digestive discomfort, place it on the abdomen.
3. Cover the pack with a small plastic sheet. This helps trap warmth and keeps the pack pressed to your skin.
4. If desired, set a hot water bottle or heating pad over the plastic to increase warmth. Do not fall asleep while the pack is heated to avoid burns or injury.
5. Keep the pack in place for roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
6. Remove the pack and cleanse the area with a warm, damp towel.
7. You can store the soaked cloths in the original container. Seal and refrigerate. Each castor oil pack can be reused up to about 30 times.

Safety considerations and side effects

Some individuals are allergic to castor oil and may develop a skin rash or other reactions when it is applied. If you’ve never used a castor oil pack, perform a patch test:

1. Rub a few drops of castor oil on a small skin area and leave it for 24 hours.
2. If no reaction occurs, using a castor oil pack should be safe.

Uses for castor oil packs

Castor oil packs are applied externally, sometimes with added heat. The concept is that the cloth is saturated with more oil than a simple topical application, which may promote greater absorption through the skin.

Some users believe the external pack can positively influence internal issues, but there is minimal research supporting the effectiveness of castor oil packs for internal conditions.

Skin uses

Ricinoleic acid, a prominent component of castor oil, has analgesic properties and may help calm certain skin problems such as:

• sunburn
• insect bites
• allergic rashes

The oil’s anti-inflammatory effects may help lessen redness, swelling, and itching. Castor oil is also a good emollient that helps lock in moisture, which can assist in healing dry, chapped skin and lips and may plump fine lines and wrinkles.

Constipation

Castor oil is sometimes taken orally as a laxative to stimulate bowel movements and clear the digestive tract.

External castor oil packs are also used by some people to help relieve constipation.

A small 2011 medical study in Turkey examined castor oil packs for severe constipation in older adults who used the packs for three days.

Researchers observed that the packs did not increase bowel movement frequency but made stools easier to pass, softer, and reduced constipation symptoms. More studies are required to confirm these findings.

Joint discomfort

Pain in knees, wrists, fingers, and other joints can stem from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, where inflammation produces pain and swelling.

Some people apply warmed castor oil packs to sore joints to reduce inflammation and potentially help drain trapped fluids that contribute to swelling.

Although direct clinical evidence for this practice is lacking, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil may have anti-inflammatory effects that help relieve pain in various joint disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. Still, further targeted research is needed.

Endometriosis

Some people turn to castor oil packs to ease pain from endometriosis.

There is little scientific evidence for this use; proponents suggest ricinoleic acid might help soften adhesions or blockages and improve local blood flow.

Liver and gallbladder support

The liver is the body’s primary detoxifying organ, breaking down and eliminating toxins, aged cells, and other waste.

Some natural health practitioners recommend placing a castor oil pack on the abdomen over the liver, believing it may assist the organ in moving particles and cleansing the body. However, this idea lacks robust scientific backing.

Clinical research is necessary to validate the use of castor oil packs for liver or gallbladder health.

Common questions

What do castor oil packs do?

Although additional research is warranted, castor oil packs are used by some to relieve skin problems, constipation, and joint pain.

What happens if you put castor oil in your belly button?

Applying castor oil topically can help retain skin moisture. There is no evidence supporting special benefits from placing it specifically inside the belly button. For more on topical uses you can read about castor oil in belly button.

Does castor oil remove toxins?

Some believe that placing a pack over the liver helps draw out toxins, but there is no scientific proof to support this claim.

What occurs when you rub castor oil on your stomach?

Castor oil offers moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some individuals use castor oil packs on the abdomen to help alleviate symptoms of constipation. For guidance on topical applications and face use, see castor oil for face.

Conclusion

Available research indicates castor oil has properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal actions that may provide benefits. However, more studies are required to determine the effectiveness of castor oil packs for various health concerns.

Consult a physician for treatment of infections or chronic medical conditions like arthritis, asthma, or persistent constipation. Castor oil packs are not a replacement for medical care.

You might consider castor oil packs for mild symptoms or as a complementary measure alongside treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.