Should You Be Using Castor Oil Packs? What This Gentle Therapy Can (and Can’t) Do for You

If you’ve recently fallen down the rabbit hole of DMSO, detox hacks, or alternative healing, you’ve likely come across something called a castor oil pack. Maybe you’ve heard influencers rave about it for everything from hormone balance to liver detox. But does it really work? Is it safe? And is it worth the mess?

Let’s unpack the why, how, and when of castor oil packs—and whether they deserve a place in your routine.

What Is a Castor Oil Pack?

A castor oil pack is a piece of cloth soaked in cold-pressed castor oil, placed on the skin (usually over the abdomen), and often covered with a heat source like a hot water bottle or heating pad. The idea is to deliver the anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing properties of castor oil directly to the tissues beneath the skin.

This is not a trendy new therapy. It has deep roots in traditional medicine and naturopathy—with folks like Edgar Cayce (the "Sleeping Prophet") popularizing its use back in the early 1900s.

What Do Castor Oil Packs Actually Help With?

Here’s where they shine:

• Liver support and gentle detox

• Hormonal balance (especially for estrogen dominance or cycle support)

• Lymphatic drainage and circulation

• Bloating and digestive issues

• Pain, cramping, or inflammation

They don’t force detox like DMSO or aggressive binders—they support the body’s natural clearing systems. Think: gentle encouragement vs forced evacuation.

What They Can’t Do

Castor oil packs are not: - A miracle cure - A stand-alone detox program - A one-and-done fix

They also won’t pull metals, parasites, or pathogens out of your body. Instead, they create a safer internal environment for your body to do its own work more efficiently.

When to Use Them

• During a gentle detox program

• As part of hormone or gut support

• When you feel bloated, puffy, or sluggish

• Before or during your menstrual cycle for cramping

• In the evening as part of a calming routine

Pro tip: Aim for 3–5x per week for 45–60 minutes. But even once a week is better than never!

How to Use a Castor Oil Pack (Without Making a Huge Mess)

1. Choose your castor oil: Organic, cold-pressed only (recommendation for a quality company is below)

2. Choose your pack: Wool flannel, cotton, or a pre-made wrap

3. Apply oil to the cloth or directly on the skin

4. Place over the liver (right side of your abdomen under the ribs)

5. Cover with old towel or plastic wrap to protect clothes

6. Add heat (optional, but enhances absorption)

7. Relax for 45–60 minutes

8. Clean up: Use a bit of baking soda, castile soap, or old rags

You don’t need to refrigerate the cloth between uses. Just store it in a glass container and reapply oil as needed.

Who Should Not Use Castor Oil Packs? Out of an abundance of caution...

• Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester (castor oil may stimulate uterine activity)

• Organ transplant recipients (due to potential immune system stimulation)

• Individuals currently undergoing chemotherapy (to avoid altering drug metabolism or stimulating detox during treatment)

• People with open wounds, rashes, or skin infections in the area of application

• Those with very thin or fragile skin (e.g., elderly individuals or those with long-term steroid use)

• Anyone with known allergies to castor oil

• Children under 12, unless guided by a practitioner

• People with active abdominal pain of unknown cause (e.g., appendicitis or undiagnosed pelvic pain)

• If you're extremely sensitive, start slow, use a test area, or skip heat entirely

Final Thoughts

Castor oil packs are one of those rare remedies that are inexpensive, low-risk, and surprisingly effective when used consistently.

They don’t grab headlines like ozone or DMSO, but they do support your healing foundation in a steady, gentle way. If you’re trying to improve your drainage pathways, balance hormones, or reduce inflammation, they’re absolutely worth a try.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate them into your routine, or whether your body is ready for detox work in the first place, I’m here to help. Book a consult and let’s make a plan that fits your body and your goals.

And if you're ready to try a castor oil pack yourself, I recommend starting with high-quality tools. I partner with Queen of the Thrones—their very high quality pre-made packs make it easy (and way less messy). You can use my affiliate link here and enter code DRJEN10 for 10% off your order (if it doesn't automatically populate).