What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil has been used since ancient times in Egypt, China, and India. It was traditionally made into compresses and poultices and used in anointing ceremonies. Derived from castor seeds, castor oil is a very thick oil that can be applied topically and taken internally.

Castor oil boasts natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also promotes wound healing and can be used as a spot treatment for acne. Additionally, it contains high levels of the rare compound ricinoleic acid, which acts as a skin-conditioning agent. This is why castor oil is used extensively in personal care products.

Check out my DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Mask with Castor Oil or Oil Cleansing for Clear Glowing Skin.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs

Traditionally, a castor oil pack involves combining the oil with a piece of fabric (usually flannel or cotton) and applying it over the abdomen. This practice can provide various health benefits and is a great addition to your lifestyle.

Over in The Clear Skin Solution, we incorporate lifestyle practices into our acne-clearing protocols to support overall body health. One of our favourite practices is the use of castor oil packs. While many of their uses are anecdotal and not substantiated by the FDA, the FDA does acknowledge that castor oil can temporarily provide relief from constipation.

You can find premade kits, such as those available from Queen of Thrones, or purchase the items individually. Organic castor oil is available at most health food stores or from various online retailers.

How to Use Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs can be used to help support your body's detoxification pathways as well as digestion and hormonal health.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Author: Katie Stewart

Ingredients

• Soft clean, thick material like organic flannel or cotton
• Castor oil
• Hot water bottle
• Old towel

Instructions

• Fold piece of flannel to size of abdomen. Pour about 2 tbsp. of castor oil over – just enough to saturate (should feel like suede).
• Get your hot water bottle or heating pad ready.
• Once you lie down, place your saturated flannel over the affected area of your body.
• Cover the pack with an old thin towel (to protect from staining).
• Place the hot water bottle over the pack and let it sit for at least 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, you can rest or read a book.
• When the time is up, remove the pack and clean the area with water and a bit of baking soda if needed.
• Keep castor pack in a glass mason jar for next use. Apply more castor oil as needed.

Notes

Do not use castor oil packs while pregnant. Queen of Thrones makes a great castor oil pack kit that does not require the use of a hot water bottle.