The Magic of Castor Oil Packs

Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Castor oil packs have been used as a natural remedy to promote healing, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation for thousands of years. In fact, their use can be traced back to ancient Egyptian medical texts as early as 1550 B.C.

Castor oil (Ricinus communis) comes from the castor seed, native to India. It is incredibly rich in the fatty acid ricinoleic acid—making up about 90% of the oil—which is responsible for many of its therapeutic benefits. When applied topically, castor oil penetrates deeply and stimulates lymphatic flow, liver detoxification, and immune function, making it a favorite therapy in functional and integrative medicine.

Why Castor Oil Works So Well: The Science Behind the Magic

Castor oil is more than folklore—it’s backed by science and physiology:

1. Ricinoleic Acid’s Unique Properties: This rare fatty acid activates EP3 prostaglandin receptors in the body, helping reduce pain, inflammation, and smooth muscle tension. This is why castor oil packs are so effective for menstrual cramps, gut spasms, and joint pain.

2. Transdermal Absorption: Castor oil is easily absorbed through the skin, bypassing digestion—ideal for people with GI issues or poor absorption.

3. Lymphatic System Activation: It increases lymphocyte (white blood cell) activity and boosts lymphatic drainage, helping remove waste and toxins that build up with inflammation and poor detoxification.

4. Improved Blood Flow and Oxygenation: With the application of gentle heat, castor oil enhances circulation, oxygen delivery, and nutrient flow to damaged or congested tissues.

5. Hormonal Regulation: By stimulating liver detox and bile flow, castor oil helps clear excess estrogen and supports hormone balance—especially helpful for PMS, PCOS, fibroids, and menopausal symptoms.

6. Glutathione Production Support: Castor oil may support the production of glutathione, your body’s master detoxifier and antioxidant, which clears environmental toxins and heavy metals.

7. Biofilm and Microbial Disruption: Its antimicrobial action and ability to break down biofilms make it a supportive ally in gut healing protocols and rebalancing the microbiome.

Functional Benefits of Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs can be placed on larger areas like the entire abdomen (from clavicle to pelvis) or over specific organs such as the liver, thyroid, reproductive area, or joints.

Clinical and therapeutic benefits include:

Supporting liver detoxification
Stimulating lymphatic drainage
Improving digestion and relieving constipation
Reducing gas, bloating, and gut inflammation
Shrinking fibroids, ovarian cysts, and thyroid nodules
Supporting PMS and estrogen dominance
Regulating cycles and reducing menstrual cramps
Shrinking cysts in breast tissue
Strengthening the immune system
Improving joint, muscle, and systemic pain
Reducing gallbladder inflammation or stones
Supporting gut microbiome balance and breaking down biofilms
Healing skin issues: eczema, psoriasis, scars, stretch marks
Stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health
Fighting nail fungus
Enhancing sleep and nervous system regulation
Supporting weight loss and reducing water retention
Helping reduce post-surgical adhesions and scar tissue

Healing Post-Surgical Adhesions & Scar Tissue

Castor oil packs are particularly beneficial after abdominal surgeries—like hysterectomy, gastric bypass, or C-section—because they can gently help break down adhesions and scar tissue over time. With consistent use, they promote blood flow, soften rigid tissue, and improve lymphatic movement in the area, supporting better range of motion, reduced pain, and less internal restriction. Always wait until incisions are completely healed before applying.

Hormonal Detoxification & Estrogen Clearance

Hormonal symptoms like heavy periods, PMS, fibroids, and mood swings often stem from excess estrogen or impaired estrogen metabolism. Castor oil packs stimulate Phase I and Phase II liver detox pathways, supporting the breakdown and safe elimination of hormones. This is essential for those dealing with estrogen dominance or in need of hormonal recalibration.

Nervous System Support: Healing Happens in "Rest and Digest"

Castor oil packs gently activate the parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s rest and repair mode. When paired with practices like:

4-7-8 or box breathing
Chamomile, tulsi, or lemon balm tea
Guided meditation or restorative yoga

...they help the body shift out of stress, making room for deep healing.

How to Use a Castor Oil Pack

What You’ll Need:

Castor Oil Pack: We recommend the reusable Queen of Thrones packs, which tie around your body for convenience. Or make your own with organic, unbleached wool or cotton flannel.
High-Quality Castor Oil: Look for organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free oil in a glass bottle. Recommended brands: Queen of Thrones, Heritage, Banyan Botanicals, NOW, Baar, Aura Cacia, Sky Organics.
Optional: Heating pad or hot water bottle (not necessary with Queen of Thrones packs).
Glass container with lid: For storing your oil-soaked cloth.
Old towels and clothing: Castor oil stains—prepare accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare your space with towels or blankets underneath you.
Drench your cloth or pack in castor oil (about 1 tbsp per use).
1. Avoid soaking the outer seam of a Queen of Thrones pack - it will last longer without the mess.
Apply to the desired area:
- Full abdomen (most popular)
- Over liver & gallbladder (upper right side)
- Over thyroid or reproductive area
Add a heating pad or hot water bottle if desired.
Relax for 45–60 minutes, legs elevated.
Remove the pack and massage in any extra oil or clean with warm water and mild soap if needed.
Store your oil-soaked cloth in a glass container in the fridge or dark cabinet.

Never wash your castor oil cloth. Reuse for 2–3 months, adding more oil as needed.

How Often Should You Use a Castor Oil Pack?

For healing: 4–7 times per week for at least a month.
For maintenance: 1–2 times per week.
For chronic conditions or post-surgical recovery: Sleep in the pack for deeper benefits.

➡ Consistency is key. Healing takes time, and cumulative benefits come with regular use.

Holistic Add-Ons for Maximum Impact

Dry brushing before application to stimulate lymph flow
Detox teas (dandelion, milk thistle, ginger, nettle) during use
Infrared sauna or red light therapy post-application
Gentle movement or stretching after to enhance circulation
Adding Binders can help capture toxins in the gut, preventing reabsorption and supporting elimination via stool. This combo can be especially helpful during intensive detox protocols or when someone has a high toxic load.

Safety Considerations

Avoid use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or actively bleeding unless cleared by your practitioner.
Do not apply to open wounds or active infections.
Always consult with your provider if you have underlying conditions such as cancer or clotting disorders.

Functional Nutrition Tip: Track Your Healing

Create a before-and-after journal of how you feel each time:

Symptom	Before	After
Digestion	Bloating, constipated	More regular, less bloat
Energy	Fatigued	Increased alertness
Mood	Anxious	Calmer
Sleep	Interrupted	Deeper rest
Skin	Inflamed	Clearer

Therapeutic Quality Matters

We’ve curated our favorite high-quality oils and reusable wraps in our online store. If you don't have an account yet - click here online store.

Final Thoughts

Castor oil packs are not a quick fix—but they are a powerful lifestyle therapy that supports the systems your body relies on for healing. In functional nutrition, we focus on root cause healing, and castor oil packs align perfectly with most protocols.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, rebalancing hormones, managing autoimmune symptoms, or simply wanting to detox more efficiently, castor oil packs are a time-tested tool to keep in your healing toolkit.

Don’t forget—consistency is everything. Healing builds over time, one intentional act of self-care at a time.

Enjoy!

~ Queen of thrones castor oil and castor oil packs HERE.

~ Organic Castor oil and wool or cotton flannel HERE.

~ For more FAQs click HERE.

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