Castor oil packs are great for drawing toxins out the body due to the flow of lymph increasing throughout the body. This speeds up the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and reduces the size of lymph glands if swollen. Read more here.  Below we explain how to make and use a castor oil pack.

What You Need

• Castor oil
• Wool flannel
• Cling film
• Hot water bottle
• Old towels
• Old clothes
• Old bed sheets

Preparation: How to do a Castor oil Pack

• Gather Materials: Castor oil, flannel cloth, plastic wrap, heating pad, and towel.
• Soak the Cloth: Dip the cloth in castor oil until thoroughly soaked.
• Apply the Pack: Place the soaked cloth on the desired area (e.g., abdomen).
• Wrap and Heat: Cover with plastic wrap and place a heating pad on top.
• Relax: Leave the pack on for 30–60 minutes.
• Clean Up: Wipe the area with a warm, damp cloth. Repeat: Use 3–4 times a week for best results.

How To Apply Castor Oil Packs

• Soak the clean, dry flannel in castor oil. Make sure the cloth is lightly covered in oil, but not dripping.
• Fold the flannel in half and place across your abdomen (or afflicted area).
• Wrap cling film around to secure the flannel in place.
• Place hot water bottle on top. You can secure this with a large bandage/ old tights/ small towel to make it more secure if you wish.
• Cover yourself in towels to keep the heat in.

Leave on for 60 – 90mins

Removing the Pack

• Take the flannel off and put it in an airtight plastic container to store. You do not need to wash it. When you come to re-use the flannel just ‘top up’ the oil on the cloth to keep it moist but not dripping – this shouldn’t take much oil. Most of the oil is used in the first soaking.
• You can wash the oil off your skin with a cloth soaked in bicarbonate of soda and water, or just rub the oil off with paper towels.
• Put on old clothes, as yellow toxins will seep out of the skin. For this reason use old bed sheets when you go to sleep!

Frequency

• Repeat every day for 3 days, then have 4 days off.
• Continue this cycle until results are obtained.

Washing The Flannel

• The flannel only needs washing after 28 uses. Re-boil it in water for 5 mins with a few teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda.
• The oil will last for at least 5 years.

Contraindications

As with anything new, proceed carefully so that you can minimise any unexpected reactions. However, there are some situations in which a castor oil pack is not recommended.

• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Suspected appendicitis
• Faecal impaction
• GI obstruction
• Acute inflammatory intestinal disease
• Rectal bleeding
• Cancerous fibroids, ovarian or breast tumours – unless under supervision of a physician 

Benefits of Using a Castor Oil Pack

• Promotes liver detoxification
• Reduces inflammation
• Improves lymphatic drainage
• Relieves constipation
• Eases joint and muscle pain
• Enhances circulation
• Supports digestive health
• Improves skin health

Castor oil packs provide a number of health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and detoxification.

Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil may help to reduce pain and swelling. It is also effective in lymphatic drainage and removing toxins from the body.

Castor oil packs are also beneficial for improving skin health, boosting circulation, and relieving constipation, making them a versatile natural remedy.

Castor Oil Pack FAQs

1. What is a castor oil pack?
   Well known as a natural remedy, castor oil packs are usually used on the abdomen or joints to heal, detoxify, and reduce inflammation.
2. How do I make it?
   You can make a castor oil pack by soaking a piece of flannel or cotton cloth in castor oil. Apply it to the skin, cover it with plastic wrap then place a heating pad on top. Relax for 30-60 to effective application.
3. What are the benefits of using a castor oil pack?
   Liver detoxification, reduced inflammation and constipation relief can be achieved by using castor oil packs. People also use it to improve circulation, ease joint and muscle pain and also support overall digestive health.
4. How often should I use it?
   To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use up to 3-4 times a week or as recommended by healthcare professionals.