Let’s talk about one of the most underrated tools in the wellness world: castor oil packs. Sure, they’re not flashy. But in the world of functional medicine? Total game-changer.
Castor oil has been used for centuries—from ancient Egypt to your grandmother’s medicine cabinet—and now it’s finally getting the comeback it deserves. At Mitchell Holistic Health here in Onalaska, WI, we’re big fans. Why? Because it’s one of the few detox therapies you can literally do in your sleep. No IVs. No juicing. No expensive gadgets. Just strap it on, snooze, and let the castor oil work its magic overnight.
It’s simple. It’s effective. And honestly, it’s one of those forgotten holistic hacks that deserves way more credit.
What Are Castor Oil Packs & How Do They Work?
Castor oil packs are one of those old-school remedies that have stood the test of time—and for good reason. At their core, they’re a simple combination of organic castor oil and a cloth compress, typically placed over the liver area and held in place with a wrap or gentle heat source. What makes them special is the oil’s star compound: ricinoleic acid, which has unique anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing properties.
In traditional holistic practices, castor oil packs have been used to support:
– Liver detoxification
– Hormone balance
– Digestive regularity
– Inflammation and pain relief
– Lymphatic flow and immune function
Why Over the Liver?
In functional medicine, the liver is often the first place we look when someone is dealing with fatigue, hormone imbalance, poor digestion, or chronic inflammation. Castor oil packs placed over the liver area (upper right abdomen) are believed to stimulate circulation and lymphatic movement, allowing your body’s detox systems to work more efficiently. This makes them a gentle go-to therapy for clients dealing with everything from sluggish digestion to PMS to skin breakouts.
A Gentle, At-Home Detox Routine
Unlike other detox methods that can feel intense or restrictive, castor oil packs are low-effort and restorative. You don’t need to fast, drink a gallon of green juice, or take a bunch of pills. You just lay back (or sleep!) while the oil does the work.
It’s a way to support your body without stressing it out. And once clients try it, they often love it. It’s grounding, nurturing, and deeply supportive for systems that are overworked and under-cared for.
Scientific & Anecdotal Evidence for Health Benefits
While there’s still limited large-scale clinical research on castor oil packs, the anecdotal and practitioner-based evidence is strong. Here’s what we often see—and why we love them:
Liver Detoxification
Your liver is your body’s detox powerhouse, and it can get sluggish from things like poor diet, stress, alcohol, or environmental toxins. Castor oil packs placed over the liver are thought to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow in that area, helping your liver process toxins more efficiently.
We often pair this practice with nutritional liver support like NAC, glutathione, and B vitamins for a comprehensive detox approach. Read more on glutathione HERE.
Improved Lymphatic Circulation
The lymphatic system is crucial for immune health and toxin removal—but unlike your circulatory system, it doesn’t have a pump. Castor oil packs can help stimulate lymph flow, especially when used regularly. Clients often report less puffiness, better digestion, and more energy after consistent use.
Read more here about supporting your body’s natural healing processes!
Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It’s especially helpful for:
– Abdominal cramps
– Joint pain
– Muscle soreness
– Pelvic discomfort (PMS/endometriosis support)
(Side note: If you are experiencing lots of pelvic discomfort, bladder leakage, or even painful sex, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our holistic physical therapists that specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction. And stay tuned to our blog page and social media— lots more on pelvic floor dysfunction coming!)
How to Use Castor Oil Packs Safely & Effectively
Here’s your go-to guide for using them at home:
Step-by-Step Application
1. Get your materials:
– Organic castor oil
– Cotton or flannel compress
– Wrap or heating pad (optional)
– Towel or old t-shirt (it can get a little messy!)
2. Soak the compress with castor oil. It should be saturated, but not dripping.
3. Place the pack over your liver (right side of your abdomen, below the ribcage).
4. Cover with a towel, then add a heating pad or castor oil wrap to hold it in place.
5. Relax for 45-60 minutes, or wear it overnight (yes, you can detox in your sleep!).
6. Clean the area with a little baking soda and warm water if needed.
Want to make it even easier?
We recommend this mess-free castor oil pack kit that straps right on.
Who Should Use (and Avoid) Castor Oil Packs?
Best for:
– People with sluggish digestion, liver congestion, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or chronic fatigue
– Anyone seeking gentle, at-home detox support
Avoid if:
– You’re pregnant or actively menstruating (unless advised otherwise by your practitioner)
– You have open wounds or a known allergy to castor oil
Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy, especially if you have a complex medical condition.
Are They Worth the Hype? Our MHH Functional Medicine Take
We use castor oil packs with our clients all the time, especially during detox protocols, hormone balancing, or immune support phases. Why?
Because they’re one of the only detox practices that work with your body, without over-stimulating it.
One of our favorite things about castor oil packs? You can literally do them while you sleep. Strap it on, go to bed, and wake up knowing you’ve supported your body’s natural healing systems.
Don’t Sleep on This Detox Tool
Castor oil packs may not be the sexiest wellness trend out there. But don’t let their humble vibe fool you—these things work well.
They’re like the quiet friend who always shows up, never makes a fuss, and somehow fixes everything. Feeling bloated? Liver feeling a little sluggish? Stressed out and inflamed? Castor oil packs are there for you—no smoothie subscription required.
At MHH, we love them because they’re simple, affordable, and surprisingly powerful. And bonus: you can do them while you sleep. Literally healing while horizontal. What more could you want?
If you’re looking to give your detox pathways a gentle nudge, soothe inflammation, or just add a little self-care to your week, castor oil packs are 100% worth trying.
Ready to jump on the castor oil bandwagon?
We’ve got them in clinic, or you can grab the mess-free kit we recommend right here: Castor Oil Pack Kit – Amazon
Strap it on, zone out (or doze off), and let your liver say, “thank you.”
FAQs: Castor Oil Packs
1. Do I have to use heat with the castor oil pack?
Not necessarily! While using a heating pad or hot water bottle can enhance absorption and relaxation, it’s not required—especially if you’re wearing the pack overnight. The warmth of your body alone can still help the oil do its thing. If you’re short on time or don’t want to mess with cords, skip the heat and still get the benefits.
2. How often should I use a castor oil pack?
This depends on your health goals. For general detox support, 2–3 times a week is a great place to start. If you’re dealing with hormonal imbalance, bloating, or chronic inflammation, some practitioners recommend daily use for a couple of weeks, then tapering off. Consistency over time is key!
3. Can I reuse the same pack?
Yes! The cloth can be reused several times—just keep it in a sealed container or baggie in between uses, and add more oil as needed. After about 10–15 uses (or if it starts smelling funky), you’ll want to replace it.
4. Will it stain my clothes or sheets?
Oh yes. Castor oil is thick, sticky, and loves to leave its mark. Wear old clothes and protect your bedding if you’re wearing it overnight. This is why we *love* the mess-free castor oil pack kits—they keep things way cleaner.
5. Can I apply it to other areas besides the liver?
Absolutely. While the liver is the most common spot, castor oil packs can also be used on the abdomen (for digestion/constipation), pelvic area (for period pain/endometriosis), joints, or anywhere you’re experiencing inflammation. Just don’t use it on broken skin or open wounds.