Castor Oil Packs Benefits
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The information in this blog post is meant to be educational and is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice.
You’ve probably heard some buzz around castor oil packs lately. Maybe you’ve even seen someone apply castor oil to their belly and call it a day.
But if you’re wondering what castor oil packs are or how they actually support your health, you’re not alone.
I get these questions from clients all the time—and for good reason. Castor oil packs are a time-tested, natural therapy that I often recommend to support hormone balance, detoxification, and digestion.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Castor Oil Pack?
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The basic method is simple: castor oil is applied to a cloth (usually organic cotton or wool) and placed on the body—most commonly over the liver.
You can also apply castor oil packs over the lower abdomen, thyroid, or pelvic area depending on your specific health needs.
How Do They Work?
Castor oil is extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant and is rich in ricinoleic acid—a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
When absorbed through the skin, castor oil can support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and encourage the body to shift into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.
While applying castor oil directly to the skin offers some benefit, using it with a cloth pack significantly enhances its effectiveness by helping the oil absorb more deeply and holding in heat.
Castor Oil Packs for Hormone Balance
One of the top reasons I recommend castor oil packs is to support hormone regulation. They can be especially helpful for those experiencing:
Estrogen dominance
PCOS
Ovarian cysts
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Irregular or painful periods
Fertility struggles
Castor oil packs support the liver, which is key for hormone metabolism, and help reduce inflammation—both of which are essential when working to rebalance hormones naturally.
Liver Detox & Estrogen Dominance
The liver is your body’s detox powerhouse—processing everything from environmental toxins to excess hormones.
When the liver is overloaded or sluggish, it can lead to symptoms like:
PMS
Heavy or painful periods
Mood swings
Fatigue
Bloating
Using a castor oil pack over the liver can help lighten that load, increase circulation, and support the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins and metabolize hormones—especially estrogen.
They also support glutathione production, which is your body’s master antioxidant and helps clear out hormone-disrupting chemicals like BPA.
Castor Oil Packs for Digestion
Constipation or sluggish digestion? Castor oil packs might be your new best friend.
They can:
Stimulate lymphatic flow
Support bowel regularity
Reduce inflammation in the gut
Help break down biofilm and promote a healthy estrobolome (gut flora that helps process estrogen)
I’ve had clients go from struggling with bloating and irregularity to feeling lighter and more consistent just by adding this into their weekly routine.
Note: I don’t recommend taking castor oil internally. External use is more than enough to get the benefits—without the harsh laxative effects.
Support During Your Cycle
Castor oil packs can be used throughout your cycle to help manage uncomfortable period symptoms like cramps, fatigue, and bloating. They can also promote better sleep and balance cortisol, helping you feel more calm and supported during your period.
For period cramps specifically, castor oil packs help by relaxing the uterine muscles and reducing inflammation—so you’re not reaching for painkillers every month.
Trying to Conceive?
If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, you can use castor oil packs from Day 1 of your period up until ovulation. Once you’ve ovulated (and during your luteal phase), it’s best to pause use until your next cycle begins.
*Castor oil packs should not be used during pregnancy.
Who Should Not Use Castor Oil Packs
Avoid castor oil packs if:
You are currently pregnant
You have a known allergy to castor oil
You experience skin irritation from use
Always listen to your body and start slow.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack
Whether you DIY it or use a pre-made pack, here’s how:
Pour 1–2 tablespoons of cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil onto a soft organic cotton or wool flannel.
Apply the oil-soaked side of the cloth to your body (liver, abdomen, pelvic area, etc.).
Cover with an old towel or piece of plastic wrap (if DIY), then apply gentle heat with a heating pad or hot water bottle.
Relax for 45–60 minutes—or even overnight.
Repeat 2–3 times a week, or more often as needed.
Pro tip: Castor oil stains! Wear old clothes and be cautious of where the oil touches.
DIY or Pre-Made?
You can absolutely make your own castor oil pack at home. It’s budget-friendly and effective.
That said, I personally prefer using pre-made options that are less messy and easier to use (no heating pad or plastic wrap required). Look for packs made with organic, unbleached cotton and safe, skin-friendly materials like Rowe Casa Organics.
Castor oil packs are one of my favorite low-cost, low-effort tools for supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
They support:
Hormone balance
Liver detox
Period health
Digestion and regularity
Thyroid and immune function
Better sleep and less stress
If you’re working on balancing hormones naturally, healing your gut, or reducing monthly symptoms, this is one wellness ritual worth trying.
And remember—consistency over perfection. Even using your pack a couple times a week can make a difference.
👀 Looking for more tips on supporting your hormones, regulating your periods, and optimizing your fertility?