The Top 3 Benefits of Castor Oil Packs + How to Make & Use Them
Castor oil has been used in cleansing rituals since ancient times, and it’s still a trusted healing method for a variety of ailments in holistic self-care today. But what is castor oil, and what are castor oil packs? What do you need to make your own castor oil pack? If you’re curious about the benefits of castor oil, you’re in the right place.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick, luxurious oil extracted from castor seeds of the ricinus communis plant, which is native to the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Castor oil is packed with fatty acids and works as a powerful moisturizer. Castor oil is full of antioxidants + it’s antimicrobial and antibacterial.
Castor oil has been used throughout history as a healer of ailments, skin concerns and digestive issues. Loved by the ancient Egyptians for everything from treating eye irritation and constipation to promoting luscious hair and soft skin, castor oil also plays a large role in Ayurvedic treatments to promote cleansing, moisture and renewal.
Top 3 Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil is used topically in castor oil packs to stimulate the lymphatic system. The top 3 benefits of using castor oil packs as part of your at-home self-care rituals are:
- Promoting lymphatic drainage to eliminate toxins
- Increasing blood flow
- Decreasing inflammation
Castor oil packs use organic cotton flannel and an optional heat source to allow the oil to penetrate deep into the skin and reach the body’s tissues to stimulate the lymphatic system.
How to Make and Use Castor Oil Packs
You can make a castor oil pack at home with our organic castor oil pack kit, which includes organic castor oil and organic cotton flannel from Heritage Store. Just pour the organic castor oil on the organic cotton flannel cloth following the instructions according to your needs, then relax for 30 minutes to an hour, taking care not to stain your clothing or furniture or fall asleep with your heat pack on.
If you’re using castor oil packs to promote lymphatic drainage and to increase blood flow, place your castor oil pack over your abdominal area, covering your liver and your large intestine. If you’re using castor oil packs to reduce swelling and joint inflammation, place your castor oil pack over the affected area. Enjoy the benefits of castor oil packs as part of your self-care rituals 3x/week.
We recommend using only organic castor oil and organic cotton flannel for your castor oil packs, as conventional ricinus communis plants from which castor oil is derived are sprayed with pesticides while conventional cotton is sprayed and treated with highly toxic chemicals- the last things we want absorbed into our bodies. Our organic castor oil from Heritage Store is cold-pressed and hexane-free, and our Heritage Store organic cotton flannel is specially textured for maximum absorption.
Who Shouldn’t Use Castor Oil Packs?
Some practitioners recommend against using castor oil packs during menstruation, while others do not. Ask your doctor before using a castor oil pack during your period or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Add Castor Oil Packs to Your Self-Care Rituals for Enhanced Cleansing & Relaxation
Using castor oil packs is a powerful and relaxing way to support your lymphatic system as part of your cleansing and detox journey. Want to wind down your evening with even more relaxation after using your castor oil pack? Complete your ritual with our Sleep Well Wellness Roll-On from Province Apothecary and a cup of soothing adaptogenic reishi hot cacao from blume to drift away into sweet, stress-free dreams.
ANNIE CELENTANI
Annie Celentani is a freelance writer who loves nature, traveling and Italian wine. When she's not writing, you can find her researching natural foods & skincare products or out on a walk with her husband Paul, hoping to meet a dog to pet along the way.
