Castor Oil Packs: Benefits, How to Use Them & a Simple At-Home Guide
During our recent ice/snow stretch, I leaned into an old-time self-care favorite: castor oil packs. I hadn’t used my Heritage kit in over two years, and I was reminded of two things right away—castor oil packs can feel wonderfully grounding, and they can also be a little messy.
What are the benefits of doing castor oil packs?'
1. Support for detox & elimination pathways
Castor oil packs are most often used over the abdomen—especially the liver area—because they’re traditionally believed to:
Encourage circulation in the area
Support lymphatic flow
Assist the body’s natural detox and elimination processes
Many people notice a feeling of “lightness” or improved bowel regularity after a series of packs.
2. Lymphatic support
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart—it relies on movement, breathing, and external stimulation.
A warm castor oil pack:
Encourages gentle lymph movement
Supports immune and inflammatory balance
Can feel especially helpful during times of stagnation (winter, illness recovery, stress)
This is one reason castor oil packs have long been used in naturopathic and holistic traditions.
3. Nervous system calming (deep relaxation)
One of the most immediate benefits—often overlooked—is how calming they are.
People commonly report:
A parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response
Reduced tension and stress
Better sleep the night they use a pack
This alone makes castor oil packs valuable in today’s high-stress world.
4. Digestive comfort
Castor oil packs are often used to support:
Abdominal tension or bloating
Sluggish digestion
General digestive discomfort
The warmth plus oil application can help the abdomen soften and relax, which supports digestive function indirectly through the nervous system.
5. Support for inflammation & tissue comfort
Used over joints or areas of discomfort, castor oil packs are traditionally believed to:
Encourage circulation
Support tissue healing
Soothe stiffness or localized discomfort
This is why some people use them on the low back, joints, or areas of old injury.
6. A gentle, non-invasive self-care ritual
One of the biggest benefits is how simple and empowering they are:
No pills
No complex protocols
Just time, warmth, and rest
They create intentional space for healing—something many people are missing.
A castor oil pack is simple: saturate a piece of flannel with castor oil, place it on your abdomen (or the area you’re focusing on), cover it with a protective barrier, and apply gentle heat while you rest for about an hour. Here’s how to do them.
Quick step-by-step
Lay down an old towel/blanket.
Saturate flannel with castor oil (soaked, not dripping).
Place flannel on the abdomen.
Cover with plastic wrap or a reusable barrier.
Place a heating pad/hot water bottle on top.
Relax 45–60 minutes.
Wipe clean afterward and store the flannel in a sealed jar for reuse.
Mess-minimizing tips: use a barrier layer, don’t over-oil the cloth, and wear “oil-safe” clothes.
If you want the easiest start, look for the Heritage castor oil kits (they lay out the whole routine clearly). I’ve also seen Heritage products at Natural Grocers here in Little Rock. Or you can find other sources online. I recommend getting organic castor oil.
If you have questions, feel free to contact the office. Or if you have used castor oil packs before, I would love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below.