Benefits of castor oil packs
If you’ve been in my world for a while, you know I’m all about simple, supportive habits that help clients feel better in their bodies. One of my favorites is the castor oil pack.
While castor oil has a lot of benefits for skin and hair health, I’m referring to using castor oil for deeper internal support on your liver, gut, and hormones.
There isn’t a large body of clinical research on castor oil packs, especially for liver or hormone support, and that’s okay. Not everything that works has been studied in a randomized controlled trial—especially gentler, non-pharmaceutical tools like this. When used safely, there’s room for trying something that feels supportive with minimal downsides, even if the science hasn’t fully caught up yet.
What Are Castor Oil Packs?
Castor oil comes from the castor bean and has a long history in traditional medicine. When used topically over the abdomen, it has anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects, making it a gentle but powerful tool for supporting liver function, digestion, and menstrual health. Castor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects. This is what sets castor oil apart from olive oil, coconut oil, or other common oils. It also has a thick texture that allows it to penetrate deeply into tissues, making it more effective for supporting lymphatic flow and soothing internal organs.
A “castor oil pack” is simply a cloth or wrap soaked in castor oil and placed over your abdomen or liver. There are a few easy-to-use options available now:
Queen of the Thrones sells reusable organic cotton packs that tie around your body so you can wear them comfortably. The only downside to these is that after a few uses, I find the oil starts to leak and stain my pjs and sheets.
Disposable options on Amazon also exist and I find these don’t leak, which makes me want to use them more frequently! When you take them off, it does feel like ripping off a band aid, but doing this in the shower under warm water can help.
Look for organic castor oil sold in a glass bottle
Why Use Castor Oil Packs?
Personally, I’ve found castor oil packs incredibly helpful for:
Regulating my menstrual cycle: I notice more consistent cycles and fewer PMS symptoms when I use castor oil packs regularly during the luteal phase.
Reducing bloating: A castor oil pack helps everything feel like it’s moving and settling again.
Supporting my liver: After a night with a glass or two of wine, I often use a pack over my liver the next day to support detox pathways. It helps me feel less puffy and tired.
Improving sleep: Surprisingly, when I use castor oil packs before bed, I tend to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. It’s like my nervous system gets the memo to slow down.
Beyond my experience, there’s some research and plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting castor oil packs can help:
Stimulate lymphatic flow
Support bowel regularity
Reduce cramping and pelvic congestion
Encourage parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity
How to Use Castor Oil Packs
Here’s how I use it:
Apply about 1–2 tablespoons of castor oil to the inside of the pack.
Place the pack over your liver area (right upper abdomen) or lower belly, depending on your goal.
Keep it on for at least 60 minutes, ideally while lying down or relaxing. You can add a heating pad if it feels good. I typically keep my pack on overnight.
Castor oil precautions
Avoid using castor oil packs during pregnancy unless directed by your healthcare provider.
Some women find that using packs during their period can increase bleeding or cramping.
If you’re actively trying to conceive, don’t use the pack after ovulation unless guided otherwise.
Castor oil packs might feel like an old-school wellness tool, but I think that’s part of the appeal. They’re low-tech, low-cost, simple, non-invasive, and incredibly soothing when used consistently. I’ve had great results with improved digestion, better periods, and more restful sleep and many of my clients have, too.
