Castor Oil Packs: Don't Call it a Comeback
- jennysmithmattfeldt
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3
By JENNY SMITH MATTFELDT // Published April 2, 2025
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The irony of modern wellness is that practices that have been around longer than our civilization come back into fashion, leaving us thinking we’ve just discovered them. Right now, castor oil packs are having their moment on social media, but the truth is they’ve been a staple since ancient India and Egypt.
If you go looking for proof, you’ll find an internet tug-of-war, half the crowd swearing it changed their life and the other half calling it a placebo. The truth is usually somewhere in the middle. What actually matters is your experience. Does the practice make you feel good? Do you notice a difference? Natural remedies have to be evaluated based on your results and experience, not just what you’ve read online.
Let's Talk Claims
Castor oil packs have been used for centuries, and while the modern scientific research on them is limited here's what holistic practitioners are saying:
Supports Detoxification & Liver Health
Castor oil is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system and support liver, helping the body eliminate toxins more efficiently.
Reduces Inflammation & Pain
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with muscle pain, joint stiffness, and conditions like endometriosis.
Improves Digestion & Relieves Constipation
Applying a castor oil pack over the abdomen is believed to support digestion by increasing circulation to the digestive tract. This can help regulate bowel movements, reduce gas, and ease bloating—potentially relieving discomfort and promoting a happier, more balanced gut.
Supports Reproductive Health
Many naturopaths recommend castor oil packs for menstrual pain, ovarian cysts, and fibroids, as they may help improve circulation to the reproductive organs. They do recommend holding off on the packs during your period.
Enhances Lymphatic Drainage & Circulation
Regular use is believed to support lymphatic flow, which can help with immune function and reducing fluid retention.
Show Me How its Done
This is one of those rituals best done when you have a little time to rest, think of it as self-care and digestion support in one. Here’s how to do it right:
01 Apply the Oil & Give Yourself a Mini Massage
Start by slathering a generous amount of castor oil onto your stomach. (No need to be shy here—your skin will drink it up.) Then, using your fingers, give yourself a light lymphatic massage:
Start at your lower right abdomen and move up toward your ribs.
Sweep across to the left side and move down.
Complete the circle by moving back to the start.This helps with lymph drainage, digestion, and overall circulation. As a finishing touch, pour a little extra castor oil into your belly button.
If you only want to do the belly button they make individual patches to cover your belly button that you can leave on whenever you want.
02 Cover It Up
Lay a soft cloth across your stomach, organic cotton or flannel works great. If you're worried about mess, you can add a layer of plastic wrap on top to keep things contained.
03 Add Heat
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top. You don’t need intense heat—just warm enough to help your skin absorb the oil and give your digestion an extra boost.
04 Let It Work Its Magic
Sit back and relax for 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll be surprised how much your body absorbs. Just a heads-up: castor oil stains, so don’t use your fanciest towels or clothes for this.
Bonus Tip: Avoid a Fire Hazard
Once your cloth has soaked up all that oil, never, ever put it in the dryer. Oily fabrics + high heat = fire risk. Instead, wash it separately and air dry—a little trick I picked up from years as a massage therapist.
The Many Other Benefits of Castor Oil
Castor oil isn’t just for detoxing your gut it’s a beauty and wellness powerhouse. From hair growth to skin hydration, this ancient remedy deserves a spot in your routine.
Hair Growth Treatment
If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of DIY hair treatments, you’ve probably seen castor oil hyped as the holy grail for hair growth. (You can even read about it in my hair care routine) Thanks to its rich ricinoleic acid content, it helps:
Nourish the scalp and improve blood circulation, which can support hair growth.
Moisturize dry, brittle strands and seal in hydration.
Strengthen hair to reduce breakage and split ends.
Mix with red pimento oil and pumpkin seed oil for more hair growth benefits
Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth
Dreaming of thicker lashes and fuller brows? Castor oil is a natural way to condition and strengthen them. It:
Moisturizes and nourishes the hair follicles.
Encourages growth by improving circulation.
Prevents breakage, helping lashes and brows appear fuller over time.
How to use: Dip a clean spoolie or cotton swab into castor oil and brush it onto your lashes and brows before bed.
Cuticle & Nail Care
Castor oil is deeply hydrating, making it perfect for dry, cracked cuticles and brittle nails. It:
Softens and repairs cuticles, preventing peeling.
Strengthens nails, reducing breakage.
Adds shine, making nails look healthier and more polished.
How to use: Massage a drop of castor oil into each cuticle and nail before bed for ultra-hydrated hands.
Skin Hydration & Healing
Castor oil’s thick, occlusive nature makes it great for:
Deep hydration, especially on dry patches like elbows, knees, and heels.
Soothing irritation from minor cuts, scrapes, or rashes.
Fading scars and stretch marks over time with consistent use.
How to use: Apply a small amount to dry areas or mix it into your favorite body lotion for an extra moisture boost.
Joint & Muscle Relief
That same anti-inflammatory magic that makes castor oil great for digestion also makes it useful for sore muscles and joints. Try massaging warm castor oil into aching areas or layering it under a heating pad for deeper relief.
Basically, castor oil is the beauty and wellness multitasker you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re growing out your brows, soothing sore muscles, or giving your hair some love, getting oiled up might be the key.
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