Castor Oil Pack Benefits: Granny's Secret Weapon for Pooping and Cramps
If you’ve been hanging around me or my coaching clients for more than 5 minutes, there’s a good chance you’ve heard me mention castor oil packs, aka the old-school remedy your grandma probably knew about but forgot to tell you.
Let’s fix that, shall we?
These little cloth-and-oil wonders are one of my favorite tools for getting things moving (hello, regular poops), soothing period cramps, reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, and even shrinking the occasional mystery lump or bump (after your doc has given it a thumbs up, of course).
And here’s the best part: it’s cheap, it’s easy, and it doesn’t require another pill, cleanse, or trip to the pharmacy.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Castor Oil Pack, Anyway?
First of all, don’t be intimidated by the word "pack." This isn’t some complicated contraption you have to order off the internet. It’s literally just a cloth and some oil. That’s it.
Here’s what you need:
A clean, old washcloth (or flannel or piece of cotton fabric)
Certified organic castor oil (this is super important; castor oil should be pure and uncontaminated)
An old towel or T-shirt you don’t mind staining
How To Use a Castor Oil Pack:
Drop about a quarter-sized amount of castor oil on the cloth.
2. Place it over the area you want to support:
Lower abdomen for period cramps or constipation
Right side of your ribcage for liver support or sluggish digestion
Directly on any lumps or bumps (after they’ve been checked by a doctor!)
3. Cover it with the old towel or wear a shirt over it to keep the oil in place.
4. Relax if you can—read a book, watch your favorite show, or meditate. Functional Medicine guru, Barbara O’Neil, suggests keeping it on for at least 5 hours a day for 5 days if you're working on a specific issue.
5. Optional: Add heat (like a heating pad or hot water bottle) to enhance absorption and comfort.
That’s it. Easy peasy.
Top Castor Oil Pack Benefits
Here are some of the most common reasons I recommend this natural remedy to clients:
Castor oil for constipation & slow gut motility: Helps move things along by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation in the gut.
Castor oil for period cramps: Its natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties can ease menstrual discomfort.
Lumps, bumps, cysts, and swelling: Anecdotally, many people (myself included!) have seen shrinkage of mysterious lumps over time.
Liver support & detox: When placed over the liver, castor oil packs may help with gentle detoxification and digestion.
Stress relief: Taking time to relax with the pack can help shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode. (Yes, your gut bugs love that!)
Why Does This Actually Work?
Let’s get nerdy for just a sec.
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and has been used therapeutically for centuries in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicines. The oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
A small study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that castor oil packs improved symptoms of constipation without side effects.
Other studies suggest it may also support lymphatic circulation and reduce pain and inflammation, making it helpful for everything from hormone balance to immune support.
But Seriously... Why Is It Called a "Pack?"
I get this question all the time, and I get it! “Pack” makes it sound like a first-aid kit or some kind of fancy product.
Truth is, the OG version is just a cloth with oil. But historically, people would use it with a heat source and wrap themselves in it, like a little wellness burrito. That’s where the name comes from.
If you want to buy one of those fancy strap-on packs, go for it. But don’t let the term stop you from trying it the good old-fashioned way. All you need is a washcloth and the willingness to try something weird that actually works.
Are Castor Oil Packs Safe?
I always say this: listen to your body and talk to your doctor, especially if anything feels off or if you’re dealing with something new, painful, or persistent.
But in general, castor oil packs are very safe and gentle. They don’t harm healthy tissue and can be used as often as needed. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, definitely get the green light from your provider first.
Final Thoughts: Your Gut (and Hormones) Will Thank You
Look, I know it sounds too simple to be effective, but that’s the magic.
In a world full of complicated protocols and trendy detox kits, castor oil packs are a quiet, cozy rebellion. They remind your body that it’s safe, supported, and capable of healing.
So next time you’re feeling backed up, crampy, or just need a little chill time—grab the oil, grab the cloth, and be your own dang healer.
Love the weird, honest, and often lost methods of health that actually work? That’s exactly what Full Bloom Acres Wellness is all about! I help women get back to feeling amazing by cutting the BS–and the bloating–and learning to be their own health superstar!
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