Hi friend!

Castor oil packs are taking over the wellness corner of the internet, but what exactly are they...and do they work?

If you tuned into my Instagram stories this week, I shared how I used castor oil on my abdomen after feeling HELLA bloated. And also on a random stye that I got last year. And also...on my breasts if they're sore before my period. Wait, one cure for all of our ailments?!

Sounds a little too good to be true. Especially when you consider that castor oil packs are mainly touted for their "detox" properties. 👀

My DMs were flooded with questions and praises for castor oil, so I decided to put a quick guide together for you! I love putting my nurse hat on, so let's get down to it. 👩🏻‍⚕️

Here's what the research says, what I say, and what the KBM community had to add, as well!

What's the deal with castor oil?

Castor oil is derived from cold pressing castor seeds. The main component in castor oil is ricinoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory and potent laxative. Its only FDA-approved use is for constipation, which would be taken orally. Oral ingestion is probably the least utilized route, and only take if directed by your healthcare provider.

Topically though, it's considered very safe (except for the rare allergic rash), and it's popular as a hair mask, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, and eyelash + eyebrow conditioner.

Placed over your organs as a castor oil pack, it's thought to absorb into your tissues to increase circulation, thereby increasing lymphatic flow to promote drainage. That's why it's thought of as a gentle detoxifying agent.

Unfortunately, there's no research to back castor oil as a master detoxifier, mainly because detoxification itself is hard to qualify. There is, however, boatloads of anecdotal evidence AND some promising literature that shows ricinoleic acid to strengthen the immune system + fight against viruses.

TL;DR: ricinoleic acid from castor oil is anti-inflammatory, increases circulation, and can improve immune function. There is little research on it apart from its laxative properties, but many swear by it for a myriad of symptoms.

What is a castor oil pack? 🤔

A castor oil pack is simply a piece of cloth that you've soaked in castor oil, then applied to your skin over a specific body part. Usually the cloth is wool or flannel, but a washcloth does the trick too. You then put plastic wrap (or some other type of leak-proof material) over the soaked cloth and leave it on for 20 minutes or overnight. Optionally, you can add heat to increase absorption.

While you could rub the oil directly onto your skin and wear an old t-shirt to prevent mess, the cloth is soaked in more oil than you could rub in at one time. So, over the course of a few hours, you're delivering more castor oil to your bod (like a consistent drip of oily goodness).

Plus, the act of applying gentle compression with the pack adds mechanical benefit by stimulating the vagus nerve. Why does that matter? Let's reverse-engineer this.

Circulation to your core increases when you're in a parasympathetic nervous system state. The vagus nerve triggers a parasympathetic state. Compression stimulates the vagus nerve. Therefore, compression via a castor oil pack may increase the benefits of the castor oil.

TL;DR: wrap yourself in a castor oil hug to get a two-pronged approach: the properties of the oil PLUS the mechanical benefit of compression. Also, it's messy stuff.

Where do I put castor oil packs?

The options are plentiful, and each placement correlates to a different purpose.

• Over the liver to promote liver drainage. This is a go-to for those looking to improve estrogen elimination.
• Over the gut for bloating and constipation.
• Over the thyroid to regulate inflammation for Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism.
• Over the pelvis for menstrual wellness and fertility.*
• Over the breasts for soreness or fibrocystic breasts.
• Over a stiff joint.

I also polled YOU, the KBM community, to see how you've been loving castor oil! Here's what you said:

• "It helped me get rid of cysts!"
• "I wear it 4-5 days overnight leading up to menstruation to reduce cramps."
• "To help dissolve gallstones."
• "After applying castor oil packs for a month I had six months of symptom free periods. Including PMS week gone."
• "Stopping period cramping in its tracks."
• "Healing ovarian cysts."
• "Only thing to help my celiac rash!"
• "I put it directly in my belly button to stay regular."
• "I've used it for period cramps, liver detox, and thyroid."
• "Use it at night in my face and eye lids. Helps grow lashes and brows."
• "Mastitis!"
• "A friend swears it helped with hair growth after postpartum hair loss."
• "Castor oil over the liver before sauna!"

Who shouldn't use castor oil?*

Remember how castor oil is a potent laxative? For the person who hasn't pooped in five days, castor oil encourages contractions in the intestines, and ta-da! Constipation solved. However, if you're pregnant, those contractions can take place in the uterus.

Unless you've been instructed to take castor oil to induce labor by your healthcare professional, avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is also why it is not advised to use castor oil packs in the luteal phase IF you are trying to conceive.

Do not use if you have cancer unless directed by your doctor.

What about menstruation?

Because of how it increases circulation, castor oil can increase menstrual flow. If heavier bleeding is something you want to avoid, do not use while ON your period. According to Chinese medicine, this effect can lessen over time.

How do I make a castor oil pack?

1. Get quality castor oil, ideally hexane-free and in an amber glass bottle.
2. Decide on your route: DIY or buy a pre-made pack. I did NOT want to bother with cutting up an old flannel or soaking a washcloth, so I bought the fan-favorite Queen of the Thrones liver pack. This company also sells packs specifically shaped for the liver, breasts, and pelvis. These packs are organic cotton flannel on the inside, leak-proof polypropylene on the outside, and come with straps to secure it in place. Note that if you go this route, it's not necessary to add heat. If you do want to go the DIY route, here's a guide.
3. If you're using a pre-made pack, you'll simply pour two tablespoons of oil in the middle of the pack, rub it together, and place over your target body part. Each use after that, pour one new tablespoon of oil on the pack. Here's a video tutorial.​
4. Wear for 20 minutes or overnight. You can do this while reading or watching a show, but overnight is my go-to.

Personal note...

Castor oil isn't a cure-all, but it's been a useful tool for me. I can count on it for noticeable improvement in bloating and breast soreness. If I feel my breasts get tender in the luteal phase, I apply the oil overnight, and the soreness is gone the next morning. It sounds like I'm making this up, but I would not be in your inbox if I didn't believe it was worth a try. As always, check with your doc if you have any concerns, but topical castor oil is not thought to interact with any medication.

What do you think? If you give it a shot, let me know!

Hope this was helpful!

xoxo,

Courtney

P.S. this email contains affiliate links. I appreciate the support!

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