Learn how to prepare castor oil packs, their benefits, uses, and more in this comprehensive guide.

Meet Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin

My Work: I dedicated my life to learning how the body truly works, how to address someone’s pain, and how to ultimately heal the source. I specialize in giving others hope that there are answers out there. I offer safe and effective tools to locate the blockage, no matter the source, and that honos your body’s innate wisdom and natural ability to heal. Together, we will clear blockages on all levels and create awareness so you can break the cycle that continues to create your symptoms. 

My Credentials: Since 2005, I have been studying and practicing nutrition, applied kinesiology, Reiki, and functional medicine. I graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic in 2009 and am a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. I live outside Saint Louis, Missouri with my husband and two children.

My Promise to You: Together we will find the true cause of what your body experiencing. If you’re ready to take that next step and live a new life, I am here to help you. 

Watch my top YouTube Castor Oil Pack Videos

What is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. It is known for its thick and sticky consistency and has been used for centuries for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Castor oil is rich in fatty acids and has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. It is often used in skincare products, hair treatments, and as a laxative.

Why does castor oil work?

Castor oil has Ricinoleic acid, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols., which are known to be anti-inflammatory. When applied to the skin, castor oil has benefits for skin conditioning and wrinkle care. When the compounds of castor oil are absorbed into the skin, there is a systemic or whole body effect that can lower inflammation, reduce pain, support the immune system, and much more.

What is a castor oil pack?

A castor oil pack is a general term for a piece of fabric that you apply castor oil on and then place on your skin. There are a variety of fabrics and wraps that you can use and we will discuss them all in this guide.

What type of castor oil should you get?

Ideally, you want castor oil that is organic and cold pressed. It should come in a glass jar so the oil isn’t absorbing any plastics, PFAS, PBA’s or toxins from the container.

How to use castor oil packs

First, I do not recommend using castor oil internally unless directed by your physician. Due to its strength, it can cause significant health issues. While known for helping with constipation, labor induction, and liver health, it can cause serious complications.

Ideally, you want to use castor oil externally and you can do that in a variety of ways.

Option 1: DIY or homemade packs

Take a piece of flannel, washcloth, or old shirt and fold it into a square or a size that will comfortably fit over your liver, abdomen, or area that is being treated.

Apply 1 tablespoon of castor oil to the cloth and wait 1 minute for the oil to sink into the cloth. Then apply the cloth, castor oil side to the skin. Wrap the area with plastic (Saran) wrap or an ace bandage to hold in place.

*Note that castor oil does stain clothing, so choose clothing or towels that can be stained or discolored. See the cleaning section for more information on cleaning your pack.

After using your pack, you can save your fabric or ‘pack’ in a glass and airtight container to use again. Add additional castor oil if you find that there isn’t enough left over. You can use the same fabric for up to 30 days (some people save theirs for 90 days) then either wash them with dish soap or discard them.

Option 2: Pre-made packs

You can purchase a wrap or pack that is specifically designed for long-term castor oil application

Grab your own castor oil wrap and high-quality castor oil here from Queen Of The Thrones:

Option 3: Use like lotion

For abdominal, liver, or joint pain use, some people will just use the ‘lazy pack’ method and apply a little on their body, wear an old t-shirt and go to sleep.

I don’t recommend this method because you typically aren’t getting enough castor oil on your body to be able to reduce inflammation and you probably won’t see any major differences in your health.

For eyelash, hair, and skin care, you can use small amounts topically. Start with a very small amount to ensure that you are not allergic to the oil that you have purchased. For eyelash care, you can purchase an empty ‘mascara’ tube and wand and add castor oil to the bottle. Then use the mascara wand to apply the castor oil to your eyelashes. But please, do not apply directly to your eye. For your scalp, you can add some to your scalp at night.

How do I wash my castor oil pack?

Some people recommend that you never need to wash your castor oil pack, so that is up to you! But if you find that it is getting dirty, the oil is leaking through the pack seams, or you want to start fresh, then washing can be helpful.

You can soak your pack in hot water with regular dish soap and baking soda overnight. In the morning, wash with cold water and hang to dry.

You can also add the pack to your dishwasher and let it run through a cycle and also hang to dry.

How long do I leave the pack on?

This is one of the biggest questions and I believe one of the most important ones as well.

If you are using a pack for pain and inflammation, ideally you want to leave the pack on for at least 3 hours and ideally overnight or for 8 hours. This allows the large fat molecules to penetrate the skin and produces the best benefits.

Where do I apply the pack?

Traditionally, castor oil packs are used over the liver. This is on the right side of the body under the lower ribs. Most packs will wrap with one edge at the belly button, around the right ribs and end at the side of the body or on the back. Most commercial packs will have ties or velcro to help keep the pack in place. This will help with whole body inflammation, liver detoxification processes, hormone support, and total body health.

For digestive complaints, you can apply the pack directly to the abdomen.

For thyroid issues you can apply the pack to the front of your neck and loosely connect it around your neck.

For joint pain, bone spurs, arthritis, etc, you can apply the pack directly to that area.

Do I need to add heat?

Most people, including myself, like to put a heat pack over the castor oil pack. This helps the oil compounds move more quickly through the layers of the skin and can increase effectiveness.

Please be sure to:

  • Not burn yourself with high levels of heat
  • Not sleep with an electric heat pad on. Turn it off before you go to sleep.
  • Not apply castor oil to an electric heat pad
  • Use a towel or even a plastic bag between the castor oil pack and heat pack to avoid staining and electrical issues.

Are there any side effects to worry about?

Most people do not have any side effects from using castor oil packs but you may notice some changes in your bowel health, skin health, etc. If these symptoms do not subside or worsen please contact your physician.

The most common side effect initially, is diarrhea or loosened stool. This happens as the biofilm in your digestive tract opens and the yeast, bacteria, mold, and viruses are released. You may have some mild cramping, but this should all subside after a few uses of the pack.

Acne is another concern that is a byproduct of liver detoxification in the area. You can continue to use the pack even with acne. Make sure to shower and use soap in the morning after taking off the pack and you should also consider cleaning your pack or fabric if you have been using the same pack for a long time.

Headaches are another sign of biofilm breakdown and liver detoxification. Make sure you are drinking enough water.

To reduce all of these common side effects, consider taking a binder supplement like activated charcoal before you use your pack to help remove any waste that is produced from cellular, liver, and digestive clearing. 

Basic Whole Health Healing

  • Apply 1 Tablespoon of castor oil to pack and use nightly over liver
  • Grab your castor oil starter pack here: https://bit.ly/3qL1hRL
  • Add heat (electric wrap or rice pack) for at least one hour
  • Drink 20oz of water before using pack
  • Use Activated Charcoal supplement prior to using pack to reduce symptoms

Biofilm/Detox Supplemental Support 

This supplement program will help support your detoxification pathways of the liver, small and large intestines, and lymphatic systems.

If you are having any skin reactions (rashes, acne, itching), please wash your pack or purchase a new one. Ensure you are using castor oil that is organic and cold pressed and wash your skin after using your pack.

If you are concerned about detoxification with using a castor oil pack, using a binder (like activated charcoal) can help reduce signs of inflammation, side effects like headaches or diarrhea. 

If you are having biofilm side effects (mucous in stool, diarrhea, belly tenderness, inflammation, reactivation of viral or autoimmune) you can add in biofilm support to help speed up the process!

Get your supplemental support here

*If you are still having skin reactions, please consult your physician. 

 

Digestive Health Support

  • Prior to applying the castor oil pack to your abdomen, apply these essential oils to help speed up healing, reduce side effects, and improve leaky gut:
  • Apply heat over the castor oil pack
  • Add in supplemental support if having side effects

Dr. Alison’s Anti-inflammatory and Personal Gut Protocol

  • Prior to applying the castor oil pack to your abdomen, apply these essential oils to help speed up healing, reduce side effects, and improve leaky gut:
    • Frankincense, tea tree, wintergreen, lemongrass, siberian fir, helichrysum, soothing blend, peppermint, massage blend
    • Order here: https://doterra.me/iwSzCm
  • Apply heat over the castor oil pack
  • Add in supplemental support if having side effects

 

Liver Clearance

  • Prior to applying the castor oil pack to your abdomen, apply these essential oils to help speed up healing, reduce side effects, and improve leaky gut:
  • Apply heat over the castor oil pack
  • Add in supplemental support if having side effects

Hair Growth

  • Using a glass spray bottle (order here) add 10 drops each of these essential oils
    • 10 drops each of Rosemary, Geranium, Tea Tree, Lavender, Clary Sage, Peppermint and fill the rest of the bottle with castor oil
    • Order here: https://doterra.me/wgzuDH
    • Use a shower cap or bonnet to sleep in to protect your pillows
  • Wash your hair in the morning

 

Scalp Psoriasis

YouTube Video here: https://youtu.be/7cu0c6PLsMw

  • Add 1 bottle of Fractionated Coconut oil, 1 cup of Castor Oil, and 1/2 tube of HD Clear Face lotion and mix
  • Get your HD Clear here: https://doterra.me/xAh2dy
  • Keep in a glass jar
  • Apply liberally to scalp and allow to sit for 1-4 hours. Wear a shower cap to prevent clothes staining.
  • Wash out – shampoo twice before conditioning
  • Dry your hair immediately with cool setting.

Hormone and Fertility Health

  • Prior to applying the castor oil pack to your abdomen, apply these essential oils to help speed up healing, reduce side effects, and improve leaky gut:

Schedule a free health consult with Dr. Alison

Do you have questions about ordering, what protocol to follow, or need a personalized protocol? Schedule a free 30 minute consultation with Dr. Alison to discuss your goals and symptoms and we will create a 90 day plan just for you!

Schedule online here: https://littleblackbagmedicine.com/scheduleonline/

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