I was first introduced to castor oil as my due date approached with my first child. Like any mother, I was eager to meet my little one so I turned to the vast wisdom of Google to find ways to speed up my body’s natural process of labor.
I have found many folk remedies to induce labor that I have tried (walking, spicy food, jumping on a medicine ball, pineapple, dancing, raspberry leaf tea, etc.). I also found a few that I couldn’t bring myself to try…especially the castor oil! (I’m glad I didn’t… I’ll tell you why.)
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil (Ricinus communis) comes from castor seeds, native to India. It is high in ricinoleic acid, which is thought to be responsible for its health-promoting abilities. In fact, it was called once Palma Christ for its leaf resembled the hands of Christ. It is important to note that while castor oil is said to have health benefits, the castor seed itself can be deadly. Internal use of castor oil may be safe, but it warrants caution.
Used in the healing arts of Japan and other ancient cultures, castor oil enjoys a long history of popularity. One of the oldest medical texts in existence, the Ebers Papyrus, states that the ancient Egyptians applied castor oil as early as 1550 BC.
Although it is considered “generally regarded as safe” by the FDA and up to one teaspoon per day is considered approved for internal use, it can cause severe stomach upset in some people. I’m not a doctor and I don’t play one on the internet, so talk to yours before using castor oil or anything else internally.
Does Castor Oil Really Start Labor?
Castor oil is sometimes used internally to induce labor, but available research questions its effectiveness. In fact taken internally it can cause irritable diarrhea (the idea will also stimulate uterine contractions).
I chose not to try this and do not recommend it as there is evidence that it may increase the chance of the baby passing meconium before delivery. It is also sometimes used to relieve constipation (again irritable diarrhea).
I much prefer outdoor use and personally would not use it indoors. It’s one of the two oils I use in my daily oil cleanser, which has improved my skin dramatically.
Castor Oil Packs (& Why Make One)
To support my body when I discovered my MTHFR change, I decided to try another way to use castor oil – castor oil packs!
What is it
The idea is to keep castor oil on the skin for at least an hour with a heat source to stimulate lymph and liver function. Unlike some “detox” methods, this is not said to have any negative side effects and there are many accounts of people experiencing better sleep and faster energy, and clearing skin marks.
NOTE: Even for external use, I would consult a doctor or naturopath to make sure this natural remedy is right for you. It should not be used if pregnant or struggling with a medical condition. I also test any oil (or any ingredient) on a small part of my hand before using it on a larger area of the body.
The beauty of castor oil packs is you can place them where the benefits are needed:
- Consuming the right side of the stomach or the whole stomach is thought to help support the liver and digestive system. Some gallbladder experts recommend castor oil packs as part of a general regimen.
- Keep the joints straight or tense muscles to reduce swelling. (Note: This is not a substitute for medical care but to speed up the healing of minor injuries that do not require medical attention)
- Or try the lower abdomen to help with menstrual cramps and problems.
What does it do?
Castor oil packs counteract the inflammatory and lymph stimulating benefits of castor oil but allow safe external use. From a 1999 study:
With a minimum of 2-hour treatment duration, this study found that castor oil packs produced a transient “volumetric” increase in the number of T-11 cells that increased 7 hours after treatment and then returned to normal levels after 24 hours. .
An increase in T-11 cells means a general increase in the level of the body’s own immunity. Lymphocytes actively protect the health of the body by making antibodies against infectious diseases and their toxins. T-cell lymphocytes originate from the bone marrow and thymus gland as small lymphocytes that recognize and kill viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancer cells. T-11 lymphocytes provide the basic immune system to keep the immune system strong.
In short, castor oil packs are said to help detoxify the liver naturally, support the health of the uterus and ovaries, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.
There are no comprehensive studies on the use of castor oil packs outside (although there are some preliminary ones), but a long history of traditional use in many cultures. There is evidence that it can have an effect on tumors and a positive effect on arthritis when used externally.
Castor oil packs also offer a relaxing time, which comes with its own health benefits!
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil packs are easy to make at home. I like them because they want me to be quiet and rest for at least an hour. That is not always easy to accomplish! They can be messy, but proper preparation is not.
You can also buy a complete castor oil kit instead of combining all the products below. See the end of this post for the ones I’ve tried and liked.
You will need it
- High quality castor oil (hexane free)
- Dye-free wool or dye-free cotton (like this one) – can be reused up to 30 times
- plastic wrap (or a large piece of cotton) or plastic wrap (non-porous)
- hot water bottle or heating pad
- Glass jar with lid – I use a quart-sized jar to store the oil-soaked flannel between uses.
- old clothes, towels, and sheets – castor oil stains!
- Patience (hard to find!)
NOTE: I highly recommend that you carefully prepare the place where you will make the castor oil pack to prevent a mess. Try using an old shower curtain, covered with a sheet underneath to make sure it’s free of stains. I usually don’t need to wash the sheets, I just fold them and store them in the bathroom cupboard for next use.
How to Use Castor Oil Pack
- Cut a large piece of cotton and fold it in thirds to make three layers. My original piece was 20 inches by 10 inches, and when folded it was about 7 inches by 10 inches. Yours may be larger or smaller, depending on where you plan to park.
- Thoroughly soak (but do not completely saturate) the flannel with castor oil. The easiest way I found this was to carefully fold the frame and place it in a square container. Then I added the castor oil about a tablespoon at a time (every 20 minutes or so) to give it time to absorb. I also gently shake the jar in between adding more oil so that the oil reaches all parts of the fabric. Ideally, this should be done the day before to give it time to soak evenly. I store the container as this is where I keep the flannel between uses (it can be used up to 30 times).
- Carefully remove and unfold the oil-soaked cloth.
- While lying on an old towel or cloth, place the cloth over the desired body part.
- Cover with a wrap or cotton pad, and place the wrap on top of the heater. You can also use a grocery bag to prevent oil from getting on the heating pad. A hot water bottle, electric heater, or rice cooker can be used, but hot water bottles and rice packets may need to be reheated several times.
- Lie on your back with your feet up (I usually sleep on the floor with my feet resting on the bed) and rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Use this time to practice deep breathing, read a book, meditate, or pray (or whatever relaxes you).
- After the desired time, remove the packet and return it to the glass container. Store in the refrigerator.
- Use a natural soap or a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any oil left on the skin.
- Keep calm and relax. Make sure you drink enough water and stay hydrated after doing this to support detoxification.
Where to buy Castor Oil Pack
You can buy castor oil kits that are filled with cotton pads, and a non-sticky packaging around them that eliminates the need for plastic.
- I have used this one from Radiant Life with great results (no leaks at all).
- The castor oil pack is similar to Radiant Life in terms of price and quality, but the flannel roll design is a little more graphic and easy to wear.
Other Ways to Use Castor Oil
Castor oil is convenient to keep around the house for use as well. It is rich in fatty acids and contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the body in many ways. Use castor oil externally to:
- Apply to acne, dry skin, acne, pimples, age spots, and warts to improve complexion and boost moisture.
- treat nail fungus
- Cover sprains, injuries, or painful joints
- Apply to back pain areas
- To cleanse and calm the stomach when there is difficulty in digestion or reproduction
For best results, apply castor oil packs for 60-90 minutes as soon as the problem starts. Do this about 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Consult a doctor to rule out more serious causes.
This article has been medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not specific medical advice and we recommend that you speak with your doctor.
Have you ever used castor oil? I’ll be sharing some of my other favorite uses soon, but please share yours below!