Castor oil has long been used to rejuvenate hair and eyelashes. More recently, it has also been shown effective in natural healing and detoxification, especially in a pinch. I may not always have time for a full detox, but I always manage to find time for a castor oil detox. Here’s how and why.

Why Castor Oil

Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant, which originated in Egypt and was used for restorative purposes in the Middle East over 5,000 years ago. In more recent memory, it has been used to promote bowel movements and better gut health and relieve constipation; you may remember your grandmother singing the praises of the daily spoonful of castor oil. Primarily, however, castor oil has been used topically to heal cuts and wounds, relieve muscle and body aches, reduce menstrual cramps, and alleviate digestive illness and irregularity. It was so highly regarded in the Middle Ages that it was referred to as “Palma Christi,” or “Palm of Christ.”

How to Use a Castor Oil Pack

A castor oil pack consists of a fleece, wool, or flannel material and castor oil. You can find ready-made packs online, or you can make your own at home. If you are making your own, be sure to purchase a high-quality, cold-pressed castor oil; lower quality oils may have been exposed to too much heat during handling to be as effective. You will also need a heating pad or blanket.

After soaking the material in the oil, you apply it to your desired area and then place the heating pad over it. Then relax for at least an hour, or up to two hours, to allow the castor oil to work its magic.

Because of their ability to promote lymphatic seepage and both assimilation and disposal, castor oil packs eventually help the body to detoxify naturally. Not everyone has the time or energy for a full detoxification, but your body can benefit from a quick castor oil pack detox, just like mine does!

Please schedule a one-on-one strategy session, or meet me here to join my amazing program Thriving Hormones Detox!