Caster Oil Packs: Detox Toolbox

Welcome back to the Detox Toolbox! I use caster oil packs as a daily (or weekly) support for everyday detoxification. Kiddos also benefit from this practice, and it is a great tool to have on hand.

Check out more about caster oil packing and how to do it below!

Purchase the kit for Caster Oil Packs from Queen of Thrones HERE! (Affiliate links included in post)

Caster Oil Packs

What the heck are caster oil packs?

Caster oil comes from a seed native to India and has a long standing in natural medicine.  It was applied topically by Egyptians as far back as 1550 BC and incorporated in old Japaneses medicine as well.

Caster oil packs make a nice slow daily detox routine because they are not going to cause a huge release of toxins.  Instead, caster oil helps to support the natural detoxification processes already taking place daily in your body.  Lowering inflammation, increasing circulation to tissues and improving liver function and lymphatic flow all help your body to handle the daily dose of toxins we are all exposed to.   

Caster oil increases circulation, lymphatic drainage and is anti-inflammatory.  Caster oil packs can be used over the liver to gently support detoxification, lymphatic drainage and help promote digestion and stool elimination.  There are not a lot of scientific research articles out there to support, or disprove, the use of caster oil packs.  What I do know is that there are a lot of personal testimonies and case studies that have shown the benefits of the use of caster oil packs.  

How does it worK?

Again, science is not deeply invested in researching or understanding how caster oil works.  From what research I have been able to do, it appears that the method of action is 2 fold.  The caster oil itself, with the help of heat, absorbs into the skin and penetrates the tissues which stimulates lymphatic flow and increases circulation to tissues.  The increase in circulation and lymphatic drainage allows for the body to readily move toxins and eliminate them appropriately.  Additionally, caster oil also stimulates liver function and helps with constipation.  

By decreasing inflammation, increasing circulation and eliminating toxins, this creates a healing effect throughout the body.  Supporting the bodies natural processes is key. The human body is does complex things every single day.  Anything we can do to support these natural processes while living our crazy modern life can only serve to improve health outcomes, longevity, and ultimately our quality of life.  

When to use a caster oil pack

1. Gut Health: Constipation can be helped by using a caster oil pack on the abdomen for 3 or so days. It has been seen to soften and increase the passage of stool.
2. Skin: It is often used in skin care to help plump up fine lines and wrinkles, increase hair growth and moisturize. Caster oil is soothing and can help decrease inflammation from allergic reactions, insect bites, sunburns etc.
3. Aches and Pains: Due to its anti-inflammatory effect and the increase in circulation, joint pain can be improved by using caster oil packs to help with swelling, fluid drainage, and can be helpful to bring some relief in acute situations such as a gout flare up.
4. Liver and Digestive Health: The liver and gallbladder play a major role in both detoxification and digestion. Using caster oil packs over the liver regularly has been linked to an improvement in digestive bile flow, liver function and lymphatic flow.
5. Other Uses: Personally, I have had great success using a caster oil pack over my thyroid to assist with autoimmunity, over swollen lymph-nodes in the neck during a cold or ear infection, applying caster oil directly to my scalp for a moisture treatment, and to my face for improvement in texture.

How to make a caster oil pack

Supplies Needed (links are associate links to products):

1. Fabric Pack- Either homemade or purchased (here is my favorite one)
   • Make your own:
     • Unbleached wool or cotton flannel
     • Water proof pad or old towel
     • Long/wide Ace Bandage
2. Glass bowl with lid for storage
3. Caster oil (use a cold pressed, organic, hexane free oil from a GLASS bottle- favorite one here)
4. Heating pad or hot water bottle

How to use Caster Oil Packs

1. Make your fabric pack (or open your pre-made one).
   • To make one, first cut the wool or cotton flannel in 12×10 inch pieces (give or take).  Layer 2-4 pieces together. 
2. Lay the flannel (or pre-made pack) flat in a glass bowl. 
3. Pour caster oil directly into the middle of the flannel or the pre-made pack.  
   • I recommend using 2-3 tablespoons or so to start.  Some people completely soak their fabric, I do not because I will reuse the same piece for a couple weeks and add fresh caster oil to the pack each time I use it.  This allows the fabric to absorb new caster oil each use.  
4. Take the cloth (or pack) and lay it on the area you intend to use it (oil side on your skin).  
   1. For example: liver packs go on the right side of your abdomen, just under your rib cage to cover the liver with the oiled part of the cloth, for gut support you would center it over the lower part of your abdomen, and so on.
5. Wrap ace bandage (or tie pre-made pack) around the abdomen in a comfortable fashion. Do not wrap too tightly or it can be uncomfortable, but too loose will not stay put.  The slight compression from the pack plays a part in the “pumping” of the liver to help with lymph flow and function. 
6. Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad over the caster oil pack and allow it to sit for 30 minutes minimum.  Sometimes I wear mine all night and skip the heating pad.
7. When you remove the pack, store it in the glass bowl and cover tightly with a lid.   I typically refrigerate mine to keep it fresh and then take it out for the next use.  Caster oil packs can often be used for 20-30 uses safely before replacing.  

Caution:

• Wear old garments/lay on a towel if you are in bed. The caster oil can leak/drip and cause some stains.
• Check for any allergic reaction prior to using caster oil for the first time.  Apply a few drops to your skin and watch for 24 hours. Skin rashes are the most commonly reported side effect in a small group of people.
• Avoid using it if you are pregnant unless cleared by your medical provider.
• Do not heat the pack in the microwave.
• Do not use packs on cut or wounded skin.

If you want to learn more about caster oil and caster oil packs, my favorite resource is Dr. Marisol. She started the company “Queen of Thrones” and has a very informative blog, YouTube channel and Instagram page! You can purchase items directly from her (here is my affiliate link!) , or you can purchase from amazon. I have done both and have had great experiences with both options.

Let me know below how your first caster oil packing adventure goes!

-Faith