Let’s dive into the details of using castor oil packs for liver health – how to make castor oil packs to support your liver, FAQs about using castor oil packs, and, of course, sharing what you need to know about Becca’s #1 castor oil pack choice. But first, what is castor oil, why is castor oil considered a healing oil, and how did it become one of the longest-standing wellness essentials in history?
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Your Guide to Castor Oil Packs for Liver Health
Table of contents:
- What is a Castor Oil Pack?
- Benefits of Castor Oil Packs for Your Liver
- How to Make A Castor Oil Pack at Home
- Becca’s Choice for Castor Oil Packs: Queen of the Thrones
- Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Castor Oil Pack
- FAQs About Using Castor Oil Packs for Liver Detox
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
A castor oil pack is a cloth saturated with a small amount of castor oil, which is a viscous oil extracted from the castor seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, found in the tropical regions of Asia and Africa. The pack is applied topically to targeted areas of the body to alleviate ailments while promoting relaxation and detoxification.
8 Common Uses for Castor Oil Packs
- Aiding in digestion and liver function
- Supporting thyroid health
- Easing constipation
- Increasing circulation
- Fighting inflammation
- Breaking up cysts in the body
- Increasing lymphatic drainage in the breasts and other areas
- Relieving joint pain
Related post: “The Basics of Dry Body Brushing & Four Major Reasons to Start Now“
Benefits of Castor Oil Packs for Your Liver
We’re focusing on the use of castor oil packs for promoting liver health because our livers play a critical role in filtering out toxins, producing bile, and regulating our blood sugar. Reducing inflammation in the liver is one of the biggest ways we can boost our overall health. Improving your liver health has endless benefits, including enjoying clearer skin and balanced hormones.
Related post: “How to Balance Your Hormones with Cycle Syncing & Best Foods to Eat”
Castor Oil for Liver Detox in Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Wellness
Applying castor oil topically in the form of a castor oil pack is an increasingly popular way to support liver health in natural medicine, as castor oil absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin is thought to stimulate increased blood flow and circulation, resulting in reduced inflammation and enhanced elimination of toxins.
Castor oil’s standout feature is its unique fatty acid content of about 90% unsaturated omega-9 ricinoleic acid. Omega-9 fatty acids boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support healthy insulin and cholesterol levels.
The Origins of Castor Oil and Its Uses for Healing
Hailed as a remedy for bodily discomforts since the days of ancient Egypt, castor oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and rich in antioxidants. Castor oil is known as the “Palma Christi”, meaning the Palm of Christ, due to its healing properties. Its use as a topical treatment for eliminating toxins gained momentum in the 1930s and 40s through the work of Edgar Cayce, a well-known leader in holistic health.
Related post: “How I Use Magnesium for Stress, Better Sleep, Sore Muscles, & Period Relief”
How to Make A Castor Oil Pack at Home
Want to make your own castor oil pack to support your liver health? Let’s do it!
It’s essential to use high-quality organic and hexane-free castor oil in plastic-free packaging and a pack made from organic cotton flannel to avoid introducing synthetic pesticides and chemicals into your body. Even better if your castor oil of choice is packaged in amber glass.
Becca loves the Queen of the Thrones Organic Castor Oil and Castor Oil Pack. With a less-mess soft flannel pack designed to tie around your body and hold in heat and a hexane-free extra-virgin expeller pressed organic castor oil, the Queen of the Thrones system makes starting your castor oil pack routine so easy.
If you don’t have a Queen of the Thrones castor oil pack, you can use a bleach-free organic flannel cloth and a heating pad. When using a heating pad, avoid falling asleep with your pack on and using your pack overnight. If you’re relaxing while using your castor oil pack, remember to use old sheets or blankets, as castor oil stains easily.
Making a Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack for Your Liver
- Pour about 1-2 Tbsp of castor oil onto the center of your pack
*Use less oil each time you use your pack - Fold your pack together to blot the oil
- Carefully place your pack under your rib cage on the right side of your body and secure it using the attached ties
- Cover with an old shirt to avoid staining fabrics and wear for at least an hour or overnight
That’s it! An oh-so-simple way to support your liver as part of your wellness routine.
Becca’s Choice for Castor Oil Packs: Queen of the Thrones 👑
Becca here! 👋 I was first introduced to castor oil packs by my naturopathic doctor who recommended them for general wellness purposes. I initially made my own packs at home, but it was messy and cumbersome, so I stopped doing them.
More recently, I did a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (who also suggested them) and was reinspired to start castor oil packs again to support my liver and hormones. This time, using a Queen of the Thrones pack. It’s sooooo much easier to use!
A few reasons why I prefer Queen of the Thrones:
- Designed by a naturopathic doctor and one of the original castor oil pack brands (#1 recommended by practitioners)
- The flannel is organic cotton (no bleach or dyes), form-fitting, and you can tie it securely around your abdomen. It’s comfortable, stays put, and way less messy!
- The castor oil is 100% pure, certified organic, hexane-free, food grade, extra virgin, and bottled in amber glass to prevent oxidization
- They offer kits for liver, thyroid, breasts, pelvis, and kids
- You don’t have to use a heating pad while wearing a pack
I highly suggest their products, especially if you are new to using castor oil packs, because they make it so dang simple and straightforward!
Use coupon code ORGANICALLYBECCA10 for 10% off orders $59+ at Queen of the Thrones 🏷️
Buy Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs Here
Also available here on Amazon (discounts not applicable).
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Castor Oil Pack
| Tip:
Keep the oil in the center of your pack, away from the seams. |
Why?
This helps to keep your pack in top condition and reduces leaking from the sides of your pack. |
| Tip:
Don’t wash your castor oil pack. |
Why?
You shouldn’t need to wash your castor oil pack if you’re careful to keep the oil away from the seams. Instead, it’s recommended to start with a fresh castor oil pack ~every 3 months (or every 2 months if you use your pack daily). If you do choose to wash your pack, follow these instructions. |
| Tip:
Choose a relaxation ritual like reading, enjoying the sunshine, meditating, or listening to soothing music while using your castor oil pack for liver detox. If you’re not using a heating pad, sleeping is perfect, too! |
Why?
Pairing your castor oil routine with calming activities in a stress-free environment will promote balance and regulation of your nervous system, leading to more effective healing overall. |
| Tip:
Avoid using a castor oil pack right after eating. |
Why?
Castor oil packs for the liver are most effective at least 2-3 hours after a meal. |
FAQs About Using Castor Oil Packs for Liver Detox
How often can I use my castor oil pack?
You can use the Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Pack for Liver every day if you’d like. It’s a good idea to start out using your pack 2-3 times per week and see how your body adjusts before going all in with overnight or daily use.
How long can I keep my castor oil pack on?
Consider starting with 30-minute sessions and increasing your use to an hour and, if you prefer, overnight. When you’re finished with your castor oil pack, store it in a glass container in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place. Gently wash the castor oil residue off of your body in the shower or with a small amount of baking soda and water.
What does expeller-pressed mean for castor oil?
Castor oil that’s “expeller-pressed” is produced using pressure and friction to extract the oil from the castor seeds. The process eliminates the use of chemical solvents to yield a hexane-free product.
Are there side effects to using castor oil packs?
Though side effects to using castor oil packs are rare, some people have reported experiencing nausea, cramping, diarrhea, rashes, and skin irritation.
I’ve heard about people using heat with castor oil packs. Why don’t I need one with the Queen of the Thrones castor oil pack?
Queen of the Thrones castor oil packs are uniquely designed to hold in your body’s heat naturally, so you don’t have to worry about keeping a heat source on top of your pack.
Who shouldn’t use castor oil packs?
Medical opinions on using castor oil packs during your period differ, with some practitioners holding that castor oil packs should not be used during menstruation. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you suffer from conditions like Crohn’s Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it’s best to consult your doctor before using castor oil packs.
Buy Queen of the Thrones Castor Oil Packs Here
Use code ORGANICALLYBECCA10 for a discount 🏷️
Castor Oil Packs May Help On Your Journey to Improved Liver Health
Now that you know why castor oil packs are loved for their natural healing benefits, have you decided to try them? If so, let Becca know. Share your thoughts below and be sure to try Becca’s easy and delicious homemade kombucha recipe to give your liver a helping hand by boosting your gut health, too!
This article is not intended to provide medical advice. As always, seek your doctor’s input before making changes to your health regimen.
Written by: Annie Celentani
Annie Celentani is a content and copywriter who loves dogs, traveling and Italian wine. She enjoys researching and making natural cleaning and skincare products and going for nature walks with her husband, Paul.
