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This article was co-authored by Chloe Goldman and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Dr. Chloe Goldman, MD is a Dermatologist based in Miami, Florida, who currently works at Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute and Upper East Side Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatology. She earned a Doctor of Medicine from New York University and a BA in Biology, Neurobiology, and Behavior from Cornell University. She completed her dermatology training at University of Miami, where she was awarded the prestigious position of Chief Resident. She has won grants from the American Skin Foundation and the Melanoma Research Foundation.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Castor oil packs are reported to be an easy way to improve your health, but how do you know if the one you use is working? Although castor packs don’t have scientifically proven benefits like detoxifying the liver or stimulating your lymphatic system, they might help alleviate constipation symptoms and induce labor in pregnant women who are past their due date. We asked dermatologist Dr. Chloe Goldman about some of the effects of castor oil. Keep reading to learn more.
Things You Should Know
- Your castor oil pack may be working if you feel less constipation symptoms or if you feel other reported benefits like reduced joint and muscle pain.
- Although they haven’t been scientifically proven, some people also report that castor oil packs can improve skin health, gut health, and sleep quality.
- Castor oil has also been proven to be an effective laxative when swallowed. For pregnant women, castor oil can be effective for inducing labor.
Steps
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack
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![Step 1 Soak a piece...]()
Soak a piece of flannel or thick cotton with organic castor oil. Fold the fabric to a size large enough to cover the area you want to apply the pack to. Castor oil can stain fabric and other materials, so lie on an old towel and wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained.- You can also buy a castor oil pack kit and soak the pack in the castor oil provided.
- Optionally, cover the castor pack with another towel and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top.[7]
- Try to avoid applying heat directly to your castor oil pack or placing it in the microwave—this might damage the fabric and hot oil can burn your skin.
- Before applying castor oil to your skin, dermatologist Dr. Chloe Goldman advises to “be cautious when using it for the first time” and “use it on a small area…because it's possible to have [an allergic] reaction.”
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![Step 2 Place the pack on your body and leave it on for 45 to 60 minutes.]()
Place the pack on your body and leave it on for 45 to 60 minutes. Place the castor oil pack directly on the affected area—most people place it over their entire midsection or under their ribcage on the upper right portion of their abdomen to target the liver and gallbladder. After removing the pack, wipe away excess oil with warm water and baking soda.[8]- Adjust your body so that the castor pack stays while you lie down, or use scotch tape or the strap provided to hold it in place.
- If you buy a castor pack with a strap, you can sleep with it overnight. Place a towel over your sheets and wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
- Castor oil hasn’t been proven to irritate skin, but people with chemical skin diseases may have a reaction to it.[9]
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![Step 3 Store your castor oil pack in a glass container with a lid.]()
Store your castor oil pack in a glass container with a lid. Put the container in the refrigerator to keep the oil from going bad.[10] Aim to use your castor pack no more than 3 times a week. Apply fresh oil each time you use the pack and replace it every 3 months.
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Consider talking with your healthcare provider before using castor oil packs to alleviate medical problems.Thanks
- Avoid using castor oil if you’re pregnant to prevent it from inducing early labor.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about skin care, check out our in-depth interview with Chloe Goldman.
References
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21168117/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28750937/
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/can-castor-oil-induce-labor-safely-7643849
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/castor-oil
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21168117/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18080873/
- ↑ https://elissapelling.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Castor-Oil-Packs-2019.pdf
- ↑ https://elissapelling.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Castor-Oil-Packs-2019.pdf
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18080873/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
