While I’m not on TikTok (should I be?!) I’m so grateful for the hormone healthy habits this app has turned into viral trends (hello raw carrot salad, high protein meals and sleepy girl mocktails). 

Don’t get me wrong, not every trend is worth your time and/or money, and as a nutrition + hormone health coach I always emphasize simple, foundational practices, as these tend to yield the most impactful results for my clients (and myself) overtime. 

But I do love a trend that is actually worth the hype, and to me using a castor oil pack for optimal liver and hormone health IS IT. 

In fact, this trend is nothing new, as it’s been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes for centuries in countries such as India, China and Ancient Egypt. 

On a personal note, I’ve been using a castor oil pack consistently (every single night except for when I’m on my period, but more on that later) for the past 5 months, and can speak to some of the benefits firsthand. 

So, if you’re curious about castor oil packs and want to figure out if they’re right for you, how to use them, potential benefits (or side effects), all about my personal experience and more, then please read on for all of the tea!

 

WHAT IS A CASTOR OIL PACK?

A castor oil pack is a piece of cloth (such as a washcloth or large, cotton pad) that is soaked in castor oil, which comes from the seeds of a castor plant. The pack is applied topically to the skin, typically in an area that needs healing or detoxification (such as your abdomen, liver or thyroid gland). This allows the castor oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory ricinoleic acid, to absorb through your skin and into your tissue, resulting in multiple purported benefits. It is often used with a heat source to enhance absorption through the skin. 

 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CASTOR OIL PACKS

While castor oil packs are currently trending, they are actually a traditional remedy that dates back centuries (3500 years ago!) within various cultures for an abundance of therapeutic and medicinal purposes.

In India, castor oil is used as an Ayurvedic practice to promote liver detoxification, wound healing and digestive health, while Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it as a laxative, to induce labor, and for skin care/beauty purposes (some sources even suggest Cleopatra used it for hair care and to brighten the whites of her eyes). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) castor oil packs are used to address Qi and blood stagnation, which is said to provide a number of benefits, from reducing pain and menstrual cramps to supporting the female reproductive system, particularly for conditions like fibroids and ovarian cysts. 

 

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN CASTOR OIL PACKS

So, what exactly makes castor oil so special? The potency is said to lie in it’s composition of triglycerides, primarily ricinoleic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that makes up about 90% of its content. This unique composition has been linked to multiple health benefits, and it’s also known for its laxative effects. 

Additionally, castor oil contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports skin health (Cleopatra was onto something!) as well as omega fatty acids, which help to maintain cell structure and function. 

 

CASTOR OIL PACK FOR LIVER BENEFITS

While there is scientific research to back up some of castor oil’s benefits (such as relieving pain and constipation) there isn’t much to back up the benefits related specifically to liver health. That being said, the anecdotal evidence is vast (it’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat liver conditions for centuries), and is often linked to the following benefits: 

+ PROMOTES LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Castor oil is believed to support lymphatic circulation and movement, which helps remove toxins and waste products. 

+ INCREASES CIRCULATION

When applied with heat, castor oil packs are believed to increase blood flow to the liver and other surrounding areas. This increased flow of nutrients and oxygen is said to promote optimal liver function. 

+ STIMULATES LIVER ENZYMES

Ricinoleic acid is believed to stimulate liver enzymes involved in the detoxification process, supporting the liver in metabolizing hormones like estrogen and removing toxins from the bloodstream. 

+ REDUCES INFLAMMATION 

Thanks to it’s high ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is said to reduce inflammation, which may benefit liver health. 

+ RELIEVES CONSTIPATION 

Castor oil is known for it’s laxative-like properties and can help to relieve constipation, assisting the liver in safely eliminating toxins and excess hormones (such as estrogen) via the bowels. 

+ REDUCES STRESS  

Castor oil packs applied with heat are said to induce soothing and relaxation and mitigate stress, which may positively impact liver function. 

+ INDIRECTLY BOOSTS GLUTATHIONE PRODUCTION

Some sources believe castor oil packs may contribute to the body’s ability to effectively produce and utilize glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in the detoxification process within the body. 

 

ADDITIONAL CASTOR OIL BENEFITS

While we’re focusing on castor oil packs for liver and hormone health in this post, it’s worth noting that castor oil packs have been linked to a plethora of other benefits, both scientifically and anecdotally, many of which are listed below.

Scientific evidence supports these benefits:

+ WOUND HEALING

+ RELIEVES CONSTIPATION

+ INDUCES LABOR

+ HELPS WITH INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS SUCH AS ARTHRITIS

+ REDUCES PAIN, SUCH AS MENSTRUAL CRAMPING

+ MOISTURIZES SKIN

Anecdotal evidence supports these benefits: 

+ REDUCES SKIN HYPERPIGMENTATION

+ PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH

+ IMPROVES DIGESTION

+ MANAGES CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

+ REDUCES HEART DISEASE

+ PROMOTES EYE LUBRICATION

+ ENHANCES TISSUE SMOOTHNESS

+ REDUCES ACNE

+ REDUCES INFLAMMATION IN REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 

+ REDUCES BLOAT

 

 

 

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LIVER + HORMONE HEALTH

Now that you’re aware of how the use of a castor oil pack may positively benefit liver function, let’s cover briefly why this is so important for hormone health. 

The liver runs over 500 functions within the body, including hormone regulation, absorption of nutrients, thyroid conversion and blood sugar balance, but it’s best known as your body’s master detoxifier, by acting as a filter and removing harmful toxins through a two step detoxification process. Once these phases are complete, waste (including excess estrogen) can safely exit our body either via our kidneys/urine or gall bladder/large intestine. 

This process is a fine-tuned, well oiled machine, until the liver becomes overburdened with the thousands of toxins we’re exposed to in our modern world (including but not limited to air and water pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and chemicals found in household, bath and beauty products). When this happens, the liver is unable to keep up with the toxin load and dumps toxins back into the bloodstream until it’s able to handle them. These toxins can then build up in the bloodstream, causing damage to our cells, spreading systemic inflammation and leading to many hormonal imbalance symptoms.

 

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERBURDENED LIVER

At this point, you may be wondering if your liver could use some extra support. Below are some common signs and symptoms of an overburdened liver, which often go hand in hand with a hormonal imbalance. They include: 

• + Fatigue, especially feeling like you need a nap in the afternoon

• + Disrupted sleep, especially between 2 to 4 am (when your liver is busy cleansing the blood)

• + Acne or skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, etc.

• + Asthma or allergies

• + Unexplained weight gain, inability to lose weight, excessive abdominal fat

• + Blood sugar disorders 

• + Nutrient malabsorption

• + Indigestion and acid reflux, especially with fatty foods

• + Chronic infections

• + Mood swings, brain fog, memory issues and lower tolerance for stress

• + PMS (including cramps, bloat, headaches, moodiness, anxiety)

• + Decreased libido

• + Fertility challenges

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE USING A CASTOR OIL PACK FOR LIVER + HORMONE HEALTH

While my hormones are in a good groove right now (healthy, regular cycles, no pain, stable energy and libido, etc.) I continue to encounter digestive issues which I’ve struggled with since I was little. Bloat seems to be the most common culprit, however I sometimes experience digestive pain and silent acid reflux when I eat certain foods, especially fattier meats and fish. Additionally, I was breaking out a bit more than usual and still dealing with some eczema, a skin condition I never had until I gave birth to Frankie 19 months ago. Since all of these symptoms can be traced back to an overburdened liver, I wanted to give it some extra support, and thought a castor oil pack would be a natural, non-invasive and simple way to start. 

Little did I know how much my love for castor oil packs would grow! First of all, the ritual in and of itself feels so cozy and relaxing, which is huge for me (i.e. if I enjoy something I’m way more likely to be consistent with it). The hot water bottle really takes it to the next level, and I’ll fall asleep with it over my abdomen almost every night. 

As far as benefits go, I have noticed several. It definitely keeps things regular (if you get my drift :)) and helps reduce bloat for me significantly (when I take it off my stomach feels flat). I’ve also noticed my skin improve, both in terms of breakouts and texture, tone and overall complexion (it’s brighter and glowier). Lastly, I’ve had far less digestive pain, and have found if I use it after I eat a fattier meal it tends to help too. Overall, it’s become a part of my nightly routine I genuinely look forward to. 

 

HOW TO USE A CASTOR OIL PACK FOR LIVER + HORMONE HEALTH

If you’ve made it this far, let’s talk about how to use a castor oil pack for your liver. When I first heard about the castor oil pack several years ago, people were literally cutting pieces of cloth and making their own. This sounded really intimidating and like a lot of work to me, which is probably why I never did it, lol. Luckily, things have gotten a lot more easy and seamless in the castor oil pack world, and you can purchase packs that you simply tie around your waist for convenience. Here are the specific steps on how to use your castor oil pack:

1) APPLY CASTOR OIL

First, apply 1 – 2 tablespoons of castor oil evenly on the soft side of your castor oil pack. You can also opt to rub the castor oil directly on your skin, across your abdomen and over your right rib cage (where your liver is located). I opt to use a roll-on so I can rub the oil directly on my skin without getting my hands messy. 

2) PLACE + SECURE YOUR PACK

Position the pack over your liver area, which is the right side of your upper abdomen, below your rib cage.  Tie to secure your pack in place. 

3) ADD A HEAT SOURCE + RELAX

Wear your pack for a minimum of 1 hour up to overnight. While a heat source isn’t required for certain brands, it does work to increase absorption, and I prefer it for how cozy it feels. You can try placing a hot water bottle or heated blanket over the pack while relaxing on the couch or in bed. 

4) REMOVE YOUR PACK

Untie your pack and place it in a clean pouch or sack for storage. Replace after 1-2 months of use. No other cleanup required!

 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A CASTOR OIL PACK

Before you purchase a castor oil pack, there are a few things to consider that will help you get the most bang for your buck!

+ Castor Oil Quality

Look for a brand that uses organic, cold-pressed and hexane-free castor oil, which ensures purity and no chemical contamination. Additionally, make sure it’s stored in a dark glass bottle to protect it from light, preserving it’s quality. I love this brand, which is all of the above, along with being third-party tested. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save. 

+ Castor Oil Pack Fabric

You’ll want to opt for organic cotton, wool, or flannel fabrics free from bleach or dye. Not only are these ideal for soaking up the oil thanks to their absorbency, but their natural materials minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Once again, I use this brand, which is primarily made of organic cotton and super comfortable. *Use code SOFRESH10 to save. 

+ Design + Ease of Use

Comfort is key, and I highly recommend looking into a pack that includes straps or wrap features to help secure it in place without feeling restrictive. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a pack that is reusable (for convenience) along with some type of leak proof backing so that the castor oil doesn’t soak through to your clothes. I feel like at this point you can guess, once again, which brand I recommend for this, but it really does check all of the boxes for me!

*Along with looking for all of these features, don’t forget to read the customer reviews/feedback, which are always insightful!

 

CASTOR OIL PACK POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

First and foremost, I always encourage consulting a licensed medical practitioner before trying something new, especially if you have specific health concerns or contraindications (see below for who should not use a castor oil pack!) Additionally, you should always take how you feel into consideration, as you know your own body better than anyone else!

Prior to using a castor oil pack, it may be helpful to do a patch test on your skin to determine whether or not you may experience a skin irritation or allergic reaction. Other potential side effects could include temporary detoxifications symptoms such as changes in your bowel or skin as the body eliminates toxins. 

Last but certainly not least, please do not injest castor oil, as it is only intended to be used topically, and swallowing can lead to side effects including nausea and abdominal cramping!

 

WHO SHOULD NOT USE A CASTOR OIL PACK

Castor oil packs are not recommended for pregnant women (as it can induce uterine contractions and labor) as well as women on their period (especially those with heavy periods) as it can increase bleeding. Other contraindications include medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, active ulcers, gastrointestinal conditions or open wounds or burns in the application area. 

Additionally, it is advised against using a castor oil pack while breastfeeding, as the safety has not yet been well-established (i.e. better to play it safe until more is known!)

 

BOTTOMLINE: IS A CASTOR OIL PACK FOR LIVER RIGHT FOR YOU?

While ultimately, only you can decide this, if you experience any symptoms of an overburdened liver or hormonal imbalance symptoms (especially as it relates to excess estrogen) a castor oil pack could be a supportive, simple, natural and non-invasive habit to implement. Please make sure you don’t have any contraindications prior to trying, and be sure to seek advice from a licensed medical practitioner if you have any questions.  

MORE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT LIVER DETOX NATURALLY

+ RAW CARROT SALAD FOR HORMONE BALANCE

+ 9 TIPS TO SUPPORT ESTROGEN DETOX NATURALLY

+ HOW TO DETOX TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES

 

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