The Lazy Girl’s Detox: Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs- my new favorite detox ritual. Especially for the lazy girl in all of us at home right now drinking way too much wine every night. These are not uncomfortable at all and barely take any work. Just apply oil to the stomach and then sleep through the night (or binge watch another Netflix show like Love Is Blind! Cultural phenomenon but I digress…) 

I first found out about castor oil packs from… yes, you guessed it- my Mom. Where else do I get all my holistic health info? Jk. If you know my story, my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2011. She’s treated it using solely alternative therapies and holistic medicine since 2013. I remember as part of a deep detoxing regimen, she would declare certain “castor oil” days that would involve this ooey gooey stuff you could get on the shelves of a health food store for a few bucks. 

Fast forward to 2020 and I decided to try castor oil packs myself after getting reintroduced to them through one of my favorite naturopathic doctors to follow over on Insta- Dr. Stacey Shillington. She specializes in treating acne holistically and she recommends castor oil packs for helping a sluggish lymph system. This is one of the main causes of skin conditions and the reason I wanted to incorporate this practice!

The Lazy Girl’s Detox: Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil is an ancient remedy that has been used for just about every ailment. 

It’s super thick and sticky, which allows it to absorb very deeply into the skin. Because of this, it can access your lymph system and blood circulation, and help lymph fluid that is flowing sluggishly or is blocked. It’s also anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling) and antimicrobial (fights fungus). 

Anyone and everyone should try a castor oil pack to help give the body a little extra boost in detoxification, not just people with skin conditions. See basically junk can build up inside you and cause inflammation through chemicals we’re exposed to from toxic products, pollution, processed and chemically grown food, conventional medications, and a lot of other stuff we come into contact with on a daily basis. 

They also help restore the microbiome in your gut (your second brain!) As Dr. Stacey says, “Castor oil actually helps break down BioFilm, which is a protective barrier created by bacteria and yeast that prevents them from being destroyed by your immune system or antimicrobials – creating a lingering infection.” So if you’re having bathroom issues and your gut is feeling all whack, this may be any easy remedy for you to try. And especially while we’re all staying safe at home during Corona Virus. Less inflammation and a healthier gut = a stronger immune system too. Win win all around.

Ok so how does it work?

Well traditionally, it used to be messier. You would have to like first apply the oil to something flannel. Then put on your lower abdomen and place a heating pad or hot water bottle over it. You have to get a little crafty but I found a way better method.

I recommend checking out Dr. Marisol Teijeiro’s castor oil pack kit. It comes with a reusable flannel cloth with strings to tie around your waist as well as a high quality organic castor oil. I bought this for about $59 and 100% got my money’s worth. If you wanna go the cheaper route though you can totally buy flannel cloth and castor oil on Amazon.

I apply 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil to the flannel and then place the side with the oil directly onto my lower right side of my stomach and abs area, where the liver is. Then I just sleep with the pack overnight and take off in the morning. If it all hasn’t absorbed and you’re still a bit sticky you can just wipe that area using a washcloth and warm water. I have been using castor oil packs in tandem with my weekly coffee enema detoxes (more info here on these for bloat, allergies, hangovers, and when you feel like you’re getting sick!)

I definitely notice results the next day with castor oil packs. They improve digestion and like in a weird way pulls stuff out and improves bowel movements (not to get too TMI lolz!) I personally would use 2-3 x a week for a couple weeks to really feel results. 

OK, that’s it. Was this helpful? Want to know more easy at home detoxes? Please let me know how you’re feeling below in the comments!

XOXO,

Dani