If there’s one remedy that keeps showing up in wellness circles, from your crunchy aunt’s herbal cabinet to high-end biohacking retreats, it’s castor oil packs. What seemed to me like a simple, wishful-thinking remedy, I’ve actually found to be a profoundly versatile tool with centuries of use and a surprising amount of scientific interest behind it.
Let’s dive deep into why castor oil packs are having a moment, and how this sticky, humble substance may be one of the most underrated tools in your detoxification arsenal.
What is a Castor Oil Pack?
From ancient rituals to modern routines, castor oil packs have stood the test of time. The practice dates back to ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra herself is said to have used castor oil to enhance her beauty rituals. Over centuries, this rich oil—extracted from the seeds of the resilient Ricinus communis plant—has been embraced across cultures, from Ayurvedic practitioners in India to Mediterranean households using it for everything from skin care to digestive comfort.
Refined for Today’s Wellness
Today, advancements in cold-pressing and organic farming have made castor oil more accessible and refined than ever. Free of hexane and additives, high-quality organic castor oil retains its natural richness in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid responsible for its nourishing, soothing properties.
Queen of the Thrones® continues this legacy, offering thoughtfully designed, organic cotton compresses and 100% USDA Organic castor oil that make the ancient ritual of castor oil packs easier, cleaner, and more effective for modern life.
The Key Ingredient: Castor Oil’s Unique Composition
Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and contains a rare fatty acid called ricinoleic acid, which makes up about 90% of its content.
What Is Ricinoleic Acid?
Ricinoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with remarkable anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Research shows that ricinoleic acid interacts with the EP3 prostaglandin receptors, which are involved in inflammation and immune regulation. This unique compound is what gives castor oil its powerful healing potential.
Core Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
While castor oil may look unassuming on your shelf, its packs deliver powerful results when it comes to restoring balance and reducing inflammation. Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons so many people are adding castor oil packs to their weekly routine. Castor Oil Packs
1. Supports Liver Detoxification
The liver is your body’s main detox organ, and it works overtime in our modern, toxin-laden world. Castor oil packs placed over the liver (right side of the abdomen under the ribcage) are thought to enhance lymphatic circulation and support detox pathways.
Some studies suggest that castor oil may increase the production of lymphocytes (white blood cells), which play a critical role in removing toxins, bile, and other waste. This helps unburden the liver, which filters about a quart of blood every minute.
👉 Tip: Try a castor oil pack over your liver overnight for 3–5 days in a row to give your detox organs a gentle boost.
2. Stimulates the Lymphatic System
Your lymphatic system is essentially your body’s drainage system. But unlike the cardiovascular system, it has no pump. It relies on movement, breath, and manual support to function efficiently.
Studies have indicated that castor oil packs may improve lymphatic drainage, particularly in the abdominal region. This is crucial for immune health, reducing inflammation, and even managing conditions like lymphedema.
3. Relieves Constipation and Improves Digestion
Constipation is often a signal that the nervous system, detox organs, or gut bacteria are off. Applying castor oil packs to the abdomen can relieve bloating, cramping, and sluggish bowels—sometimes within a single use.
This benefit is likely due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Unlike stimulant laxatives, castor oil packs work gently and can help retrain the gut over time.
👉 Bonus: They may also reduce gut inflammation, making them a smart tool for those with IBS, Crohn’s, or ulcerative colitis.
4. Eases Menstrual Cramps and Hormonal Imbalances
For many women, the uterus is a zone of tension and toxicity, physically and emotionally. Castor oil packs placed over the lower abdomen have been shown to ease menstrual cramps, balance estrogen dominance, and improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
They may also help break down fibroids and cysts over time, although clinical evidence is still limited. Anecdotal reports and traditional medicine practitioners suggest consistent use yields the best results.
5. Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation
Have a nagging knee, tight shoulder, or aching back? Castor oil packs can be applied directly to the joints and paired with heat to relieve pain. A 2009 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed castor oil’s anti-inflammatory effects, noting its usefulness for arthritis-like conditions.
Heat enhances absorption through the skin, allowing the ricinoleic acid to work locally—without ingesting anything.
6. Encourages Better Sleep and Parasympathetic Activation
There’s something deeply relaxing about a warm castor oil pack on your belly at night. It’s not just placebo. Heat over the abdomen activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your rest-and-digest mode.
Castor oil’s gentle stimulation of detox organs may also help reduce the toxic burden that interferes with deep sleep. Many people report falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer with regular use.
7. May Support Thyroid and Lymph Node Health
Another lesser-known but increasingly popular application is using castor oil packs on the neck, particularly over the thyroid and lymph nodes. While this isn’t a cure for thyroid disorders, it may help reduce inflammation and congestion in the neck region.
Dr. Marisol Teijeiro, ND—also known as “Queen of the Thrones”—has written extensively on this, noting improvements in energy and reduction in goiter-like swelling with consistent use.
👉 Note: Always check with a healthcare provider before using around the thyroid if you have Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune thyroid condition.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack (Step-by-Step)
If you’re ready to give castor oil packs a try but aren’t sure where to start, this section breaks it down into an easy, mess-free routine you can incorporate into your evenings. Whether you’re targeting your liver, gut, or joints, here’s how to do it safely and effectively.
What You’ll Need
A soft organic cotton pack and (optional but recommended) pack insert
Gentle heat (optional but encouraged—I like to wrap a heated blanket around my castor oil pack for the first 20–30 minutes to help the oil absorb more effectively)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs make the process simple, clean, and effective. Here’s how to use them correctly:
Apply 1–2 tablespoons of Queen of the Thrones® Organic Castor Oil to the soft, organic cotton flannel side of the pack.
Place the pack against your skin, targeting areas like the abdominal or pelvic region.
Secure the straps so it fits snugly and comfortably against your body.
No heat required—but for a deeper, more soothing experience, you can wear a heated blanket or lay under a warm throw for the first 20–30 minutes.
Wear the pack for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
After use, store your pack in a designated oil-safe container or glass jar.
👉 Pro Tip: Use a Queen of the Thrones® flannel insert to help extend the life of your Castor Oil Pack. Inserts help reduce oil saturation into the pack and are easy to remove, wash, and reuse.
This easy, less-mess method turns a traditional wellness practice into a comfortable ritual you’ll actually look forward to.
Safety and Precautions
Castor Oil Packs While Pregnant: The use of castor oil internally during pregnancy is a subject of debate and should be approached with caution. While some expectant mothers may consider using external castor oil packs toward the end of pregnancy as part of their birth preparation, this should never be done without direct medical guidance. Consult your qualified healthcare provider before incorporating any castor oil products into your prenatal routine.
Always test for skin sensitivity first.
If you’re on blood thinners or have active infections, consult a practitioner first.
Do not ingest castor oil without medical guidance—it’s a powerful laxative and can be dangerous in high doses.
Bonus Applications Worth Exploring
Queen of the Thrones® offers clean, intentional tools to simplify and elevate your castor oil practice—from eye compresses to flannel inserts and more. These additional applications showcase the oil’s versatility while honoring its roots in global self-care traditions.
1. Skin-Supporting Rituals
Castor oil has long been used in clean beauty for its deeply moisturizing, non-comedogenic qualities. Applied directly to the skin, it may support:
Smoother-looking skin
Balanced natural oils
A simplified skincare routine
Queen of the Thrones® Organic Castor Oil is a favorite for facial massage, gentle cleansing, and daily moisturizing—without fillers or harsh ingredients.
2. Eye Compress Routine
Cleopatra may have used castor oil to brighten her eyes—and today, you can too. The Queen of the Thrones® Eye Mask is designed for comfort and ease, offering a clean beauty ritual to:
Soothe tired eyes
Hydrate delicate under-eye skin
Create a calming evening routine
Just apply a few drops of oil to the inner layer, wear the compress while you unwind, and remove after 20–60 minutes.
3. Foot Massage Wind-Down
For a grounding way to end your day, massage a small amount of organic castor oil into the soles of your feet. Cover with socks or soft wraps (or cut flannel from Queen of the Thrones®) and rest. This ritual may support:
Comfort at the end of a long day
A sense of calm and grounding
Hydrated, soft-feeling skin on your feet
4. Belly Button Routine
The Queen of the Thrones® Belly Button Oil is a unique way to introduce castor oil to your daily ritual. Infused with essential oils like turmeric and ginger, it’s applied directly to the navel for a gentle self-care moment that connects to your center.
Add a drop to your belly button before bed
May support grounding and balance
Simple, fast, and beautifully aromatic
5. Oil Pulling for Daily Detox
Another ancient practice made simple by Queen of the Thrones® is castor oil pulling. Their organic oil can be swished in the mouth (like traditional oil pulling) to:
Freshen breath
Cleanse the mouth of impurities
Hydrate oral tissue gently
This is a refreshing, grounding ritual that supports overall oral cleanliness without the harshness of commercial mouthwash.
6. Hair Wrap & Castor Oil Mask
Castor oil also plays a powerful role in hair care. Rich in nourishing fatty acids, it can be used to:
Smooth dry ends
Add shine and softness
Gently massage into the scalp for a weekly ritual
Use the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Hair Wrap to hold the oil in place—either overnight or for 1–2 hours before rinsing. This practice aligns with the popular “hair slugging” trend, simplified with clean, organic ingredients.-0
Final Thoughts: Ancient Oil, Modern Wellness
In a world of high-tech wellness and overcomplicated routines, castor oil offers something refreshingly timeless: a single, nourishing ingredient you can trust. Used across centuries and continents, it has earned its place not through hype, but through real results and real simplicity.
Whether you’re looking to relax, care for your skin, or create a calming nighttime ritual, castor oil—especially in the form of Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs—offers a grounding return to intentional self-care.
One ingredient. Many rituals. Centuries of care.
If you haven’t yet, give this timeless oil a place in your modern wellness practice. You might be surprised by how much shifts—inside and out.
