Have you heard about the viral new wellness trend- castor oil patches?
I had seen it everywhere, and it wasn’t until a holistic dietitian recommended me to wear them to detoxify my liver, plus a very bad IBS bloat flare.
The benefits seemed too good to be true, so I figured, why not? I wasn’t prepared for what came next.
What is castor oil?
Castor oil is a thick, golden oil extracted from the seeds of the *Ricinus communis* plant. It’s been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its powerful healing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it was used to soothe dry eyes and relieve constipation in ancient Egypt. Castor oil is known for stimulating the lymphatic system, supporting liver function, and promoting bowel regularity.
Day 1: Trying castor oil patches for the first time
On the very first night, I applied a castor oil patch over my liver area and belly button, wrapped it gently with cotton patch for maximum absorption, and left it on while I slept. I didn’t expect much. But the next morning, I woke up and looked in the mirror—DE-BLOATED! I felt lighter, clearer. I had been experiencing IBS bloating for the past few days, but this morning my stomach felt calm and settled. I was shocked— #obssesed.
I will say, once you go #CastorOilPatch you never go back. As I continued with this practice nightly, the benefits kept building. Within just a few days, my digestion noticeably improved, no random discomfort or bloating. It felt like my body was finally aligned with its natural rhythm.
And then came the glow.
A month later, my skin—without any changes to my skincare routine—looked brighter, more hydrated, and clear. I realized the internal cleansing and liver support were manifesting visibly on the outside. That’s the beauty of true wellness: when you support your body from the inside, the outside responds in kindly.
Castor oil patches have now become a non-negotiable part of my nightly routine. A small act of self-care with massive impact. They’ve taught me that healing and wellness don’t always require major interventions—sometimes, it’s the ancient, gentle practices that bring the biggest transformations.
How to Use Castor Oil Patches
Using castor oil patches is simple and soothing. Here’s how I do it:
- Choose a good quality Castor Oil: Always go for organic, cold-pressed castor oil, hexane-free. This is the one I use.
- Apply to an organic cotton wrap: Drizzle some of the oil into the cotton wrap, take the rest and massage it into your belly button. I also love just spreading it through my skin and under eyes, for a moisturizing effect.
- Place over the stomach & liver area: This is typically on the right side of your abdomen, just under the ribcage.
- Cover and keep warm: Wrap with plastic wrap or a towel, and place a hot water bottle or heating pad on top. This is optional, sometimes I just get into bed and warm up with some cozy blankets.
- Relax for 45–60 minutes, or leave overnight if using a pre-made patch.
- Cleanse the area afterward: Remove the patch the next morning, gently wipe it off.
Pre-made castor oil packs or patches are now available too, which make the process easier and less messy.
- And I found the perfect option for when you’re traveling or on-the-go: click here for link!
The Science Behind It
While research is still catching up with centuries of anecdotal evidence, some studies support the benefits of castor oil therapy:
– A small study published in the *Journal of Naturopathic Medicine* found that castor oil packs significantly improved lymphocyte counts, suggesting enhanced immune function and lymphatic drainage.
– Ricinoleic acid, the active compound in castor oil, has been shown to have strong *anti-inflammatory* and *pain-relieving* properties, according to a study in *Pharmacognosy Review*.
– The *moist heat application* of a castor oil pack may help improve circulation and reduce inflammation in targeted areas, which could explain improvements in digestion and detoxification.
Though more research is needed, the mounting scientific interest is exciting—and many holistic practitioners swear by castor oil’s ability to support the liver, gut, and skin health.
To conclude…
This one simple ritual has become a powerful part of my wellness journey. From improved digestion to radiant skin and a lighter, clearer feeling in my body, castor oil patches have truly changed my life. If you’ve been searching for a gentle, natural way to support your detox pathways—this ancient remedy might be just the magic you need.
