Castor Oil Benefits and Uses
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If you’ve been hanging out in the wellness world for a while, you’ve probably heard whispers about castor oil packs. They’ve been around forever. Your grandma may have even used them and lately, they’re making a big comeback. I’ve recently started using them at night, and I love the gentle detox support I get while I sleep.
But castor oil isn’t just for packs. It’s one of those simple, multi-use oils that can sneak into almost every corner of your wellness and self-care routine.
Why Castor Oil is so Special
Castor oil comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. The main thing that makes it stand out is a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. That’s a fancy name, but what it really means is: this oil is thick, deeply nourishing, and has natural soothing properties.
A few of the most common benefits people love:
- Gentle detox support: Many use castor oil packs to encourage lymphatic flow and cleansing.
- Dry skin rescue: Massage into rough hands, elbows, or heels before bed.
- Hair + scalp love: Warm a little oil, massage into your scalp, and let it soak in for a nourishing boost.
- Lashes & brows: A tiny swipe before bed can help them look fuller over time.
- Carrier oil for blends: It pairs beautifully with essential oils if you like to DIY rollers or massage blends.
What the Research Says
There isn’t a mountain of modern research (sometimes grandma’s remedies get overlooked by science!), but there are some interesting studies. One review points out that ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which may explain why people find it so soothing for skin and scalp. Castor oil has also been studied for its ability to improve moisture and create a protective barrier on skin.
Bringing It Into Your Routine
If you’ve been curious about castor oil, fall is the perfect time to give it a try. You can start as simply as applying it to dry skin before bed, or if you’re ready, explore castor oil packs for a deeper detox ritual. I love making it part of my nighttime wind-down. It feels like I’m giving my body some extra care while I rest.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
Making a castor oil pack is easier than it sounds. All you need is a soft piece of flannel or cotton cloth, your castor oil, and a little plastic wrap or a reusable cover. Here’s how I do it:
- Soak the cloth in a couple tablespoons of castor oil (just enough to saturate but not drip).
- Place the cloth over your abdomen (many people place it over the liver area, right under the ribs on the right side).
- Cover with plastic wrap or a reusable cover to keep things neat.
- Add a heating pad or hot water bottle on top for gentle warmth.
- Relax for 30–60 minutes or even wear it overnight like I often do.
Why I Like dōTERRA’s Castor Oil
Not all castor oils are the same. Many on the market are heavily processed or diluted with other oils. dōTERRA’s new Castor Oil is:
- 100% pure, cold-pressed (no heat or chemicals that strip away goodness)
- Hexane-free (a cleaner extraction method)
- Unrefined (so it keeps its natural nutrients)
That means it’s safe to use in all the ways I listed above whether you’re making a pack, hydrating your skin, or mixing it with your favorite essential oils.
➡️PURCHASE CASTOR OIL
Supporting Your Detox Journey
Castor oil is one of my favorite gentle tools for supporting the body’s natural detox process, but it’s not the only option. dōTERRA just introduced a few new products designed to make detox support simple and safe:
- RevitaZen™ Detoxification Blend – with tangerine, rosemary, geranium, and ginger to support healthy liver function and digestion.
- RevitaZen+™ Advanced Organ Detoxification Complex – a capsule blend that supports the liver, kidneys, digestion, and antioxidant defenses for daily detox.
- PastTense™ Stick – a convenient way to ease the tension that often shows up during times of stress or reset.
If you’d like a deeper look, I’ve attached a handout with all the details on these new products so you can explore which ones might support you best HERE.