Castor Oil 101: The Ancient Remedy That Changed How I Heal Today

Let’s be honest, when most people hear "castor oil," they think of messy, outdated home remedies and unwanted childhood memories. It’s the kind of thing your grandmother swore by while you secretly hoped you'd never need.

But what if this weird-sounding oil is a key to calming inflammation, relieving pain, hydrating skin, and supporting your body’s natural healing systems without side effects or overwhelming lifestyle changes?

This is the story of how castor oil went from the back of my mind to a staple for myself, my family and my functional wellness patients.

The Night Castor Oil Changed Everything

Years ago, my newborn son was wheezing with bronchiolitis—so loudly that the pediatrician could hear it through the phone. His advice: wait and monitor, but be ready to head to the ER if it gets worse.

Before we rushed out the door, my mother gently suggested a natural approach—placing a warm castor oil pack on his chest.

I was skeptical. It felt too simple, too old-fashioned. But within minutes, my infant son’s breathing calmed. He started coughing up phlegm, then drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep. We never needed the hospital.

That moment changed everything for me. Castor oil became a permanent part of the healing toolkit I consistently recommend to patients, friends, and family.

The Staying Power of Castor Oil

During the height of COVID, patients and loved ones struggled with breathing and chest tightness. My first suggestion? A warm castor oil pack over the chest.

Again and again, I watched it bring comfort and relief — not just for respiratory support. I’ve used castor oil since I was a child—for upset stomachs, minor injuries, muscle aches, and hormone balance. These days, it’s one of the first things I recommend to anyone who texts, calls, or walks into my clinic.

In fact, it’s a running joke in the office. When someone comes to me with a new symptom, I’ll tell my assistant Sarah, “Guess what I’m going to say?” She always answers with a smile: “Put on a castor oil pack.”

Why I Still Reach for Castor Oil Today

Used for centuries in natural medicine, castor oil packs offer a gentle, effective way to teach your body how to restore balance. They’re versatile, affordable, and, when used consistently, surprisingly powerful treatment for:

• Sore joints and muscle stiffness

• Sluggish digestion and bloating

• Liver and lymphatic support

• Hydrating, healing skin

• Stronger, shinier hair and scalp health

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. It penetrates deeply, encourages circulation, and supports the body’s natural repair systems.

My favorite use is with my detox patients, especially when their liver needs help flushing out toxins and calming inflammation.

How to Make & Use Castor Oil Packs at Home

You can buy castor oil packs online or at most health stores, but DIY versions are easy and budget-friendly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies

• Hexane-free castor oil (or cold-pressed, organic as an alternative)

• Cloth: Organic cotton flannel, wool, a clean baby diaper, or even a soft, cut-up t-shirt

• Plastic wrap or bag to hold in heat and prevent a mess

• Heating pad or warm water bottle

• Towel to protect clothing or furniture

Instructions

1. Saturate your cloth with enough oil to soak, but not drip

2. Place it on the target area (abdomen, chest, joints)

3. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel

4. Apply mild heat for 45–60 minutes

5. Rinse skin with warm water and a little baking soda afterward

6. Store the cloth in a glass jar in the fridge to reuse

Try it just once to feel how grounded, calm, and restored your body becomes.

Ancient Remedy. Modern Healing. Everyday Use.

Castor oil isn’t just for crisis moments or deep detox—it’s a daily support tool that’s safe, gentle, and accessible for nearly everyone.

It’s stood the test of time, and generations before us knew the power in its simplicity. Today, we’re rediscovering what they already understood: this one small habit can spark significant change.

Whether you’re new to holistic health or looking for practical ways to reduce inflammation, ease pain, or support your liver, castor oil is a quiet but powerful ally.

Want to go deeper? The Power of Castor Oil by Desserae Cram is a beautiful blend of tradition, science, and practical use and a valuable addition to any natural health library.