Castor Oil & Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil has been used for generations as a traditional wellness remedy. It is a thick vegetable oil made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.
Today, castor oil is commonly used in skincare, cosmetics and as a stimulant laxative. Another traditional use is applying castor oil to the skin with a castor oil pack.
What is a castor oil pack?
A castor oil pack is typically a piece of cloth saturated with castor oil and placed against the skin. Some people add gentle external warmth using a heating pad or hot-water bottle. I recommend not using a microwaveable heating pad.
Castor oil packs are commonly placed over the abdomen or other areas of the body as part of a relaxation or self-care ritual. The second time I has breast cancer, I opted to not do chemotherapy, and so as a result, I was in limbo waiting for my surgery to take place, 2 months later. During that two months I used castor oil packs nightly on my chest and axilla lymph nodes. I personally think that by doing this (among other things) attributed to my cancer not spreading, my tumour becoming smaller and lymph node involvement going from 2 to only 1 positive lymph node.
Castor Oil & Cancer
Castor oil has recently become popular on social media as a supposed treatment for breast cancer and other cancers.
There is currently no human evidence showing that castor oil or castor oil packs can treat, cure or prevent cancer. Laboratory findings involving components of castor oil should not be interpreted as proof that applying castor oil to the skin treats cancer in people.
A castor oil pack should therefore be viewed as a complementary self-care practice—not a cancer treatment.
A Simple Castor Oil Pack Ritual
If you choose to use a castor oil pack, the practice can also become a quiet opportunity to pause and nurture yourself.
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Apply a small amount of castor oil according to the product instructions
- Place a cloth or castor oil pack over an area of intact skin.
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If desired, use gentle warmth—not excessive heat. Heat helps the castor oil penetrate more quickly and deeper.
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Relax, breathe slowly and allow yourself some uninterrupted time.
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I would wear my castor oil packs at bedtime and just leave on throughout the night.
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Have a good supply of crappy t-shirts on hand
Think of this time as an opportunity to slow down, breathe, reconnect and nurture yourself.
Safety First
Castor oil can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people. Avoid applying it to broken, irritated or infected skin.
Do not use castor oil internally unless specifically advised by an appropriate healthcare professional. Oral castor oil can cause abdominal cramping, vomiting, bloating and dizziness.
If using a heating pad, avoid excessive heat and do not fall asleep with the heating device in place.
If you are pregnant, have an underlying medical condition, or are undergoing cancer treatment, speak with your healthcare team before incorporating castor oil into your wellness routine.
Castor oil packs are a complementary wellness practice and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent cancer. They should not replace medical evaluation or prescribed cancer treatment.