A castor oil pack looks intimidating until you’ve done it once. Then it becomes the easiest hour of your night: one tablespoon of oil, one soft pack and permission to lie down and do nothing.
Here’s exactly how we do it at home.
What You’ll Need
- Organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil
- A castor oil pack with a soft organic cotton side
- A tablespoon (we use our Measured in Gold Tablespoon)
- An old tee you don’t mind getting a little oil on
- About an hour
Step 1: Pour
Lay your pack flat with the soft cotton side facing up. Pour one tablespoon of castor oil into the center, away from the seams. If your pack is brand new, use two tablespoons the first time to prime the fabric.
Keeping the oil in the center is the single best habit for less mess and a longer-lasting pack.
Step 2: Wrap
Place the oiled cotton side against your skin, over your belly or liver area, and fasten the straps. It should feel snug and secure, like a warm hug, without feeling tight.
You don’t need a heating pad. The pack is designed to hold in your own body warmth.
Step 3: Rest
Lie back, pull a blanket over you and stay there. Start with 30 minutes and build up to an hour, or wear it overnight once you’re comfortable. Put your phone across the room and breathe slowly. This is the part of the ritual that’s just for you.
When you’re done, unfasten the pack and wipe any leftover oil from your skin with a warm, damp cloth.
How Often to Use It
Most people use their pack three to four nights a week, with a rest night or two between sessions. Consistency matters more than intensity, so choose nights you can protect.
Caring for Your Pack
- Between uses: fold it with the oiled side in and store it in a large glass jar or lidded container, away from heat and sunlight.
- Each session: add one fresh tablespoon of oil rather than letting the pack sit saturated.
- Washing: skip it if you can. Washing pushes oil into the outer layer and shortens the life of your pack.
- Replacing: most people replace their pack every two to three months, or after about 60 uses. Replace it sooner if the fabric feels stiff or has a smell that won’t go away.
- Sharing: please don’t. For hygiene, each person should have their own pack.
Before You Begin
Castor oil is for external use only. Please don’t use castor oil, castor oil packs or navel patches during pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical care, talk with your healthcare provider first. We also recommend a patch test on a small area of skin before your first full session.
Ready for Your First Night?
Everything you need is in The Kit: our organic castor oil and organic cotton castor oil pack, together.