Are Castor Oil Packs Really Healthy? A Doctor Explains the Viral Trend

E! Illustration/HigherDOSE

It seems there's always a new beauty or wellness trend popping up! One that's been catching our eye lately? Castor oil packs.

E! spoke exclusively with Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, founder of Iris Wings Sanctuary For Endometriosis Surgery & Wellness in Los Angeles, to answer all of our burning questions about using castor oil packs, from how they work to who should be using them.

Dr. Orbuch explained: "castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help many systems of the body" when applied topically, along with a few of the potential benefits:

• Improve digestive system
• Improve menstrual cramps
• Help your nervous system calm down
• Improve deep sleep 
• Improve lymphatic flow

"Used externally, most people, except pregnant or breastfeeding women or those who are allergic to or have a sensitivity to castor oil, can benefit from castor oil packs," Dr. Orbuch added.

Of course, before adding anything new into your wellness routine always consult with your physician first to see what's right for you!

What does the science say about castor oil packs? How do they actually work?

Dr. Orbuch explained, "Castor oil has a high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It makes up nearly 90% of the oil's fatty acid content. For digestive health, the acid binds to smooth muscle receptors in the intestinal walls."

How do you use castor oil packs?

"You can find organic castor oil and abdominal pads on Amazon, or use an unbleached wool or cotton flannel to make your own castor oil pack. Next, saturate the material with castor oil," Dr. Orbuch advised. "I always recommend organic, hexane-free castor oil. Next, the cloth is placed over the desired area. For liver detoxification, I recommend placement over the right side of the abdomen. Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of the flannel helps. Keep the pack on for up to one hour for best effects."

M3 Naturals Organic Castor Oil Roll-On

This roll-on castor oil causes less mess and is ideal for travel!

M3 Naturals Pure Castor Oil Pack Kit

This pack contains a cotton body wrap and 100% castor oil. Apply the oil directly to your skin before putting on the wrap.

HigherDOSE Modern Castor Oil Pack Ritual

This kit from HigherDOSE contains the brand's heat-activated endorphin oil, a piece of organic cotton flannel and a sweat band. 

What are some alternatives to castor oil packs?

Dr. Orbuch says that for digestive health, "heating pads or infrared heating pads" may help. She added, "For menstrual cramps, heating pads, infrared heating pads may provide similar relief."

GENIANI Electric Heating Pad

Adjust the temp of this electric heating pad to your liking, available in multiple colors and four different sizes.

Editor's Pick

Warmies Heart Heat Pad

I'm a huge Warmies fan, and this heating pad is so cozy! It's shaped like a heart, weighted 1.5lbs. and feels amazing after it's been popped in the microwave. 

Are there any other benefits or limitations to using castor oil packs?

Dr. Orbuch explained: "applying heat to castor oil can relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and may relieve menstrual cramps," and they may also "help relieve bloating and GI pain."

They can also be beneficial for endometriosis patients, who " live in a "fight or flight"/sympathetic overdrive state, and applying heated castor oil packs can help shift your nervous system into a "rest and digest"/parasympathetic state."

She added, "For external use, there are not many limitations aside from the fact that it is messy, needs to be applied for 45-60 minutes to see effects, and may cause abdominal cramping."

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