Castor Oil Compress
Reviewed: 2024 March 14
Castor oil is the product of the seed of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). Although taken internally it is potentially toxic, used externally it is safe and has many applications.
Historically, castor oil compresses have been used to treat headaches, digestive and menstrual issues; support immune function; aid in detoxification; and reduce inflammation and swelling of injured joints and muscles.
Materials
- Castor oil (cold pressed)
- Glass or ceramic pan, lidded
- Flannel cloth: one inch thickness, large enough to cover affected area
- Plastic wrap (e.g., Saran® Wrap) or plastic bag: large enough to cover flannel
- Hot-water bottle, gel pack or heating pad (having a “low” setting)
- Bath towel or blanket
- Baking soda
Procedure
- Pour a small amount of castor oil into pan.
- In pan, moisten flannel cloth with castor oil until thoroughly moist (but not “dripping wet”) throughout.
- Cover pan with lid and gently heat moistened cloth on stovetop or in microwave.
- Place warmed flannel cloth over area to be treated.
- Place plastic over flannel cloth.
- Place hot-water bottle, gel pack or heating pad (set at “low” heat) over plastic.
- Bath towel or blanket may be placed over the heat source to secure compress in place.
- Rest with castor oil compress in place for 60 minutes.
- Remove castor oil compress and clean area with water. Baking soda may be added to water to facilitate cleaning (baking soda:water = 1 teaspoon:1 cup).
- Repeat castor oil compress treatment daily or as desired. It is more effective to repeat treatments on consecutive days than if performed on alternate days.
Flannel cloths may be reused for up to three treatments. They should be stored, covered in the lidded pan and refrigerated. Additional castor oil may be added to the pan if required.
Alternate Procedure
- Apply castor oil directly over desired area to be treated at retiring (“bedtime”).
- Wear an old t-shirt or pants over area to be treated.
- In morning, wash area with water or water and baking soda as described above.
Cautions and Contraindications
- Castor oil will stain fabrics
- Be careful to not fall asleep during the treatment to avoid the risk of burn (if using heat source in treatment)
- Castor oil should not be taken internally
- Castor oil compresses should not be used during pregnancy, lactation, menstruation or over broken skin
References
Cabrera C. Complementary medicine for androgen excess and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Canadian Journal of Herbalism. 2003;24(4):6-10.
