In the years since TikTok has come onto the scene (and then left, and then came back and then is maybe leaving again?), we’ve learned pretty quickly that, while we can learn a lot of beauty tips and tricks from creators on the app, taking wellness and health advice at face value isn’t always the best idea. When it comes to health-related hacks, it’s always best to get expert feedback before trying your hand at a new trend, no matter how harmless it may seem.
One of the most recent trends sweeping the social media circuit, for example, is that of castor oil packs. Across TikTok and Instagram, users can be seen saturating cloths with castor oil and securing it to their abdomen before bed. While some claim it yields incredible anti-bloating benefits, others are left with cramping and stomach pain. So, are they legit? We tapped Chinese and integrative medicine expert and women’s health and fertility specialist Elizabeth Trattner to find out.
What Is Castor Oil Used For?
Before we get into castor oil packs specifically, let’s first discuss what exactly castor oil is. “Castor oil has been used for centuries as a therapeutic remedy in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurvedic and naturopathic practices,” Dr. Trattner begins. “While it’s often recognized for its role in promoting skin and hair health and aiding digestion, the use of castor oil packs has gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to support overall well-being.”
What Do Castor Oil Packs Do?
While castor oil packs may be blowing up on social media now, Dr. Trattner assures that the trend is nothing new. “I used to do them in the ’80s when I began my health journey once a week,” she says. “They were messy at the time, but now there are many companies that sell kits, or some people use castor oil in their belly button to decrease bloating as an alternative.” Even just a quick search for “castor oil packs” on TikTok will bring forth hundreds of users claiming that the packs healed their bloating issues. So, does it work?
“A castor oil pack involves soaking a piece of cloth in castor oil, placing it on the skin (typically over the abdomen), covering it with plastic wrap or another barrier, and applying gentle heat,” Dr. Trattner first clarifies. “This practice is believed to offer several health benefits, from anti-inflammatory effects to lymphatic circulation enhancement, digestive support and even stress reduction.”
Inflammation
“Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Trattner notes. “Studies suggest that when applied topically, ricinoleic acid can reduce localized inflammation, which may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness.”
Lymphatic Circulation
Lymphatic drainage has been all the rage across wellness social media lately, and as Dr. Trattner affirms, castor oil packs can reap benefits on the lymphatic system, too. “The lymphatic system plays a critical role in detoxification and immune function, and castor oil packs are thought to enhance lymphatic drainage, promoting the removal of toxins from the body and supporting overall immune health. A study examining the effect of castor oil packs on lymphocyte production found an increase in lymphocyte count, suggesting enhanced lymphatic function.”
Digestive Support
From supplements to at-home massages, remedies for digestive support are always a hot commodity. “Many individuals report relief from constipation and bloating after using castor oil packs,” Dr. Trattner explains. “This may be due to the oil’s ability to stimulate smooth muscle contraction, aiding bowel movements. Many people use castor oil packs to ‘detox’ or debloat, and one study conducted on elderly patients with constipation even found that the packs improved bowel movement frequency and reduced straining.” For the users on social media who reported cramping after using the packs, Dr. Trattner assures the discomfort is likely from the oil’s stimulating impact on the bowels—if irritation occurs, Dr. Trattner recommends reducing frequency.
Stress Reduction
“The process of applying a warm castor oil pack can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels,” Dr. Trattner explains. “While direct studies on castor oil packs and stress are limited, the relaxation from the warmth and the practice itself may contribute to stress reduction. In traditional Chinese medicine, heat is used to help relax the body and promote circulation.”
