As interest in castor oil and castor oil packs grows across wellness media, much of the guidance being shared is incomplete or misleading. According to Mary Light ND MH LMT—a traditional naturopath and clinical herbalist with more than 20 years of experience—a properly prepared home castor oil pack can be a powerful, time-tested remedy for relieving digestive stress and congestion.

To prepare a therapeutic pack, Light recommends soaking a washcloth-sized cloth in about ¼ cup of pure, hexane-free castor oil. While lying on a towel-covered surface such as a bed or sofa, place the cloth over the area needing support—commonly the liver, colon or solar plexus. Add a partially filled, flexible hot water bottle on top, then insulate with a hand towel. If the pack feels too hot, add another cloth layer. Relax for 30 to 40 minutes while the oil soaks into deeper tissues, promoting the release of tension and aiding detoxification. This practice is most effective when done for several consecutive days.

Castor oil packs have been included in naturopathic education for generations and were notably researched by the Edgar Cayce Institute. While modern science continues to explore the full range of benefits, Light’s clinical experience affirms their usefulness, especially when combined with rest and mindful breathing.

Light teaches this and other accessible healing techniques through her Ann Arbor-based school, offering in-person sessions, consults and hands-on training in herbal medicine and holistic therapies.