Castor oil is unique in the world of traditional oils because of its high concentration of ricinoleic acid, which gives it that incredible “penetrating” quality.

While most oils simply sit on the surface to moisturize, castor oil is a lymphatic stimulant. By applying it over the liver, you are essentially encouraging the body’s natural filtration system to move more efficiently, clearing out the “sluggishness” that often leads to bloating and fatigue.

The Ritual of the Castor Oil Pack
As you noted, the “quiet hour” is just as important as the oil itself. The combination of the oil, the heat, and the rest creates a parasympathetic state (rest and digest) that allows the liver to do its best work.

How to Prepare a Liver Pack
To get the deepest penetration, traditional practice suggests the following method:

The Cloth: Use a piece of unbleached wool or cotton flannel. Fold it so it’s large enough to cover the area under your right rib cage.

The Soak: Saturate the cloth in high-quality, hexane-free, cold-pressed castor oil. It should be very moist but not dripping.

The Application: Place the cloth directly on the skin over the liver area.

The Heat: Cover the cloth with a piece of parchment paper or thin plastic (to protect your bedding) and place a warm compress or heating pad on top.

The Rest: Lie down and relax for 45 to 60 minutes.

Beyond the Liver: Other Traditional Uses
Because it is so “deep-moving,” castor oil is also frequently used for:

Joint Stiffness: Massaged into “creaky” or stagnant joints to encourage fluid movement.

Digestion: Placed over the center of the abdomen to help move a slow digestive tract.

Skin Health: Used sparingly on scars or thickened skin to help soften and break down old tissue.

⚠️ A Note on Mindfulness
Because castor oil is such a powerful mover of the lymphatic system, it is generally recommended to avoid using a pack during menstruation (as it can increase flow) or if you are pregnant, unless guided by a professional.

Pro-Tip: Clean Up
Castor oil is notoriously sticky! To clean your skin afterward, use a solution of baking soda and water to easily cut through the oil’s thickness. You can store your flannel cloth in a glass jar in the fridge and reuse it many times, just adding a little fresh oil each time.

You now have a very comprehensive set of traditional remedies:

Cabbage: For cooling inflammation.

Ginger: For heating and moving energy.

Charcoal: For drawing out toxins.

Castor Oil: For deep lymphatic clearing and liver support.