Castor oil packs have been around for centuries. Throughout the ages, castor oil packs have been used for a plethora of health benefits, ranging from reducing inflammation to clearing up rashes and assisting with joint pain. In fact, castor oil can even improve liver and kidney function when you place castor oil packs over that area.
That said, you may be curious about how long it takes for castor oil to work or how to even know if it’s working in the first place. Fortunately, we’re here to help because in this article, we take you through how to know if castor oil pack is working.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a special oil that comes from the castor plant. It’s an odorless oil that dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Back then, the oil was probably used for fuel in lamps and for ceremonies, but today, its uses are much different.
Today, castor oil is likely used cosmetically to help you maintain healthy-looking skin or to assist with pain, discomfort, and inflammation. While it’s not considered a medication, many people love castor oil for its holistic healing benefits. This is because the oil is rich in vitamin E, omega-9, and omega-6 fatty acids, thanks to its primary ingredient, ricinoleic acid.
What Is a Castor Oil Pack?
Castor oil packs are a combination of castor oil with cloth, cotton, or wool. The material is soaked in the castor oil and then applied to an area of the body. Usually, castor oil packs are wrapped in plastic on one side to prevent any leakage. If you’re planning on lying down, though, you may want to lay a towel down before you begin using a castor oil pack.
These packs have been around for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt when Cleopatra found that the oil would brighten the whites of her eyes.
How to Know if Castor Oil Pack Is Working for Your Skin?
There are a few ways to determine if a castor oil pack is working for your skin. Over the short term, you may feel less itchy or notice that signs of redness are starting to decrease. Additionally, you may notice that castor oil reduces any surface-level pain and clears up rashes. Your skin will also look healthier and feel more hydrated.
While you may start to notice the benefits early, it’s important to be consistent with castor oil packs. This is because it may take a few weeks for you to notice the full effects of the oil.
How to Know if Castor Oil Pack Is Working for Your Digestive System?
One of the best things about a castor oil pack is that it can help you with constipation, bloating, and other stomach or intestinal issues. It’s for these reasons that many people who struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease, and other similar conditions rely on castor oil for relief.
While it’s not a medication, it can work as a laxative and improve digestive and liver function to help your body clear toxins. The result is less constipation, improved bowel flow, and a reduction in bloating. What’s more, castor oil may lead to frequent urination to help your kidneys clear more toxins, which is another sign that the packs are working. Overall, you’ll know that castor oil packs are working if you notice these improvements in around three to four weeks.
How to Know if Castor Oil Pack Is Working for Joint Pain?
Joint pain is something that can become chronic in a hurry. While there are plenty of medications and treatment options that can help, supporting your body’s natural ability to heal with a castor oil pack is rarely a bad idea. For castor oil packs to help with joint pain and inflammation around your body, make sure you’re using them consistently for two to three months.
Unfortunately, it’s tough to know if it will work beforehand, so make sure you’re applying daily for at least 30 minutes to the region that’s impacted the most. You’ll know it’s working when inflammation settles down and your joints feel less painful.
Always Know When Your Castor Oil Pack Is Working
Castor oil packs aren’t something that works after one quick session. Instead, you need to be consistent to determine whether or not your castor oil packs are working. The good news is that you should be able to tell when they’re working within a few weeks. Then, for pain, inflammation, and digestive problems, you’ll know in around four weeks or up to three months, depending on your goals.
To give yourself the best chance at experiencing the relief that castor oil can offer, make sure you get high-quality castor oil from reputable brands.