Dry Brushing & Castor Oil Packs for Detox

In the world of functional and naturopathic medicine, the body’s ability to heal itself is at the center of true wellness. Two time-tested practices that support this innate healing process are dry brushing and castor oil packs. Though simple, both therapies have profound effects on circulation, detoxification, skin health, and even stress resilience.

What Is Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing is the practice of using a natural bristle brush on dry skin in gentle, upward strokes, usually before showering.

Benefits of Dry Brushing:

• Lymphatic Support: Stimulates the lymphatic system, helping the body move stagnant lymph and clear waste.

• Exfoliation: Sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing softer and more radiant skin.

• Circulation Boost: Improves blood flow, which supports oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.

• Nervous System Reset: The tactile sensation can calm the nervous system, grounding you before your day or as an evening ritual.

How to Practice:

1. Start at the feet and work your way up toward the heart with light to medium pressure.

2. Brush the arms, chest, and abdomen in long strokes toward the heart.

3. Shower afterward to rinse off dead skin cells.

4. Moisturize with a clean, non-toxic oil (like organic jojoba or coconut oil).

Click here for my favorite dry brush

Click here for an old-school but effective video on how to dry brush

What Are Castor Oil Packs?

Castor oil packs involve applying organic, cold-pressed castor oil to a piece of flannel or cotton cloth, placing it on the skin (commonly over the liver or lower abdomen), covering with a wrap or heating pad, and resting for 30–60 minutes. Applied over the liver or abdomen, castor oil packs stimulate lymphatic flow, improve circulation, and support bile movement. This gentle therapy helps your body process and move toxins through the liver more efficiently.

For best results, use 3–5 times a week for 45–60 minutes while resting.

• Click here for a guide on how to use castor oil properly.

• Click here or here for my favorite packs.

Benefits of Castor Oil Packs:

• Liver Detoxification: Enhances circulation to the liver, supporting detox and hormone metabolism.

• Digestive Support: Reduces bloating, gas, and sluggish bowels by stimulating peristalsis.

• Hormonal Balance: Can ease menstrual cramps, support ovulation, and promote healthy cycles.

• Stress & Sleep: Encourages parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, lowering cortisol and improving relaxation.

• Skin & Inflammation: Castor oil’s ricinoleic acid has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

How to Practice:

1. Apply castor oil to the chosen area (liver, lower abdomen, or joints). Start with 1 tbsp of castor oil

2. Place the castor oil pack over the area.

3. Apply a heating pad for 45-60 minutes to start out. Can increase to 2+ hours over time if tolerating well.

4. Relax, breathe deeply, and let the body restore.

Note: Avoid castor oil packs during pregnancy or active bleeding unless guided by a practitioner.

Why These Practices Work Together

Dry brushing preps the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage and circulation, while castor oil packs go deeper, supporting detox pathways, calming inflammation, and enhancing organ function. Together, they create a powerful at-home ritual for whole-body wellness.

Functional Medicine Perspective

From a functional medicine lens, detoxification isn’t about a quick fix, it’s about supporting the organs and pathways that naturally process waste: liver, gut, kidneys, skin, and lymphatic system. Dry brushing and castor oil packs gently enhance these pathways without overburdening the body, making them sustainable long-term tools.

Final Thoughts

Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, consistent rituals often bring the most profound results. Incorporating dry brushing in the morning and castor oil packs a few evenings per week can help restore balance, support detoxification, and bring you closer to the vibrant health your body is designed for.

Reference Guide

1. National Cancer Institute. The Lymphatic System and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov

2. Immune Network Journal. Role of the Lymphatic System in Immune Function. 2016.

3. Vieira, C. et al. Ricinoleic acid, the main component of castor oil, and its biological activities. Molecules. 2000.

4. Cayce, E. Edgar Cayce on Healing Oils. A.R.E. Press. (Historical naturopathic use of castor oil packs).

5. Dr. Marisol Teijeiro, ND. Castor Oil Packs for Hormones and Detoxification. (Functional medicine perspective).

6. PubMed Central. The physiological effects of massage and skin stimulation on circulation and lymphatic flow.

7. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. Natural Approaches to Liver Support. 2018.