Originally published January 2021 · Updated for 2026
Update Note
This post has been updated to reflect newer research, clinical experience, and changes in product recommendations. My approach to detox support has evolved toward gentler, more foundational strategies that prioritize hydration, mineral balance, nervous system regulation, and elimination support.
Castor oil packs have been used across traditional healing systems for generations to support digestion, lymphatic flow, circulation, and elimination. When paired thoughtfully with heat—especially infrared sauna—they can support the body’s natural detoxification pathways without forcing or overstimulating the system.
This is not about “pushing toxins out.” It’s about creating the conditions for the body to do what it already knows how to do.
How castor oil supports detox pathways
Topical castor oil is traditionally used to support:
- Local circulation and lymphatic movement
- Liver and gallbladder support (when applied over the right rib cage)
- Pelvic and menstrual support (when applied over the lower abdomen)
- Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation
Heat enhances these effects by increasing circulation and encouraging relaxation—this is why castor oil and sauna pair so well.
How to use castor oil with different heat setups
This is where people often get confused, so let’s be clear.
If you’re using an upright infrared sauna
- Apply castor oil directly to the skin
- Sit on a folded towel on the sauna chair
- You do NOT need a flannel/pack inside the sauna
- Heat + direct application is sufficient (and the cleanest setup)
If you’re using a sauna blanket (Bon Charge, HigherDose, etc.)
In this case, you do want a barrier.
- Apply castor oil to the skin
- Use a castor oil pack or flannel over the area (prevents mess and protects the blanket)
- Do not lie completely flat in a sauna blanket—use a recliner or prop yourself up slightly
Recommended pack option: Queen of Thrones organic liver pack
Castor oil + essential oils (optional)
Essential oils are optional, not required. If tolerated, you may add 1–2 drops total to a carrier oil before applying castor oil on top.
Examples that are commonly well-tolerated when properly diluted:
- Grapefruit – lymphatic and bile support
- Rosemary – circulation support
- Frankincense – tissue support
Patch test first, and skip oils entirely if you’re sensitive—castor oil alone works beautifully.
I source organic castor oil (glass bottles) and essential oils and some binders through my Fullscript dispensary for quality control and convenience:
Set up a Free Fullscript Patient Account Here
Infrared sauna options (updated recommendations)
Infrared sauna supports circulation and sweating, relaxation and nervous system regulation, heat shock protein activation, and tissue recovery.
TheraSauna / Therasage (primary recommendation)
Cleaner build, adjustable heat, and red-light compatibility.
Shop Therasage
Code: MAYWELLNESS20
Bon Charge sauna blanket
HigherDose sauna blanket
Well made but does not get as hot (important to know).
Shop HigherDose
Relax Sauna
This is the sauna I personally own. It’s hot and effective, but these days I generally recommend Therasage for adjustability and materials.
https://www.relaxsaunas.com/
Code: BWELL
Hydration is non-negotiable
When I used sauna therapy regularly during mold and parasite recovery, hydration was the foundation.
- I typically brought 70–80 ounces of filtered water
- Added electrolytes to replace sodium and minerals lost through sweat
- Sipped steadily throughout the session (not chugging afterward)
Sweating without hydration is not detox—it’s stress.
Pro tip: calculate your sweat loss (because people sweat very differently)
Some people barely sweat. Some people sweat like they’re getting paid per drop. An easy way to personalize hydration is to weigh yourself before and after a sauna session occasionally.
- Weigh yourself before and after (same clothing, dry hair if possible)
- Track how much fluid you drank during the session
- Your goal is to estimate sweat loss so you can replenish what you actually lost
Simple rule of thumb: If you’re down weight after accounting for what you drank, you likely need additional fluids + electrolytes post-session.
Binder support (when appropriate)
When heat and sweating increase circulation, elimination support matters—especially for people with higher toxic load.
When I used sauna regularly, I commonly paired sessions with GI Detox (can be purchased from CellCore or Fullscript)
Binders should be used strategically, away from food and supplements, and always alongside hydration and minerals.
If you want to access CellCore options directly, here is my patient direct registration link
This approach is for
- People supporting liver, lymph, or elimination pathways
- Those recovering from mold, environmental, or metabolic stress
- Individuals who tolerate heat well and hydrate adequately
- Anyone looking for a gentle, consistent detox support practice
This approach is not for
- Anyone severely depleted, under-hydrated, or under-eating
- People who feel worse with heat or sweating
- Those seeking aggressive or rapid detox strategies
- Anyone skipping foundations like digestion, minerals, and blood sugar regulation
Castor oil + infrared sauna isn’t about hacking detox. It’s about warmth, circulation, hydration, elimination, and consistency.
Sometimes the most effective support isn’t another supplement—it’s creating enough safety and flow for the body to do its job.
— Brenna
If you’re new to castor oil packs or want a step-by-step walkthrough (without sauna), I cover the foundations in detail here:
Castor Oil Pack Guide: How to Use Them Safely and Effectively
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