A castor oil hot pack can help to relieve painful spasms of the gallbladder and bile ducts. This is a simple and inexpensive home remedy that is very effective for shortening the intensity and duration of a gallbladder attack. The purpose of applying heat to your gallbladder is to expand the bile ducts and relieve pressure. This can be very effective for calming down painful spasms of the biliary ducts, and if a small stone is trapped in a bile duct, the application of heat may relieve the blockage. Castor oil comes from the seed of the castor bean plant called Ricinus communis. Castor oil is commonly used in a heat pack or compress to treat a variety of painful conditions, including menstrual pain and joint pain. Castor oil also gets absorbed through your skin and has healing properties. Therefore it is beneficial to apply a castor oil hot pack to your gallbladder and liver during an acute gallbladder attack, but we also suggest you use this remedy regularly, for 30 minutes, three times a week at least two hours after your evening meal if you have an inflamed gallbladder that regularly causes discomfort. For complete instructions on applying a castor oil hot pack, and many other easy home remedies for easing gallbladder pain, see our book  'Save your Gallbladder, and what to do if you’ve already lost it'. A word of caution: If you are in intense pain or the pain has lasted for more than 4 hours, please see a doctor immediately.