castor oil packing
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil has been used as a medicinal and healing oil for thousands of years. It comes from the castor seed and is extremely high in ricinoleic acid, which is thought to be responsible for many of its health-promoting benefits. Castor oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal.
Benefits of castor oil:
Improving circulation
Strengthening the immune system
Softening and opening scar tissue
Nourishing dry damaged skin
Natural detoxification
Enhance fertility
Balancing hormones
Improve circulation to organs
Enhance detoxification pathways
Reduce gallbladder inflammation & gall stones
Stimulate the lymphatic system
Stimulate bile flow, which aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation
Help shrink & eliminate ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis
Helps release pelvic adhesions and mend scaring
Reduce menstrual cramps
Clear blocked uterine tubes
Stimulate the lymphatic system
Energize the intestines and support healthy bowel movements
Breast cysts, pain, and overall health
How Can It Be Used?
It can be used as a pack on skin, massaged into the skin, or used intravaginally. Castor oil is mildly toxic when taken by mouth; it irritates the small intestine and has a strong laxative effect. External use of castor oil is a very safe and effective method to work with several health issues, and can play a major role in healing women’s reproductive health. The main areas of the body where castor oil is commonly used include over the liver, gallbladder, womb, breasts, and kidneys. Castor oil is truly one of the earth’s most versatile healing oils—and it’s so simple to use. Ensure your castor oil and fabrics used are of the highest quality. Organic, cold-pressed castor oil & organic unbleached cotton or flannel are ideal.
Step-By-Step Abdominal Castor Oil Packing
Step One: Gather Your Supplies
+ High quality castor oil (I love this one)
+ Organic unbleached fabric, cotton is great (Link)
+ Hot water bottle or heating pad
+ Large black towel (for wrapping around your belly and avoid a mess!)
Step Two: Apply Castor Oil
Apply generous amount of castor oil onto your piece of fabric (more than you may think as it does get absorbed!) set aside. Apply some castor oil onto your belly/chosen area, and massage into skin.
Step Three: Place Flannel Onto Chosen Area
Apply the castor oil soaked fabric onto chosen therapy area (liver, uterus, ovaries, gut..etc).
Step Four: Wrap
Wrap entire area with a larger towel to keep oil and fabric in place, as well as heat contained.
Step Five: Apply Heat & Rest
Apply heat source over therapy area while sitting reclined or laying down. Continue to apply heat for 15 - 60 minutes (ideally at least 30). Use this time to connect to your breath and connect to your body.
Step Six: Cleaning Up
When you have finished, you can remove the outer towel and wash it. The castor oil soaked fabric can be placed in a glass container and re-used for up to 30 days. There will be considerable oil on your belly - you can continue with a massage or simply wipe it off with a dry towel.
Castor Oil Packs for General Reproductive Health & Fertility
Creating a routine that includes routine castor oil packing can offer therapeutic benefits to your womb health. In my own practice, the use of castor oil allows tissues to be much more responsive to change, as it softens and repairs. This allows for deeper healing.
For general reproductive health I recommend castor oil packing 1-4 times per week thorough the whole cycle (avoiding days 1-3; bleeding days).
For specific conditions such as ovarian cysts or fibroids, you can use castor oil packs daily for one month, then assess what has shifted after a month of consistent use.
Castor Oil Packs for Detoxification, Digestion, and Breast Pain
Similarly, for detoxification or digestion support, you can use castor oil packs daily for one month.
For more acute situations—such as constipation or a spastic gallbladder—you can use the packs for 3–4 days in a row, then take one day off to assess improvement, and repeat if needed.
For breast pain, castor oil packs can be used for several days in a row until the breasts feel less tender. If the pain is cyclical, begin using packs as soon as discomfort starts, and combine pack treatments with self-massage.
Contraindications
Castor oil packs are generally considered very safe, but they are contraindicated during pregnancy and should not be used over the uterus for women with an IUD (intrauterine device). They should also never be used by anyone with cancerous fibroids, ovarian tumors, or breast tumors unless under the supervision of a physician.
If you are currently trying to conceive, it’s best to use the packs only during the first half of your cycle, as castor oil is thought to have a detoxifying effect and you may not want to disturb possible implantation. I recommend using them on cycle days 1–10. Since most women ovulate between days 12–16, this schedule helps ensure you are finished before ovulation.
If you bleed heavily or experience flooding menses, I recommend following the protocol above—use packs only in the first half of the cycle, and avoid using them during the second half and while bleeding. Use your judgment, and if bleeding seems excessive (for example, needing to change pads every hour), stop using the packs altogether. This is unlikely, but some women may experience a stronger response when using packs during their period.
