Castor Oil Packs for Uterine Health
I frequently recommend my patients use Castor oil packs to improve blood flow and uterine health. It’s been a folk medicine across cultures for thousands of years, used for a wide variety of conditions such as; liver and intestinal disorders, colic, abdominal cramps and spasms, tumors, benign cysts, fibroids, arthritis, skin conditions, scars and adhesions. I recommend it for patients with endometriosis, fibroids, clotty periods, painful periods, chronic constipation and as part of labor preparation to soften the cervix and promote blood flow.
Wherever there’s congestion, decreased blood flow and need for healing, Castor oil can be an effective treatment when applied externally. Packs can be applied to any location that’s inflamed, such as lower back, sacrum, abdomen, and pelvic bowl.
How does Castor oil work?
The main active enzyme in Castor oil is ricinoleic acid which has been shown to reduce inflammation, increase in lymphocyte production and has a balancing effect on the autonomic nervous system, increasing liver activity and improving digestion.
How to apply Castor oil packs.
Castor oil is messy so use old towels or cloths.
You’ll need:
200ml or 3/4 cup warmed Castor oil.
A wool, thick cotton or towel large enough to pack the area being treated.
Towel or cloth to cover the pack.
Hot water bottle or heat pad.
Instructions:
Pour oil onto your thick cloth/pack so that it’s saturated but not dripping.
Place the cloth/pack over the area to be treated and cover with another protective towel or cloth.
Rest your heat source on top of the layers of towels.
Cover your lower body in a blanket and snuggle in for a rest.
Be careful not to burn your skin and maintain constant warmth for 30-60 mins.
Optional for reuse:
Fill a large glass container with Castor oil. This can be reused and stored in a dark cool location.
Place your clean wool, thick cotton or towelling cloth into your container and leave until it’s saturated with the Castor oil.
Squeeze the excess oil out of the cloth and place on the area to be treated.
Follow the instructions above.
How often to do Castor oil packs.
This depends on the underlying condition being treated. A generally you would want to do them at least three times a week. If you are trying to conceive only doing them from the end of your cycle to ovulation. Castor oil is too moving to use during the luteal phase when implantation may be happening. If you are not trying to conceive you could do all month long. Do not use while you are menstruating as it can cause heavy bleeding.
Contraindications and cautions for use of Castor oil packs.
Always consult with your healthcare provider if conditions persist.
At times of heavy bleeding.
During pregnancy.
Active digestive tract infection such as diverticulitis.
Discontinue use if you notice a skin reaction.
Use with caution if you’re on immunosuppressant medication.
Taken internally, Castor oil is a strong cathartic and is not recommended.
I love using Castor oil packs along with Maya Abdominal Therapy and acupuncture to support optimal fertility and reproductive health as well as addressing conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and painful periods. Castor oil packs are one of my top 10 holistic treatment strategies for endometriosis. Interested in learning more about working with me? Schedule a free consultation!