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How to Use Castor Oil Packs for Pain, Digestion to Women's Health

Erika Page

In this BLOG

  • What is castor oil?

  • Benefits of Castor OiL

  • castor oil PACKS for womens health

  • Castor oil packs for digestion

  • castor oil packs for pain, inflammation, and arthritis

  • best castor oil packS for everyday use

  • FURTHER READING

what is castor oil?

Castor oil is a thick vegetable oil made from the seeds of the Ricinus communis Plant. Historical use dates back thousands of years ago to ancient Egypt where it was first used for medicinal and beauty purposes as well as lamp fuel.

This golden oil is chockfull of Vitamin E, Omega-9 fatty acids, and Omega-6 fatty acids which lead to its antioxidant, pain relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties.

benefits of castor oil

Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Microbial

Improves Localized Blood Flow

Helps Lubricate Joints and Moisturize Skin

Decreases Localized Pain and Inflammation

Stimulates Cell Regrowth to Heal Wounds and Decrease Scar Tissue

Using castor oil packs for womens health

Due to castor oil’s pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil packs can be beneficial for most symptoms pertaining to painful menses, whether it’s endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, periods with cramping, periods that are slow to start or periods with clotting. It is also a great adjunct when preparing to conceive as it supports healthy circulation when applied locally to the lower abdomen and can help relieve congestion in those with blocked fallopian tubes or those who have scarring in their uterus due to prior procedures.

*Please note you should never use castor oil packs if you think you might be pregnant or are currently pregnant.

USING CASTOR OIL PACKS FOR DIGESTION

Most have heard of castor oil being used internally to instigate labor and promote bowel movements; used topically, however, it is a much gentler bowel mover, helping to reduce constipation and promote gut health. Using packs on the abdomen can help make stools softer and easier to pass, as well as decrease inflammation in the gut which can help calm bloating and digestive disorders like IBS.

USING castor oil packs for pain, inflammation, + arthritis

Because castor oil is about 90% ricinoleic acid, it may help to relieve inflammation with joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as local muscle or tendon pain due to swelling and injury. In clinical practice, I see frequent use of castor oil packs on overused or cartilage-less joints greatly relieve symptoms. It can also help decrease swelling in achy joints that react to weather and temperatures changes.

best castor oil pack for everyday use

The best results with castor oil packs come from frequent and routine use. Packs should be worn for at least 45 minutes at a time and always used with heat.

For acute injuries and local swelling, I recommend castor oil packs at least once a day for the first week post injury, then tapering off to a couple of times a week until swelling has subsided and complete range of motion has been restored. For chronic pain and inflammation packs should be used a couple of times of week consistently to help relieve symptoms, or alternatively when swelling or pain is triggered.

To support a healthy period, it is best to time castor oil packs in preparation for menses. For those with endometriosis, cramping, and pain, packs should be used each day for the 5-7 days before menses is most likely to begin. They can be also be used during the first day or two of bleeding if there is still cramping but should be discontinued once it subsides. Those with heavy bleeding should not use castor oil packs during their menses. For those with mild pre-menstrual symptoms, packs can be used the 2-3 days before bleeding starts.

To make your own Castor Oil Pack, you will need:

  • wool flannel or old t-shirt

  • cold pressed castor oil (look for those in a glass container)

  • cling wrap

  • rubber hot water bottle (please do not use an electric blanket or heater)


FURTHER READING

Articles:

Healthline - How to Make and Use Castor Oil Packs

WebMD - Castor Oil: Are There Health Benefits?

Healthline - How to Regulate Your Periods: 20 Tips and Tricks

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