Castor Oil Packs: why, when & how?
WHY USE A CASTOR OIL PACK?
Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the castor plant, is renowned for its natural laxative properties when ingested.
A milder and more soothing way to harness its benefits is through the use of castor oil packs on your lower abdomen.
I recommend castor oil packs for individuals experiencing menstrual cycle challenges, such as period pain, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.
They can also be comforting during the healing process after an unsuccessful IVF attempt, miscarriage, or termination. These packs gently enhance blood circulation to your pelvic organs and can aid in softening well-healed scar tissue following procedures like a caesarean birth or laparoscopy. Not to mention, they're incredibly relaxing and provide the perfect excuse to unwind and lie down.
Here are some ways castor oil packs can help:
Enhanced Lymph and Blood Circulation: These packs have the power to improve lymph and blood circulation to the reproductive organs.
Aid in Managing Ovarian Cysts and Uterine Fibroids: Castor oil packs are known for their potential to help shrink and eliminate ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, bringing much-needed relief
Addressing Endometrial Adhesions and Fallopian Tube Health: Additionally, they can assist in clearing fallopian tubes and easing endometrial adhesions, potentially improving your reproductive health.
Softening Uterine Adhesions and Scarring: If you're dealing with uterine adhesions and scarring, castor oil packs may help soften and ease these concerns
Alleviating Menstrual Cramps: For those enduring the discomfort of menstrual cramps, these packs can be a soothing and natural way to reduce pain
Supporting Healthy Bowel Movements: Castor oil packs can also support healthy bowel movements, which means your body can get rid of excessive estrogen more efficiently.
HOW TO MAKE A CASTOR OIL PACK
To create your own castor oil pack, gather the following items:
A 250ml bottle of high-quality cold-pressed castor oil, preferably organic.
A piece of cotton or flannel large enough to cover your lower abdomen when folded in half (muslin baby squares are a good choice).
A hot water bottle or heating pad.
Another muslin square, a small old towel, or cling film (my least favourite) to cover the pack while in use.
Old clothes to wear and an old towel to place underneath you, as castor oil can stain.
A glass container with a lid for soaking the flannel in castor oil and storing it between uses (glass Tupperware or a jar works well).
Be prepared for your first castor oil pack to be a bit messy, so it's best not to use it on your favorite sheets. It becomes less messy with practice, and there won't be any issues.
A word of caution: castor oil can become hot quickly and cause burns, so avoid using a just-boiled hot water bottle.
Instructions:
Fold your cotton or wool cloth to the size that covers your lower abdomen.
Place the folded fabric into the glass container and saturate it with castor oil. It doesn't need to be dripping wet as castor oil is thick, and it will become more fluid due to body heat and the heating pad.
Find a comfortable spot to relax, with an old towel beneath you, your hot water bottle or heating pad, and the glass container with the castor oil-soaked cloth nearby.
Turn off your phone and enjoy some downtime.
Carefully unfold the cloth and place it over your lower abdomen.
Cover the saturated cloth with another folded muslin or an old towel (avoid plastic wrap as it's not ideal).
Place the heating pad or hot water bottle on top of the cloth.
Take deep breaths, meditate, read a book, watch your favorite show, or perhaps, like me, fall asleep.
Keep the pack on for 30–60 minutes.
After use, store the saturated cloth in the glass container, which can be reused around 30 times, though you may need to add more oil occasionally.
Wipe off any excess oil, and if you prefer to cleanse your skin afterward, a diluted solution of baking soda and water (1 tsp to a pint of water) works well.
I recommend using the pack for a duration of 1–3 months. Assess whether you find it beneficial for your well-being.
A Convenient Alternative:
For those seeking a more convenient option, a new product has entered the market to simplify the process. While recommending this product, please note I am not affiliated. CastorVida Castor Pack and Oil Bundle.
WHEN TO USE A CASTOR OIL PACK (& WHEN NOT)
Trying to Conceive: If you're trying to conceive, consider using castor oil packs every 2-4 days on the abdomen from around cycle day 5 to ovulation.
For Fibroids, Endometriosis, or Ovarian Cysts: If you're dealing with fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, it's recommended to use castor oil packs every day or every other day.
Not Trying to Conceive: If you're not actively trying to conceive, you can use packs throughout your cycle every 2-4 days, but it's best to avoid using them while you are menstruating.
It's important to note that castor oil packs should not be used after ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive, if you have an IUD (intrauterine device), during pregnancy, or immediately postpartum while you're still experiencing bleeding. While some individuals opt to use them during their period, I advise caution, especially if you have heavy flow or tend to experience flooding. As with any skincare product, it's advisable to apply a small amount of castor oil to your skin and wait for 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions before proceeding.
