Castor Oil Packs
Why Castor Oil?
Castor oil has long been valued for its deeply moisturizing and soothing properties. Extracted from the Ricinus communis plant, this rich, golden oil is packed with Vitamin E, Omega-9, and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Castor Oil Packs for Women’s Health
The anti-inflammatory properties provided by caster oil packs can be a welcome addition to any wellness routine, especially for those who experience reproductive discomfort. For those with mild premenstrual symptoms, packs can be used 2-3 days before bleeding starts. Castor oil works effectively to increase pelvic circulation and decrease localized pain for conditions including endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids (non-cancerous), and ovarian pain.
Important Note: Avoid using castor oil packs during menstruation, pregnancy, or if pregnancy is suspected.
What You’ll Need to Make a Castor Oil Pack at Home
Castor Oil: Choose cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil.
Cloth: Wool flannel or a soft cotton cloth, or Queen of the Thrones® pack
Heat Source: A hot water bottle (avoid electrical heating pad).
Optional: Old clothing and towels to protect against oil stains.
Instructions:
Apply a small amount of castor oil (1-2 tbsp) to the skin on the abdomen.
Put on a Queen of the Thrones® pack or an old cotton T-shirt (castor oil stains).
Place the pack over the targeted area (abdomen, joints, etc.).
Apply a hot water bottle for at least 20 minutes, gradually working up to an hour.
Relax and let the oil absorb into the skin.
After removing the pack, cleanse the area with a mild soap and warm water to remove any residual oil.
It's best to use the pack 2-3 times a week for about 60 minutes at a time for at least 4 weeks. Give your body a rest for a day or two between usages.
When to avoid
It's best to avoid using castor oil packs if you have a fever, appendicitis, diabetic neuropathy, a scar that has not yet fully healed, lacerated skin, or if you are pregnant.
Additional uses
Due to its high ricinoleic acid content (about 90%), castor oil may help reduce inflammation associated with joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as muscle or tendon pain caused by swelling and injury. Applying packs to the abdomen can also soften stools for easier passage and reduce gut inflammation, potentially alleviating bloating and digestive issues like IBS.
Making Castor Oil Packs Easier
Castor oil can be a little messy. If you want to skip the DIY process, pre-made options like the Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Pack simplify the application.
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