Castor Oil Packs for Women’s Health
When women come to see me for issues like ovarian cysts, painful periods, fibroids, or hormonal imbalance, one of the self-care practices I recommend is the castor oil pack. It’s simple, it’s soothing, and it pairs beautifully with the deeper healing we work on together through Chinese herbal medicine and targeted supplementation.
Why I Recommend Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs aren’t a new trend. They’ve been used for generations to ease pain, calm inflammation, and support circulation in the pelvic area. Derived from the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil’s main active component - ricinoleic acid - is known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
For women’s health in particular, castor oil packs can:
Gently encourage circulation in the ovaries and uterus
Support the body in breaking down ovarian cysts and fibroids - and in many cases contribute to a reduction in their size and number
Relieve pelvic congestion and cramping
Encourage healthy detox pathways through the lymphatic system
Ease digestive sluggishness that often comes hand-in-hand with hormonal imbalance
In my clinic, I’ve seen women get the best results when we combine this simple at-home ritual with personalised Chinese herbal formulas and supplements that address the underlying imbalances.
How to Do a Castor Oil Pack at Home
You don’t need anything complicated to get started.
You Will Need
Castor oil (organic, cold-pressed if possible)
A clean cotton or wool flannel cloth
Cling film or a towel to keep it in place
A hot water bottle or heating pad
An old towel, T-shirt, or blanket (castor oil can stain!)
A sealed container or zip bag if you want to store the cloth for reuse
Step-by-Step
Find a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
Fold the cloth several times and soak it with 2–3 tablespoons of castor oil (damp but not dripping).
Place the oily cloth on your liver area first (upper right side of the abdomen) to support detoxification pathways.
Cover with cling film or a towel to keep the oil in place.
Add gentle heat with a hot water bottle or heating pad.
Relax for 20–30 minutes (up to 45 minutes is fine). Use the time to breathe deeply, read, or simply rest.
After packing the liver, repeat the same process on your lower abdomen (uterus and ovaries) or any other target area, such as joints or muscles.
Afterward, wash the area with warm water and mild soap (or a little baking soda in water).
Store the cloth wrapped in a sealed container in the fridge. You can reuse it for up to six weeks, adding a little more oil as needed.
How Often Should You Use It?
Most women benefit from doing castor oil packs 3–4 times per week, especially in the two weeks before their period. This is when your body is naturally preparing to shed the uterine lining, and extra circulation and support can make a big difference.
⚠️ Avoid castor oil packs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, actively bleeding, or have open wounds on your abdomen.
Bringing It All Together
Castor oil packs are not the whole solution - they’re part of a larger healing picture. In my practice, I pair them with:
Chinese herbal medicine formulas to restore balance holistically.
Targeted supplementation to support detox pathways, regulate cycles, and ease inflammation.
Lifestyle guidance that works with your unique cycle and constitution.
When we combine these approaches, women often notice lighter, less painful periods, improved digestion, reduced bloating, better energy throughout their cycle, and in many cases a reduction in the number and/or size of cysts or fibroids.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Guidance in my clinic is always personalised and designed to complement - not replace - care from your GP or healthcare provider.
