Why you need a Caster Oil Pack to treat your endometriosis (and more).

Weeks ago I shared a very popular post about Endometriosis and how you can move away from the dreaded condition and propel your life toward better health, no matter what. In all areas of our life we must come back to reminding ourselves that we are always working toward wellness over illness. I had spoken about why you need a castor oil pack and told you I’d be back with some more information (mostly because the post would have ended up the length of a thesis had I taken the time to share over there) AND because I’m a woman of my word, here I am to shout from the rooftops at least for today, I want to share why you need a caster oil pack to treat your endometriosis.

Castor Oil itself is widely known for it’s ability to break up stagnation, tumours, warts, accumulations and so on.  I personally have used it to rid myself of a wart that once sprung up on my thumb.  Not because you have warts in your uterus (yikes!) but more so because we can all suffer from accumulation by way of endometriosis, cysts, or just ‘stuck’ blood and nutrient flow to the uterus. So the reason why you need a castor oil pack may actually not just be for endometriosis.

You might be wondering how in the heck you know if you actually have stuck uterine energy?  PAIN!!  Always come back to allowing your symptoms to be your guide.  Pain, twinges, twitches, bloating, back ache – all indicate some type of stagnation in the uterus (especially from a Chinese Medicine standpoint).

Castor Oil packs can help you move toward your trouble free period.  Actually, castor oil packs aren’t just for those with endometriosis.  Castor oil packs help with overall circulation, promote ovarian, uterine and fallopian tube health, increase egg quality and have your lady parts all round happy!  Because of their general promotion of circulation they are also considered detoxifying.

How to use a castor oil pack

You’ll need to purchase yourself a castor oil pack – you can easily do so online.  You can use castor oil packs on any areas of the body.  For menstrual health, you’d apply the pack to the lower abdomen between your pubic bone and your belly button and come out around 7-10cm each side.

Prepare the area by a gentle massage to invigorate and increase blood flow, apply your castor oil pack, oil side down (which is literally a flannel that has had castor oil poured on it), cover it with a plastic bag, followed by a hot water bottle and then a towel to hold it all there and leave for up to 90 minutes.

Should everybody use a castor oil pack?

Castor oil packs should not be used during the period time, where there is severe illness or if pregnant.  If you are trying to conceive it’s a good idea to avoid using a castor oil pack after ovulation.  Depending on your level of pain, you may start using your castor oil pack quite frequently for a month or two (daily even) outside of menstruation.

If your case isn’t severe, applying castor oil packs a couple of times a week may be suffice.  As time goes on you can gradually decrease the frequency in any case but it is important to know you’d most likely be committing to doing castor oil packs over a 3-6 month period, and in this time slowly coming back to repeating the sequence once a week.

It’s uncommon to find a woman that doesn’t get relief by using castor oil packs and I find results are usually experienced within 3 months.  Nice!

You know one of my favourite sayings – “do nothing, nothing changes.”  When we start to stir things up and move the body toward ridding of illness to make way for wellness, often changes are seen.  Sometimes these can take us a-back because they are not what we expected.

This too may happen when beginning to use castor oil packs – you may notice a heavier menstrual cycle and in some cases a little more pain as the body begins to move through the stagnation.  Your periods however should become more regular with far less pain and a lot more ‘normal’ over the time dedicated to using castor oil packs.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – have you used castor oil packs and what has your experience been?  I’m sure other readers will be interested to know just how it has impacted your endometriosis and cramping over time.

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61 Comments

  • September 29, 2014 By Eloise 10:17 am

    Hi Nat,
    Thankyou so much for such a great article. Just wondering, where online is the best place to buy castor oil packs from? Is one brand better than the other?
    Thankyou! 🙂

  • September 29, 2014 By Rachel 10:34 pm

    Thanks Nat, such a wealth of information. I love my castor oil packs, but they have been a little amiss lately, so your article is kicking me back into action starting tomorrow….I normally gently warm the castor oil in an oil burner, then carefully pour the castor oil onto 2 organic pads and apply direct to my belly with a doubled over towel and hot water bottle over. These are such a treat and so relaxing……x

  • October 3, 2014 By Samantha 3:18 pm

    Hi Nat, I am keen to get a castor oil pack after reading your article. I think I have a spot of endo back, but I also read it helps with Epilepsy which would be amazing for me! Where is the best place to find the packs please? Thanks so much for writing this x

  • October 3, 2014 By semada 3:30 pm

    Also interested in best place to buy and also wanted to confirm you don’t use during your period?

  • October 3, 2014 By Amy 6:42 pm

    Interesting nat!
    Would it be beneficial for someone with an absent period for over 12 months?

  • October 3, 2014 By Naomi Lee 9:56 pm

    I used a castor oil pack once-a-week in the two-years I was trying to conceive. One of the nicest things about was lying down still for half an hour in the quiet and dark. Healing on many fronts! I knew I had ‘stuck’ uterine energy as I had period pain and my lower tummy was always cold to touch (which interestingly disappeared after i had my baby). I made my own castor oil pack with oil purchased from the chemist, a old face-washer, a chopped up plastic shopping back (a nice thick one from Myer) and a heat pack fresh from the microwave. Thanks Nat – good to remember this option for days I’m feeling blah and in need of some self-love and care x

  • October 6, 2014 By Renee 2:53 pm

    Hi Nat, just wondering how you recommend using it if you’re trying to get pregnant but only experience symptoms such as lower back pain during pre-menstruation? I noted that you said to avoid use after ovulation, which is when my symptoms are…Do I just use from the end of period to ovulation to experience the benefits? Thanks!

  • October 7, 2014 By Shelley 6:50 pm

    I’ve used a castor oil pack to treat an existing large (7cm) uterine fibroid. I found use of the castor oil pack incredibly relaxing (even fell asleep on a couple of occasions). Whilst the treatment did not shrink my fibroid, my fibroid ceased growing and I managed to fall pregnant naturally within three months, much to the surprise of my GP!

  • October 8, 2014 By Emily 3:03 pm

    Hi Nat
    Thank you for this. I have been told to go back on the pill to help my endometriosis. After reading your articles I am really against the idea. Will all of these other methods help reduce the endometriosis coming back post surgery?

    Thank you

  • November 8, 2014 By Anaita 5:09 am

    Do castor oil packs help in preventing endo from returning ? My gynae has prescribed dienogest to shrink my endo and cyst but is almost certain that it will return once I stop my medication . I’m thinking of going on a detox programme ( along with taking the prescribed medication ) and was wondering if I could do something to prevent or Atleast delay the return of endo .

    • January 20, 2015 By tracy 12:17 pm

      Can castor oil pack help u to oval ate and open block tube

      • January 20, 2015 By tracy 12:18 pm

        I mean ovulate

      • March 2, 2019 By Kristi 2:48 pm

        This can help a blocked tube. I did it. I used my pack 3 x a week for 2 months followed by a massage in the area and my next appointment one of my tuned was no longer blocked. They were both blocked at my previous appointment. So yes, it can help.

        • March 6, 2019 By Nat Kringoudis 9:12 am

          AMAZING!! This is awesome. I’m glad it worked for you!

  • February 10, 2015 By Sheena 4:38 pm

    Hi Nat,

    Just a quick question , I have Endo + also the Mirena ( don’t worry that suckers coming out on the 1st of May) but can I still use a castor oil pack with still having the mirena in ?

    thanks 🙂

    • February 16, 2015 By Nat Kringoudis 6:10 pm

      That’s a really good question Sheena! Do you have a lot of pain? Then I’d say yes, that isn’t a bad or contradictory idea at all.

  • June 20, 2015 By Arshiya 8:31 pm

    I had a laproscopy done to remove my endo on da left ovary 5 yrs back nd since den trying to conceive. However da cyst re emerges evrytime I get a scan done nd sometimes it disappears (not taking any meds) and recently I discovered I hav mild adenomyosis as well. And then I came across this castor oil pack benefits nd immediately tried it since last 2 months.. since I m actively trying to conceive I used it daily frm 8th day of my cycle til 11th day. And since my 2 menstrual cycles I am experiencing horrible horrible cramps on and off after ovulation which is new to me.. its just unbearable during 3 days of my period. I am really worried whether to continue it. Plz help

    • February 4, 2017 By Nisha 5:46 am

      Hey!
      For cramps and Gastric issues, you can try the following:
      Heat mustard oil till it changes colour, turn off the heat and add asafoetida to it. Let it cool down to Luke warm. Apply and massage this gently to your stomach. Also apply to your naval. It would definitely help. I use this often.

  • June 24, 2015 By Marie Zonruiter 2:28 pm

    HI Nat! I would really like to try this but I currently have the Mirena devise which means no period (dont worry -I want to work towards having it removed!) How would I go about implementing this as I have no idea where my cycle is at?

  • December 16, 2015 By Kate 4:32 am

    Hi Nat, I just got diagnosed with adenomyosis, 1 blocked Fallopian tube & cysts on both ovaries, will castor oil packs help to cure this problem? I’m 45 never been pregnant still trying, I’m going to start acupuncture & herbs, is there anything else I could do to help cure
    This problem?

    • December 22, 2015 By Nat Kringoudis 11:30 pm

      Kate I’d start with it and see if it helps to manage your symptoms. Cure is a term that is thrown around which for me is living without evidence of illness. Acupuncture and herbs can be wonderful (and so can castor oil packs!), they do take time because they are fixing the problem at hand. It’s worth giving this a try to see if you can see changes in your body for sure. xNK

  • February 25, 2016 By Noreen 7:56 am

    I’m starting to do caster oil packs, I have 3 miscarriages and on the 3rd I had a d&c and since then I can’t get pregnant I’m over a year trying. So I’ve been reading up on caster oil packs and I’m on my 3rd nite of doing it. I’m excited to see results and hopefully get pregnant too.

    Noreen

  • April 9, 2016 By Ashley 7:56 am

    Hey there,

    I am seeing a naturopath for help with endometriosis and fertility. I actually just did my first castor oil pack today and I am finding afterwards that I am having stomach cramps/pain. Is this normal, because it sure doesn’t feel like something I ever typically feel. Thanks!

  • April 18, 2016 By Emma 12:15 am

    Hi Nat, You talk about a shift when things are stirred up.. I’ve been castor oiling for a 3 weeks and I feel like my pms has come on about 5 days earlier than normal and I’m getting little pains in my uterus area. :/ Could this just be the stir up? I normally get pms around day 24 but I have it today on day 19…. (I’m using castor oil for suspected endo 7 day heavy and painful periods) Also, I’ve started taking Chinese herbs from my acupuncturist maybe those are doing it….

    • April 19, 2016 By Nat Kringoudis 10:26 pm

      It’s hard to say what is actually causing it to be honest – since I don’t know the full history and the herbs have been a change too. I’d say this though – change is good, I wouldn’t anticipate this to be long lasting if you are on the right track. x

  • May 6, 2016 By Colleen 4:03 pm

    Can anyone specify why we should avoid castor oil pack during menstruation, illness, etc? I can’t seem to find the specific reason anywhere.

    • July 24, 2016 By Belinda 1:23 pm

      I had the exact same question. I have really huge fibroids and I went to an acupuncturist/herbalist. They said use the castor oil packs 5 days before my period and during. But everywhere else I look, it says don’t use them during your period. I’ve very confused because I can’t find anywhere that says exactly why I should not. Maybe because it causes heavier bleeding but it would be great to have confirmation since I am also anemic.

      • July 27, 2016 By Nat Kringoudis 7:15 am

        I don’t think anybody can answer the question to be honest because we are all different and I can’t see exactly what is going on in this instance. Could you start slowly to see how your body responds. Only use it for a few minutes every second day period and see?

      • February 17, 2018 By Chloé 8:01 pm

        The consensus is that one should avoid using castor oil packs during menstruation because it can increase bleeding, which obviously for those with endo/fibroids is counterproductive.

  • May 9, 2016 By Kylie 4:36 pm

    Interesting read. Can the castor oil packs work post hysterectomy? ??

  • July 23, 2016 By belle 7:34 pm

    i had an ovarian surgery three years ago, is it safe to do the castor oil pack when they say it is not recommended for a broken skin? i even had a scar in my lower abdomen part due to blister.
    thanks!

    • July 27, 2016 By Nat Kringoudis 7:14 am

      It’s a case of being super careful around the scar – could you apply it either above or below?

  • August 26, 2016 By Katie 2:21 pm

    Hi Nat, thanks for such a nice article. I have a big fibroid outside uterus and it really cause a lot of pain, uneasiness and hinder my daily routine badly. I am planning to start the use of castor oil but wondering if I can start it from today when I can have my periods anytime. And what is this probl and in using it during periods? A friend uses this oil throughout the month and she is doing it since two years.

    • September 3, 2016 By Nat Kringoudis 7:15 am

      It’s just a caution. Maybe once you’re period arrives you could stop and then once it’s finished continue. I think if you have heavy bleeding it could make it heavier. It’s certainly worth trying though. Let me know how you go!

  • October 21, 2016 By joyceline cudjoe 12:40 pm

    I will like to ask if castor oil packs delays menstrual periods, after using the pack I ‘ve a three delayed menses and this is my four day no sign of menses, please what is wrong with me I need help.

    • October 23, 2016 By Nat Kringoudis 12:00 pm

      Not likely – things that will delay ovulation include changes in diet, weight loss, flying, medications… usually some type of stress to the body. Hopefully it’s just a one off and returns for you soon.

  • March 2, 2017 By Jess 3:26 pm

    Hi Nat,

    Thanks for the great article, I only found out I had endo just under 2 weeks ago when I had a laparoscopic surgery to remove a large endo cyst. I was wondering if you knew it was safe for me to start using the caster oil packs shortly after my operation – as it’s only been 10 days since my operation. Would really appreciate any advice you may have.

    Thanks so much, Jess x

  • March 29, 2017 By asang 1:31 am

    Can u use this pack when m spotting??

    • April 27, 2017 By Nat Kringoudis 2:36 pm

      I’d avoid using it whilst spotting or bleeding.

  • May 8, 2017 By Caroline Salzman 11:18 am

    Okay so doing this until my came. They did an endometrial biopsy which is horrific then they put me on birth control which I really don’t want to be on I really really don’t want to be honest anymore because I was had my period for about three months straight so the doctor said that I need to be on two courses of birth control because he didn’t want me to have my period for two months because I was bleeding so much so the birth control stop the bleeding and I decided to take some castor oil and rub it on my tummy cuz I was having some cramps and then the next day ahold I was bleeding again so what do you do if your on birth control to stop the bleeding but you want to use the castor oil packs but it’s going to cause bleeding what do you do somebody please help

    • May 24, 2017 By Nat Kringoudis 3:08 pm

      Caroline – that sounds so unfortunate and a little complicated. I’m sorry you are going through this, I’d love to help you properly. Perhaps I could see you in clinic?

  • July 24, 2017 By Karina 12:13 pm

    Hi Nat,

    I have bad adenomyosis and started using castor oil recently.. I could feel some cramps every time I applied it and hopefully this is a good sign of something changes. I am a breastfeeding mom, is castor oil safe to be used ? Also I wonder why we can’t use it after ovulation if we are trying to conceive? Is it because it makes the uterus contract and not ideal for implantation? Thanks !

  • August 21, 2017 By Kaye 10:15 am

    Thanks for this information. I have just started using the Castor oil pack for about 3 weeks now and stopped when my period started. I am now having heavier bleeding, passing more clots and the pain has increased dramatically. I kept searching but could not find anything to indicate if the castor oil pack was helping or making things worse, until I read this. Now I know is working and these symptoms are expected to happen I will continue using it. Thanks a whole lot.

    • August 29, 2017 By Nat Kringoudis 6:52 am

      It’s not ideal but sometimes things do get worse before they get better – I wouldn’t expect it to continue like this. If it has only been one cycle, I’d try for another and see, I’d hope that it would have moved anything stagnant and things now improve. Sorry you have to go through this but change is always good.

  • January 6, 2018 By Jane 3:30 pm

    thanks for the info. The weird thing is, for the first two months I used the castor oil pack, I was fine and happy with the result. But then on the 3rd month, my tummy started reacting to the oil with rashes the following day and a serve yeast infection that never stopped until my period. I thought it was just a coincidence, so I tried to use the castor oil again on the 4th month which had the same reaction. Thought I know someone would have rashes, I haven’t found anyone having the yeast infection issue by using castor oil pack. I really want to keep using the castor oil pack, is this reaction normal or should I stop? Thank you!

    • December 9, 2018 By Priya 10:05 am

      I just read this article about castor oil packs, and I wanted to google if there such thing as packs in my contry (there isn`t:) ) and how to make one, one of the first results was that after using castro oil is recommended to wash the area where it was applied because it may cause rashes to some people. Just one year later, but i hope this will help

    • December 10, 2018 By Priya 10:25 pm

      I read somwhere that the area where castor oil pack is placed should be washed after that because may cause rashes

  • January 22, 2018 By Naina 5:33 pm

    Why shouldn’t the caster pack be used during periods??
    And also can I just rub the castor oil directly on my lower abdomen ??

    • January 22, 2018 By Nat Kringoudis 10:14 pm

      It’s not recommended – I imagine it may move the blood flow quicker than your body would otherwise. I’ve never heard of using the castor oil directly. Castor oil can be really difficult to metabolise so I recommend sticking to the packs.

  • March 12, 2018 By immaculate 4:43 pm

    Thanks for the info,i need ur help.
    I started using Castor oil, because I went for scan and it shows that I have endo cyst, but my doctor prescribe me on drugs, and I will not see my period for 2 month. Pls, is it right for me to still use the Castor oil.

    • March 12, 2018 By Nat Kringoudis 5:40 pm

      You can use it yes. I would imagine the cyst was there before. But hard to know if it is working if you are on medication which is stopping the period. I hope that helps.

      • January 19, 2019 By Jessa 11:47 pm

        Hi: Can the castor oil packs work post hysterectomy?
        Thank you very much

      • January 19, 2019 By Jessa 11:51 pm

        Hi: do you know whether castor oil packs work post hysterectomy?
        Thank you very much

        • March 6, 2019 By Nat Kringoudis 9:14 am

          I guess you’d only need to use it if you have pain. You’d know if it was working but it is also amazing for digestion too.

  • March 15, 2018 By Joan 1:38 am

    Am good to be here. Have had severe pain that i cant bear any longer. the most interesting part of it is that am trying to conceive. will start the castor oil procedure ASAP. Thanks sisters.

  • November 6, 2018 By Rae 2:17 pm

    I had a laparoscopy done just over 2 weeks ago and had been spotting ever since. My period hadn’t arrived, it was 8 days late yet the spotting was still hanging around as well as cramping. So last night I decided to do a castor oil pack for an hour, woke up this morning and got my period!

  • December 29, 2018 By Stephanie 9:41 pm

    Never been diagnosed with cysts or endo etc, but TTC and hoping to get rid of painful periods. I’ve been using castor oil packs for 2 days since AF ended. Have some bright red spotting in my cm, is that normal while using the packs? I’m hoping that it’s giving my uterus a ‘clean-out’, possibly?
    Thanks

    • March 6, 2019 By Nat Kringoudis 2:55 pm

      It can be a little tricky to know – I like to use them in the first window of the cycle.

  • January 20, 2019 By Elvia Lozano 3:46 am

    So I been spotting brown red blood I had my period on the 5th of jAN and today is the 19th and I’m spotting very lightly but it seems when I do the castor oil pack that I see more spotting I have a cyst and have endo. I Believe I have a leaking cyst which i did before in July then had surgery but the cyst is back. I believe its best for me to get rid of the old blood with the packs maybe its shrinking it so it leaks slightly? I dont know. what can this be happens every month.

  • February 4, 2019 By Melody 10:55 pm

    I have a question. I hope you can answer me. I have been using castor oil pack before for 3 times a week. It really helps with my camps because I don’t feel that anymore. I want to continue using it for the same number of times but my period now is very irregular. I can have another period a week after my last period so I don’t know when I can use castor oil pack again. I don’t know what my ovulation period is anymore. 🙁

    • March 6, 2019 By Nat Kringoudis 9:13 am

      Oh gosh that sounds like you need to look into why your periods are irregular first. Could it be that you’ve changed your diet, lost weight, changed medications? It’s important to ask your health care professional to help you get to the bottom of this.

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