Castor Oil Packs – A Secret Weapon to Boost Fertility and Reproductive Health

Body Ache Escape offers fertility massage for women who are trying to conceive. The massage helps prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy, breaking up scar tissue and reducing inflammation. The fertility massage must be scheduled between Day 1 and ovulation of the menstrual cycle.

Cold-pressed castor oil packs are a big component of fertility massage.

What are Castor Oil Packs

Organic castor oil comes from the castor bean plant. Because of its palmate leaf structure and likely due to its miraculous healing abilities, it is also known as Palma Christi. The castor plant has been used in medicine for at least 2,000 years in India. It was historically utilized to treat various ailments and is presently employed therapeutically worldwide.

Edgar Cayce popularized castor oil packs for infertility in the US in the 1930s and 40s. In today’s environment, they are sometimes advised as part of a liver cleanse by Naturopaths, Functional Medicine Practitioners, and Acupuncturists.

The Benefits of Castor Oil Packs For Fertility

Use castor oil treatments to help promote healing and reduce inflammation, which will, in turn, encourage massage fertility success. It is perfect for digestive problems, ovarian cysts, inflamed joints, and immune system boosting. I have found it to work incredibly well for constipation. [Here’s another constipation reliever]

1. Moving Blood:

When fresh, oxygen-rich, nutrient-dense blood is brought to the uterus, it helps create an ample, supportive lining (endometrium). A healthy lining sheds more easily with fewer menstrual cramps.

Your endometrium is very important for a healthy pregnancy. Fresh oxygenated blood will help build a strong uterine muscle. This will help the uterus contract to release its lining every month or push a baby into the world.

Fertility depends on appropriate hormone levels at every phase of the cycle. The pituitary gland communicates with the ovaries via the bloodstream, and optimal blood circulation keeps hormone levels in balance.

Of course, castor oil therapy on the lower abdomen also moves the venous blood. Healthy venous and lymphatic circulation keeps the pelvic bowl clear of matter and metabolic waste, creating an optimal environment for a healthy womb and reproductive system.

2. Moving Lymph:

Lymph is a major component of our immune system. It removes bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles from the interstitial fluid.

Castor oil packs increase T-cell production in the lymph, and they have been shown to improve lymphatic system circulation. Once they reach the lymph nodes, T-cells eliminate bacteria and viruses.

The lymphatic system is easily congested because it does not have a pump as the circulatory system does. Most of us sit… a lot. All of this sitting causes the lymph to get clogged in the pelvic bowl and compromises our immune system.

Movement is imperative for the lymphatic system, but lying with a warm castor oil pack on your belly is another way to improve its flow.

3. Cleansing the Liver: 

Our livers constantly work, balancing blood sugar, metabolizing and synthesizing fats, storing vitamins and minerals, and more. The liver is also our detoxifier. Everything we ingest – food, medicine, alcohol, airborne pollutants, and cosmetics – is filtered and broken down by the liver.

The liver’s function extends well beyond eliminating poisons. It controls estrogen levels and eliminates extra hormones from circulation.

A healthy liver can eliminate endometriosis and painful periods. And, of course, balanced and well-functioning hormones are essential for optimal fertility and healthy reproductive organs.

Using castor oil on the upper abdomen will help decongest the liver and help maintain hormonal balance, improving reproductive health.

4. Breaking up Adhesions and Scar Tissue:

Castor oil reduces inflammation, cleanses, detoxifies, and nourishes damaged tissue… which means it can help repair and dissolve adhesions associated with endometriosis, abdominal surgery, or trauma.

Adhesions are internal scar tissue. They result from trauma to particular regions of the fascia, which causes it to thicken in those specific areas. Adhesions in the thickened fascia may pull the uterus out of place, decreasing its ability to contract and causing suffering. Adhesions can also prevent successful ovulation and fertilization.

How to Make a Castor Oil Pack to Boost Fertility

Making a castor oil pack is very simple. You take one of those old-fashioned hot water bottles and fill it with hot water, cover the area you

want to treat (your stomach) with castor oil, then place a flannel pillowcase over the area, place the hot water bottle over the pillowcase, and cover the hot water bottle with the remainder of the pillowcase. Leave it on for as long as comfortable. I will typically put an oil pack on before I go to bed, then just fall asleep with it on.

Using an electric heating pad will also work. However, I like using a hot water bottle to avoid electricity in the area.

Supplies you need:

• Castor Oil
• Hot Water Bottle
• Flannel Pillowcase
• Old Towel

How Long Does It Take For a Castor Oil Pack to Work

This should be done for a maximum of 4 days in a row, with 3-4 days between. If used for too many days in a row, the castor oil can build up in the body and cause unwanted side effects.

When women are using castor oil packs to try to get pregnant, they should use them for the first 4 days after their period and avoid use after ovulation.

Possible side effects or risks of using castor oil packs

When using castor oil packs for fertility support, there are several potential side effects to keep in mind. While castor oil packs can be a great natural remedy for alleviating conditions like fibroids and promoting overall reproductive health, some women may experience side effects.

1. Skin irritation: Consistent use of a castor oil pack daily can sometimes lead to skin irritation, including rashes or itching. If you’re using these packs during the luteal phase or to detox, it’s important to test a small area of your skin first to avoid discomfort.
2. Allergic reactions: Though uncommon, some women may experience allergic reactions to castor oil. These reactions could include swelling, redness, or itching where the oil was applied. If you’re sensitive to certain ingredients, like those found in soaps or balms, you may also be more prone to this.
3. Digestive discomfort: While the main focus of using castor oil packs for fertility is topical, some women who ingest castor oil (not recommended without medical advice) may experience digestive side effects such as diarrhea or cramping. A study found that even 1-2 tablespoons could cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset.
4. Heat sensitivity: Castor oil packs are often used with heat to enhance their effects, especially when addressing reproductive issues such as fibroids or inflammation. However, women who are sensitive to heat or have skin conditions may experience burns or discomfort if the packs are too hot or used for extended periods.
5. Uterine contractions: Although you’re not currently pregnant, it’s important to note that castor oil may stimulate uterine contractions. This is why women using castor oil to induce labor need to be cautious. While castor oil packs aren’t ingested, using them too frequently during certain phases of your cycle could pose potential risks, such as premature contractions.

For women dealing with fertility challenges, castor oil packs offer a natural, non-invasive method to potentially support reproductive health. However, as with any natural remedy, it’s essential to consider the possible side effects and consult credible sources like peer-reviewed studies or your healthcare provider. Always follow proper guidelines when using castor oil packs, and store them in the fridge to extend their shelf life between uses.