Castor oil for hormones, thyroid nodules and uterine pain.
I often get asked about castor oil for PMS (pre menstrual syndrome) and pain, and more recently about castor oil (packs) for thyroid nodules and inflammation. So I figured it was time I wrote about it. I hope you find this helpful. And stay to the bottom of this article to find out how to make your own Castor oil pack. 🙂
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick, pale yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant. It is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that gives it potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and laxative properties. Castor oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western holistic medicine for a variety of health concerns.
What Are Castor Oil Packs?
A castor oil pack is a cloth soaked in castor oil, placed on the skin, and covered with a heat source (such as a hot water bottle or heating pad). This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the skin and tissues – potentially enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting detoxification.
Therapeutic Uses of Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs;
1. Digestive Health & Detoxification –
• Liver Support: Castor oil packs applied to the liver area help stimulate lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, and support detoxification, aiding in hormonal balance and liver function.
• Relieves Constipation: Taken internally in small doses, castor oil acts as a stimulant laxative, promoting bowel movements and clearing waste from the intestines ((usually within 2–6 hours of consumption).
2. Uterine & Reproductive Health –Â
• Used for conditions like menstrual cramps, PCOS, fibroids, and endometriosis due to its anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects.
• Helps relieve period pain and reduce uterine congestion when applied to the lower abdomen.
• Promotes lymphatic flow to the reproductive organs, which may aid in fertility support.
3. Pain & Inflammation Relief –
• Castor oil packs are used for joint pain, muscle soreness, and arthritis by reducing inflammation and stiffness.
• Helps with conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease, and colitis by soothing the digestive tract.
4. Lymphatic & Immune System Support –
• Castor oil helps stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid retention, swelling, and congestion in tissues.
• May boost immune function by supporting the lymph nodes and overall detoxification processes.
5. Skin & Hair Health –
• Used topically to moisturize dry skin, heal wounds, reduce acne, and soothe eczema. Some refer to Castor oil as being natures botox.
• Promotes hair growth and scalp health when massaged into the scalp.
Castor oil for hormones;
Castor oil is not a direct treatment for hormone imbalances, but it can indirectly support hormone health by improving factors that influence hormonal balance including inflammation and detoxification. Here’s how castor oil might help:
1. Supports Detoxification and Liver Health
• The liver plays a critical role in processing and eliminating excess hormones, like estrogen. Castor oil packs applied over the liver area may improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, supporting liver detoxification. This can help regulate hormone levels.
2. Reduces Inflammation
• Hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, are often associated with chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil (due to ricinoleic acid) may help reduce systemic inflammation, indirectly aiding hormone balance.
3. Improves Lymphatic Circulation
• Hormone imbalances can sometimes result from poor lymphatic drainage, leading to toxin buildup. Castor oil packs are believed to enhance lymphatic flow, supporting the removal of waste products and helping the body function more efficiently.
4. Regulates Stress Responses
• Stress is a MAJOR contributor to hormone imbalances, particularly involving cortisol and sex hormones. Castor oil packs, through their calming effect and improved circulation, may help lower stress levels, which can positively affect hormonal health.
5. Promotes Uterine Health
• For individuals with menstrual irregularities or conditions like fibroids or cysts, castor oil applied to the lower abdomen may support uterine health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. This can aid in the natural regulation of reproductive hormones. More on this below.
6. Improves Gut Health
• Hormones like estrogen are partially metabolized in the gut. Castor oil can support digestive health by promoting bowel movements and relieving constipation, preventing the reabsorption of excess estrogen.
How to Use Castor Oil for Hormonal Support
• Castor Oil Packs: Apply to the abdomen (over the liver or lower belly) for 20–60 minutes, 3–4 times a week.
• Consistency: Benefits may take time, so regular use is key.
• Complementary Therapies: Combine with a nutrient-dense diet, stress management, and other hormonal support strategies for best results.
Castor oil for uterine pain and inflammation;
As mentioned, Castor oil has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. And more specifically used with women and menstrual issues or issues of fertility. Many report it has been helpful for uterine pain and inflammation associated with PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids, PMS and PMDD. Also pain around the groin and low belly due to Ulcerative colitis, Diverticulosis, a Celiac flare and other flares of IBD. Here’s how it may help with uterine and intestinal pain and inflammation – many points have already been mentioned above but just in case you want to know the “how”, its worth mentioning them again.Â
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
• The ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid with known anti-inflammatory effects as mentioned above. When applied topically or consumed in small, safe amounts, it may help reduce inflammation in the uterus and intestines, alleviating pain associated with conditions like menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
2. Improves Circulation
• Castor oil packs applied to the abdomen are believed to improve blood and lymphatic circulation. Better circulation can help reduce uterine and intestinal congestion, easing discomfort and promoting healing.
3. Muscle Relaxation
• The warmth of a castor oil pack can relax smooth muscles in the uterus and intestines. This may provide relief from menstrual cramps or spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Stimulates Digestive Function
• As mentioned above, when ingested in small doses, castor oil acts as a stimulant laxative, encouraging bowel movements. This can help relieve pain and bloating caused by constipation, reducing strain on the intestines and even pressure on the uterus.
5. Detoxification Support
• Castor oil packs are sometimes used as part of detox practices, as they are thought to support liver function and aid in the removal of toxins, which may indirectly reduce inflammation and pain.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
1. Materials Needed:
• Organic cold-pressed castor oil
• A piece of soft, unbleached wool or cotton flannel
• Plastic wrap or a towel (to protect clothing from oil stains)
• A heating pad or hot water bottle
2. How to Use:
• Soak the cloth in castor oil until saturated but not dripping.
• Place it over the desired area (e.g., lower abdomen for menstrual issues, over the liver for detox, or joints for inflammation).
• Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and place a heat source over it.
• Leave it on for 20–60 minutes while you rest.
• Repeat 3–4 times a week for best results.
Castor oil for thyroid;
How Castor Oil May Help the Thyroid. Well much the same as mentioned above. When we reduce stress and inflammation we can improve thyroid function. Also by encouraging/aiding bowel movements and detoxification, we can better metabolize and remove estrogen. It it long known that estrogen slows thyroid function and increases systemic inflammation. Estrogen is a stress hormone. But in case you want to know the specifics on how castor oil can help with thyroid function and nodules, here you go;
1. Reduces Inflammation – Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It may help calm thyroid inflammation, especially in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
2. Improves Lymphatic Drainage – Stagnant lymphatic flow can contribute to swelling and nodules. Castor oil helps stimulate the lymphatic system, potentially reducing congestion around the thyroid.
3. Enhances Circulation – Better blood flow to the thyroid gland can support healing and reduce the risk of cyst or nodule formation.
4. Detoxifies Toxins – Some holistic practitioners believe that castor oil supports liver detoxification, which is crucial for thyroid hormone conversion and balance.
How to Use a Castor Oil Pack for Thyroid Health
1. Soak a piece of organic cotton or wool flannel in cold-pressed castor oil.
2. Place it over the thyroid (front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple).
3. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and apply a warm compress (such as a heating pad or warm towel) for 20–30 minutes.
4. Repeat 3–5 times per week for best results.
Additional Considerations;
• If you have autoimmune thyroid disease, monitor your response, as some people with Hashimoto’s are sensitive to external stimulation.
• If you have thyroid nodules, castor oil packs may help reduce swelling, but it’s also important to address iodine levels, inflammation, gut health, and stress.
• Do not ingest castor oil unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider—it can be a strong laxative.
How to Use Castor Oil
• Topical Application: Apply a warm castor oil pack to the lower abdomen for 20–60 minutes. This is considered safe and effective for addressing localized pain and inflammation.
• Oral Use: Only use under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Overuse can cause side effects like diarrhea or cramping.
Precautions
• Do not use castor oil during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Avoid applying it to broken skin or using it internally if you have certain health conditions without medical advice.
As always, I hope this was helpful!
