For centuries, castor oil has been revered as a healing balm, a plant medicine that speaks directly to the womb and the body’s deep intelligence. Rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic healing, castor oil therapy is more than just a remedy—it is a ritual, an invitation to reconnect with your body, to soften, to listen, and to honour the sacred work your reproductive and digestive systems are doing every day.
The Sacred Flow: How Castor Oil Supports Women’s Health
Preconception & Fertility
Applying castor oil packs over the womb space enhances circulation to the uterus and ovaries, clears stagnation, and nourishes the tissues on a deep level. By softening and hydrating the fascia, castor oil assists in the release of old patterns—both physical and emotional—helping to prepare the body to receive new life. This ritual has been known to support ovarian health, assist in dissolving cysts and fibroids, and create an internal landscape of vitality and receptivity.
Important Note for Those Trying to Conceive: If you are actively trying to conceive (TTC), avoid using castor oil packs after ovulation and during pregnancy. Instead, use them from the first day after menstruation has ended up to ovulation, every other day or daily if desired. This ensures that the detoxifying effects of castor oil support your reproductive health without interfering with early implantation. Here is a high-quality, organic, cold-pressed castor oil from St. Francis.
Menstrual Health & Womb Harmony
Heavy periods, cramping, and irregular cycles are often signs of stuck energy. Castor oil’s potent anti-inflammatory properties ease pelvic congestion, release tension, and soften scar tissue from endometriosis, surgical interventions, or past traumas held in the womb. Regular use of castor oil packs restores flow, helping cycles become more regular and comfortable.
Should You Use Castor Oil Packs During Your Period? While castor oil can be deeply supportive for menstrual health, it is generally advised to avoid using castor oil packs during active menstruation, as they can increase blood flow and may lead to heavier bleeding and we never want to interfere with the downwards flow of energy during menstruation. Instead, start using them after menstruation has ended and continue up to ovulation if TTC. If not actively trying to conceive, you can use them at any phase of the cycle except during your bleed.
Digestive & Liver Detoxification
In Ayurveda, digestion is the key to overall health. When we are congested—whether physically, emotionally, or energetically—our bodies cannot fully absorb nourishment. Castor oil is known as a powerful detoxifier, working with the liver and digestive tract to clear out stagnation. When applied to the abdomen, castor oil stimulates the lymphatic system, gently nudging the body towards its natural state of flow and ease.
If you notice yourself getting sick or developing cold symptoms, ease off for a bit—this can indicate that your liver is working hard to detox, and your body may need a break.
A Ceremony of Self-Connection
This is not a time to scroll, distract, or rush. This is a time to soften into yourself.
Before you begin, set an intention. Sit quietly with your bottle of castor oil. Place your hands on your womb and heart, taking deep breaths. Whisper words of gratitude to your body for all it does for you.
How to Create Your Castor Oil Ritual:
- Prepare Your Sacred Space: Light a candle, burn some palo santo, or play soft music.
- Apply with Intention: Gently warm the castor oil between your palms and massage it into your abdomen, moving in slow, circular motions.
- Wrap & Rest: Soak a flannel cloth in castor oil, place it over your abdomen, and cover with a warm compress. Allow yourself to fully relax for 30-60 minutes.
- Integrate the Healing: Afterward, journal about any emotions or thoughts that surfaced. Offer gratitude for this time spent in devotion to yourself.
Tapping into the Wisdom of the Body
The medicine of castor oil is not only in its physical benefits but in the way it invites you to slow down, reconnect, and remember. It holds the frequency of restoration, bringing you back to yourself, to the deep wisdom carried within your womb space. This is a remembering of who you are, of the power that resides within you.
Let this practice be a devotion—an act of radical self-love, a return to the sacred rhythm of your body.
Precautions & Considerations
- If you are actively trying to conceive, only use castor oil packs from the first day after menstruation has ended up to ovulation. Avoid after ovulation and during pregnancy.
- Do not use during active menstruation unless you feel specifically guided.
- If you feel yourself getting sick or rundown, ease off to allow your liver to recover.
- Always perform a patch test to ensure your skin responds well.
- Choose a high-quality, organic, cold-pressed castor oil, such as this option from St. Francis.
In Closing
Castor oil therapy is a profound practice that extends beyond the physical—it is a remembering, a calling home. Through this simple yet powerful ritual, we nourish not just our bodies but our spirits, clearing space for the full radiance of our feminine energy to flow. When we tend to our inner landscapes with reverence, we create a body that is vibrant, open, and deeply aligned with the wisdom of creation itself.
