In this past year I have committed to on-going education focusing specifically on women’s health. In one of my recent trainings completed we were focused specifically on gynecological and infertility issues that women may face. This was when I was lucky enough to be introduced to castor oil packs. Castor oil packs have a variety of benefits for reproductive health including helping with: menstrual cramps, fibroids, balancing hormones, endometriosis, and fertility.
Traditional Chinese medicine says that the liver is responsible for regulating menstrual cycles so I want to talk about the benefits of application to both the reproductive area (lower abdomen) as well as the liver.
Applying castor oil packs to your lower abdomen/uterus helps detoxify the uterus and helps with inflammation, can help shed stagnant tissue and promote tissue circulation helping improve the uterine lining and prepare for implantation, promotes egg quality and quantity, helps prevent build up of endometrial tissues and fibroids, promotes quality circulation helping to reduce menstrual cramps.
Applying castor oil packs to your liver can help with detoxification of the liver, helps to facilitate liver health, and helps to balance hormones.
Although it sounds like it might be a big production, castor oil packs and supplies cost very little and is a relatively simple process. The biggest complaint clients usually have is that they are forced to lie down for an hour and relax …. lol.
You will ideally follow this protocol daily or every other day for 30-60 days, except for your period or when you are bleeding. You can then reduce the frequency to 1-2 times a week for an additional 2-3 months, eventually reducing the frequency to twice monthly.
Supplies needed:
· -Hexane free high quality castor oil
· -Organic cotton or flannel cloth
· -Plastic wrap
· -Hot water bottle(s)
I recommend choosing a container that will be used to store the cloth in between uses. This cloth can be reused up to 30 times.
Make sure you are wearing clothes that you are not concerned about staining. Castor oil can be a little messy especially if you are new to working with it.
You will start by soaking the cloth in the castor oil.
Place the soaked cloth on the lower abdomen as well as over the liver, cover with plastic wrap, place hot water bottle or heating pad over the plastic wrap, cover with a blanket, and sit back and relax! For maximum effectiveness you will leave this in place for 60 mins minimally (up to 90 mins if you are up for it).
