The Healing Power of Castor Oil Packs: A Natural Remedy for Ovarian Cysts
If you’ve been dealing with ovarian cysts, bloating, painful cycles, pelvic congestion, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances, you may feel like your body is working against you. Oftentimes, I’ve felt like my body was betraying me when I was in the thick of severe menstrual cramps to the point of passing out. Story of my ruptured cysts. Hopefully, you don’t have two blocked fallopian tubes like I do but when it comes to decreasing pelvic congestion and inflammation, I’ve really turned to castor oil packs, in addition to detoxing my body and eating super clean. Castor oil is an ancient, time-tested remedy that could help restore balance, support detoxification, and ease inflammation—without any harsh interventions.
Enter castor oil packs—a powerful yet gentle therapy that has been used for centuries to support reproductive and digestive health. Let’s explore the origins of castor oil packs, the benefits, and how you can start using them to support your body naturally.
The Ancient Origins of Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil comes from the Ricinus communis plant and has been revered for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The Egyptians used it in their beauty and healing rituals, while Ayurvedic medicine has long praised its ability to detoxify the body and stimulate circulation. Even Edgar Cayce, the “Sleeping Prophet,” widely recommended castor oil packs for supporting the liver, digestion, and female reproductive health.
Today, functional medicine practitioners, naturopaths, and holistic healers recognize castor oil packs as an incredible tool for supporting hormonal balance, lymphatic drainage, and reducing inflammation—all of which are critical for ovarian health.
Why Castor Oil Packs Work for Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are often a sign of hormonal imbalances, poor lymphatic drainage, or sluggish detoxification pathways.
Castor oil packs help by:
1. Reducing Inflammation
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a unique compound known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When applied over the lower abdomen, it penetrates deep into the tissues, reducing swelling and discomfort associated with cysts.
2. Supporting Lymphatic Drainage
Your lymphatic system is like the body’s garbage disposal—clearing out toxins, excess hormones, and cellular waste. When congestion occurs, fluid and toxins can accumulate, worsening cysts. Castor oil packs stimulate lymphatic flow, helping your body clear out these blockages naturally.
3. Balancing Hormones
Excess estrogen dominance is a common culprit behind ovarian cysts. Castor oil helps the liver detox excess estrogen while supporting progesterone production—creating a more balanced hormonal environment.
4. Enhancing Circulation
Poor circulation in the pelvic region can contribute to stagnation and cyst formation. Castor oil increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the ovaries while promoting healing and tissue repair.
5. Aiding Liver Detoxification
Your liver plays a critical role in breaking down and eliminating excess hormones. Castor oil packs support liver function, allowing it to clear out toxins more efficiently and prevent hormonal imbalances that contribute to cyst formation.
How to Make a Castor Oil Pack for Ovarian Cysts
What You’ll Need:
✔ Organic, cold-pressed castor oil (hexane-free)
✔ A piece of organic cotton flannel or wool cloth
✔ Castor oil pack wrap made of organic cotton
✔ A heating pad or hot water bottle
✔ A towel to protect your surfaces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Your Sacred Space
Lay down a towel to protect your bed or couch—castor oil is thick and can stain fabric. Remember this is your sacred space to let go and let your body heal. - Saturate the Flannel
Pour a generous amount of castor oil onto the flannel cloth, ensuring it’s moist but not dripping. - Apply Over the Lower Abdomen
Place the cloth directly over your lower abdomen (covering the ovaries and uterus). - Cover with the castor oil pack wrap
This helps prevent the oil from seeping into clothes or bedding and holds things in place. - Apply Heat
Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack and relax for 30-60 minutes. - Remove and Cleanse
After use, store the cloth in a glass container for future applications (it can be reused several times). Wipe your skin with a warm, damp cloth to remove excess oil. - Repeat Consistently
For best results, use 3-4 times per week, especially in the two weeks leading up to your period.
Who Should Avoid Castor Oil Packs?
While castor oil packs are generally safe, avoid them if:
⚠ You’re pregnant or trying to conceive this cycle
⚠ You have an IUD (consult with your doctor first)
⚠ You’re actively menstruating (they can increase flow)
Reclaiming Your Ovarian Health—Naturally
Your body isn’t broken. It’s just asking for the right support. Castor oil packs are a simple yet powerful way to nurture your reproductive system, reduce inflammation, and bring your hormones back into harmony.
If you’re tired of being told that ovarian cysts are “just part of being a woman,” know this—your symptoms are not random, and your body has the power to heal. It just needs the right tools.
Give your body the detoxification, circulation, and hormonal balance it craves—one castor oil pack at a time.
Read more about Ovarian Cysts & Painful Cycles here.
