Castor oil for hormone balance
Castor oil for hormone balance
Castor oil, derived from the Ricinus communis plant, is a vegetable oil which has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally it has been used as a laxative and as a skin hydrator but there are many benefits including:
hormone balance; weight loss, helps reduce scar adhesions, supports liver health, encourages detoxification and more. While I recommend individual assessments, many health conditions benefit from this simple, economical product. Spiritually, it is believed to bring “white light” into the body, aiding vibrational healing.
Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
Special Offer:
Experience a tailored 60-minute treatment for just £80
Indian Head Massage using castor oil with lymphatic facial massage.
Reflexology with a liver castor oil pack.
Lymphatic massage with a solar plexus castor oil pack.
Available in Twickenham or Stroud. 07747 133170
Hormonal & General Health: Anxiety, brain fog, peri-menopause/menopause symptoms, andropause symptoms (male menopause), flushes, poor sleep, pain attacks, stress reduction, headaches/migraines, joint pain. Breast nodules or cysts, breast pain, weight gain and foggy head.
Stimulates organs and glands. Placing a warm castor oil-soaked cloth over the upper right abdomen enhances blood flow to the liver, improves lymphatic drainage, and helps the liver detoxify. Many agree castor oil packs improve liver function; helps stimulate a fatty liver or sluggish digestion and improves bile flow.
Reproductive Health: Support for breast discomfort, fibroids, PCOS, cysts, endometriosis, and pregnancy preparation.
Digestion & Metabolism: Sluggish metabolism, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, allergies and food intolerances. Intolerance to fatty foods, gall bladder attacks, weight gain, chemical sensitivities, environmental sensitivities; alcohol excess, weight loss programmes, nausea, indigestion, leaky gut, irritable bowel.
Detoxification: Chemical or environmental sensitivities, sugar cravings, reducing reliance on vaping, prescriptive drugs, alcohol or tobacco. You can also join my seasonal cleanses to support this!
Pain: I have one client who uses castor oil packs weekly to reduce back pain but I have also applied castor oil packs to ease mastitis and breast duct blockages, ovulation & fibroid pain, endometrial spasms, menstruation cramps and poly cystic pain. I regularly apply castor oil packs within clinic to knees, hands, elbows and wrists to ease pain associated osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Bakers cysts, water on the knee, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains; and tendon and sports injuries.
Scar Tissue: Helps to dissolve adhesions and lesions – I have had great results working with clients post surgery including hernia operations; reducing fibroids and post cosmetic surgery.
Lymphatic flow and immunity. Brilliant when applied to lymphatic areas on the body including lymph glands, spleen, around the knee (swelling and water retention), release oedema and ease chronic immune conditions. Castor oil has been shown to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, both of which are crucial for detoxification and healing.
Circulation – brings more oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body, while effective lymphatic drainage helps remove waste and toxins.
Liver and kidney function – fabulous for water retention; reduces bloating and soothes urinary tract disorders
Reduces nausea which I have also found helpful with hormonal migraines and post viral conditions.
Inflammation – swollen knees, ankles and any inflammation. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. When absorbed through the skin, this helps reduce inflammation and support the healing process.
Fertility: Preparing for pregnancy, when trying to conceive and sub-fertility support
In clinic I have found castor oil packs to be deeply relaxing for the nervous system. Castor oil stimulates the liver and gallbladder improving nutrient absorption and bile flow, which is crucial for processing hormones like cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and oestrogen. It helps detoxification, flatulence, encourages Phase 2 liver pathways. It also helps dissolve scar tissue and adhesions post-surgery and provides significant pain relief for conditions like arthritis, carpal tunnel, and menstrual cramps.
When to Use a Pack
Seasonally: Spring (liver) or Autumn (spleen).
Monthly/Lunar: During the new or full moon for digestive and parasite cleansing, or weekly for hormonal balance.
Daily: For scar tissue breakdown or intense detoxification.
Note: Do not use if you have recently had surgery, are pregnant, menstruating, or trying to conceive (post-ovulation) unless guided by a professional.
Special Offer:
Experience a tailored 60-minute treatment for just £80.00. Choose from:
Indian Head Massage using castor oil with lymphatic facial massage.
Reflexology with a liver castor oil pack.
Lymphatic massage with a solar plexus castor oil pack.
Available in Twickenham or Stroud
To book, please call 07747 133170
Home Application Guide – Castor oil pack
Castor oil packs can be used on most areas the body although a pack should always be placed on the liver in addition to any other area. I know there are many “castor oil packs” and gadgets available but this is the traditional system that I use:
The size of the cloth should suit where you are placing it. Make sure it is cotton and unbleached. Also – please don’t use “cling film” to hold the castor oil in. I have seen this demonstrated on youtube but the “plastics” will also be absorbed within your body and I cannot see how that helps detoxification or health.
Extra large cloth/towel size/pillow case size: This works when you want to cover the whole abdomen or wrap around the solar plexus area of your body.
Large cloth/small towel size: to cover liver area (your liver is the size of a football and the cloth should cover the back and front of the body) or maybe you are wanting a castor oil pack to cover the front of your abdomen or both breasts or kidneys.
Small cloth/large flannel: for smaller areas such as breasts, womb, knees, elbows, hands, face, post surgery areas
Cotton wool pad size: for small scar tissue areas, facial scars, breasts, tummy button
You will also need kitchen paper; old towel/s to lie on or cover yourself with; at least 2 hot water bottles and a glass container with lid
Saturate: Pour cold-pressed castor oil onto a muslin cloth. Use a size appropriate for the area (e.g., liver, abdomen, or joints).
Apply: Warm the cloth (microwave or steam) and place it over the liver (right side under the rib cage) and any other area of the body you are focusing on
Heat: Wrap with an old towel and place a hot water bottle on top and behind. Relax for 20–60 minutes.
Store: The cloth in a glass container in the fridge; it can be reused up to 20 times but castor oil will need to be added with each application.
Ayurveda approach – apply for 20 minutes. Naturopathic approach – apply for a minimum of 60 minutes but you can leave overnight.
Home Application Guide for Naval/Tummy button:
Naval castor oil treatment is all the rage at the moment and “scientifically” unproven. The theory behind it is based in Ayurveda where naval pulling is called nabhi abhyanga. It has been traditionally used to calm the vagus nerve, hydrate, HELP BALANCE HORMONES and ease digestion. Personally I like it. (despite being a scientist and modern day science hasn’t proven it I appreciate Mother Gaia has a habit of always knowing best!). It is well known that castor oil is an anti-inflammatory and has many benefits but it’s the naval point that “science” is currently struggling with. However
Our belly button serves as our central point
It’s linked to different organs in the body through a network of nerves (over 72,000 veins) and blood vessels which obviously make it an effective entry point.
Our belly button was our link to development, food and growth during gestation.
MY PVO is that I love this application but consider a castor oil pack is faster acting.
Simply massage castor oil into your naval (tummy button) before bed. Some people like to place a naval plaster to avoid messiness but as Ayurveda simply places 3-4 drops in the naval I simply recommend you lie on your back to begin. Do this each evening before bed. You can also:
Massage your abdomen as well for digestion or weight loss
Massage castor oil into the liver area for detoxification and hormone balance – the whole abdomen and solar plexus area for immunity, detoxification, metabolism.
Breasts if you suffer with blocked ducts, cysts or pain.
Areas of scarring if you are looking to reduce these.
Some people fill their naval with castor oil so if this is your approach then fill it just before you get into bed.
PVO: I have been applying castor oil to my naval every night since the Spring Liver Cleanse. So far I have noted it has helped my sleep, encouraged regular bowel movements and helped maintain a flatter stomach achieved during the liver cleanse.
Home Application Guide for Hair : Androgenetic alopecia, thinning, balding hair, peri-menopausal or frizzy dry brittle hair, over chemically treated hair, dandruff or scalp conditions, split ends or receive an Indian Head Massage with castor oil and facial lymphatic massage
This is deeply hydrating and wonderful if you are stressed and too much “in your head”. I blend organic cold pressed castor oil with a lighter massage oil and add rosemary essential oil however Dr Vegan explains that Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) can be used on hair.
Promotes healthier hair – conditions dry and damaged hair whilst nourishing the scalp.
Hair growth and androgenetic alopecia – By combining castor oil with an Indian head massage hair follicles are oxygenated and blood circulated around your scalp. Ta dah! all support hair growth.
Brittle hair and unhealthy scalp – A clean, massaged, moisturised, hydrated and well-nourished scalp is essential for reduces hair damage; dandruff or fungal infections plus it encourages hair growth and hydrate the scalp. Castor oil is an amazing moisturiser which soothes; has antibacterial and antifungal properties and an Indian Head massage is deeply restorative and relaxing.
Massage: Massage into the scalp and work through your hair 1–2 times a week. Use circular motions to improve blood circulation. Cover with a shower cap or a warm, damp towel. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deep treatment. Shampoo and condition: You may need to shampoo your hair more than once to make sure the oil is washed out.
Disclaimer: The information above has been offered as guidance only. I recommend the suitability for the use of castor oil packs should be assessed individually by a healthcare professional
Justine Evans ND is a hormone alchemist, WiseWoman and fertility expert. She runs a naturopathic clinic in Twickenham, Greater London and Stroud, Cotswolds in addition to online. For appointments call 07747 133170 or book online
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