Step One in Detoxification
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve learned so much about the importance of the lymphatic system and its role in the detoxification process. Your lymphatic system collects waste from tissue and transports it to your blood for elimination in a process known as lymphatic drainage.
When your lymphatic system is not working properly waste and toxins build up in your body causing inflammation and disease. Given the fact that I’ve had swollen lymph nodes in so many areas of my body, and other physical symptoms of a clogged lymphatic system – I’m pretty sure that I’ve had this issue.
Clearing Clogs in the Lymphatic System
With clear pathways, toxins are able to leave your body instead of recirculate and gather back in your body.
Since learning this information I’ve been supplementing with the Ayervedic herb, Manjistha, as recommended by John Doulliard, an Ayurvedic practitioner whom I was first introduced to through IIN.
Manjistha helps cleanse your blood and gets your lymphatic system moving. I believe that this herb has helped me. Before, I had constant swollen lymph nodes in my throat and now I don’t notice this anymore.
There are many other ways to help get your lymph moving. One that I decided to implement this week, as I prepare for my liver cleanse this weekend, is the application of a castor oil pack on my abdomen.
Benefits of Castor Oil Packs
I’ve been reading about the benefits of castor oil packs for endometriosis for years especially from other women with endometriosis, but I never tried it. Sounded a bit messy and all 🙂
But since this is my cleansing week (and things are about to get a whole lot messier, Lol) I figured I’d give it a shot. I think it is a good warmup to my liver cleanse given its many benefits, but primarily because castor oil packs stimulate your lymphatic system.
Castor oil comes from a plant native to India. It has been used for a very long time for various ailments.It is antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. When applied to your skin the oil diffuses into your body and stimulates internal movement.
When applied to your skin castor oil helps:
- increase circulation of blood and lymph
- decrease pain
- improve digestion
- uterine fibroids
- ovarian cysts
- headaches and migraines
- constipation and other intestinal disorders
- gallbladder and liver conditions.
Castor oil packs improve your immune system by improving function of your thymus gland which produces lymphocytes.
Lymphocytes are your immune system’s disease fighting cells stored mainly in your lymphatic tissue (thymus gland, spleen and lymph nodes). By increasing lymphocytes toxins toxins are removed at a faster rate from your body. This promotes overall healing 🙂
How to Do a Castor Oil Pack
Castor oil should be pretty easy to find. I picked some up from a local health food store. If you can find organic this is the best choice.
I took note from a fellow endo sister who made the whole castor oil pack process pretty simple. I followed her steps below:
- Spread castor oil on your abdomen, taking care not to use too much (it shouldn’t be dripping)
- Place an old T-shirt across the oil
- Optional: Place a heating pad on low heat on top of the shirt
- Relax for 30-45 minutes
- Remove and wipe off the remaining oil with the T-shirt or an old towel. Soap and water may be necessary if you feel too sticky (with my experience most of the oil was absorbed into my body or onto the old T-shirt)
It should be noted that castor oil is staining so old clothes should be worn when doing one and you can lay on an old towel if you don’t want to risk staining what’s underneath you.
Also, castor oil can cause skin irritation so best to try it out on a patch of skin before applying it all over. I found that it did cause my sensitive skin some irritation — made my abdomen a little red and dry, but nothing major.
Do not wash the T-shirt afterwards. Castor oil is sticky and can leave a film in the washing machine. It is also an oil so it can be flammable if put in the dryer. The T-shirt can be reused a couple of times, but keep in mind that the whole process removes toxins, so it may be best to use a new one as soon as possible. When it is no longer reusable, it should be disposed of.
Also to note – castor oil packs instigate a detoxification reaction in the body so the day(s) following you may feel some pain. This has been the case for me and I know other women with endometriosis who’ve had similar reactions.
As with any detox, things feel worse before they get better 🙂
On the Positive Side?
I’ve done two castor oil packs this week and I’ve found them to be very relaxing. I did one before bed and it really helped me to fall asleep and I slept soundly 🙂
I hope that by stimulating my lymphatic system prior to the cleanse that the toxins that I release will move out of my body. When I do the liver cleanse I’m going to incorporate castor oil into the process, to help even more and I plan on continuing to do them following the cleanse to keep things moving out.
As I mentioned, I know a lot of women with endometriosis who’ve had success with castor oil packs to help shrink cysts, decrease bloating and inflammation. It is a fairly inexpensive method and can be done at home.
So why not give it a shot? 🙂
Have you tried a castor oil pack? What results have you experienced?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below….
I have tried castor oil packs twice this week and I feel worse the day after…. Did the castor oil packs help you- and how long did it take before you got better?
Hi Krissy – castor oil packs help move out toxins out of the lymphatic system, so it is normal to feel worse the day or two afterwards. I have found them helpful. What part of your cycle did you do them?
My naturopathic doctor has recommended I do them every night for thirty minutes except when I’m menstruating. Initially after the first two days I had severe cramping but it only lasted a couple of days and hen I felt better!
Same. I didn’t know that pain could be associated. I have cyst on left ovary. Pain is at sight and down my leg. Very uncomfortable
I used the castor oil packs 2-3 weeks into my cycle (30 day cycle). I think I applied too much oil because my pulse went high and I had a lot of body ache. I will apply only small amounts of oil next time. Did you feel the castor oil helped especially for your endometriosis symptoms?
I found that they help especially when I had a bladder flare – stopped the flare in its tracks – yay! I’ve used them as a detox tool in prep for my liver cleanses and this has helped too.
I’ve heard the advice that the oil should be enough so that when you’re done its soaked into the cloth or your skin. It shouldn’t be sopping 🙂 So hopefully using less oil will help. May try soaking your feet in epsom salts afterwards — this helps to further move out the toxins.
Can Castor Oil packs be used if I am trying to concieve / pregnant? TIA
You can do castor oil packs if you are trying to conceive, and they can actually be helpful In doing so. However, I would not do them after ovulation and they should not be done if you are pregnant.
When is the most beneficial time to use the pack? My worst pain is usually first 3 days of my period. Is that when?
Castor oil helps to release toxins, so they can cause some pain/discomfort the day after. With that in mind, I prefer to do them earlier in my cycle up until the time when I start to feel yucky before flow. If you are trying to conceive then don’t do them past ovulation.
Hello,I am using castor oils now days,,directly I apply them on my abdomen, then put polyethylene cover then keep hot water bag,is this ok ,,n am feeling a continuous painful cramps,,is it ok?
I’d skip the plastic cover. I usually use an old t-shirt and put the heat on top of that. The castor oil can trigger a detox reaction, so you may feel some cramping afterwards.
Thank you for the reassurance! I’ve been getting unusual pain and bloating from the packs. Was worried something had gone wrong with my ovaries! Glad to hear that tummy pains are a common side effect. Will give it a rest for a week and try again.
Hi Kate – Yes they can cause some detoxifying effects. Taking a break is a good idea.
Hey aubree i have done castor oil massage after the ovulated and this month i get my periods late and very painful why
Hi Uzma – The castor oil packs can cause some pain afterwards since they release toxins. If that happens, then it’s best to back off on them for a bit. Sending Love.
What if u done castor oil massage after ovulation and u r actually trying to concieve i have done it and i m very scared
Hi Uzma – Try not to worry. What’s done is done. Sending Love.
Hello dear. I started with castor oil packs last week which I take daily for 3 days. After that I started feeling cramps n pains in my lower tummy like menses cramps. This scared me n stopped for three days. I am back on it having read a lot of your comments here.
Hope to yield good reason with it as am trying to conceive. Baby dust!
Hi, Scara. Yes it is common to experience detox symptoms. Best of luck on your journey to conceive. Sending good vibes 💛
Hi, i’m trying to conceive and so i’ve read you said to not use packs after ovulation in this case, so how often can i use them before ovulation and can i use them when i have my period? Thanku
You can use them as often as feels good for you prior to ovulation. I’ve heard that you shouldn’t use them during your period, since you’re already detoxing so much during that time, you don’t want to add to the load.
Best of luck on your journey. I hope that you conceive a little miracle.
Hi. I used the pack on my lower abdomen with an idea to shrink my cysts. Did it for 3 days right after my period and now have been bleeding chunks for couple of days (sorry tmi) but is it normal? Is it part of cleansing or should i be worried?
Hi Robyn. It’s possible that the castor oil helped your body resolve the cysts. The bleeding could have been from that. If you’re concerned about bigger issues, I’d check with your doctor.
Can I used Castor Oil while I’m on treatment for depotrust injection ??
I have endometriosis and my doctor advised me try using depotrust.. I want to try using Castor oil, will it be helpful??
Hi Dhang. I don’t think there would be a problem with the two, but if you’re concerned I’d check with your doctor.
Thanks Aubrey for awareness abt castor oil packs . I hv been using for past 4 months for endometriosis caused severe unbearable pain. It helps in relieving pain till start of periods. I hv been doing from day 8th to 28 th day of cycle but bleeding got worse like a tap this time and unbearable pain which cudnt be controlled via pain killers on 1st and 2 nd day so please suggest when I shud start and shud I do daily till period starts or change something boos overall my pain killers are still 7-8 in 3 days of periods
Hi Mehu – Castor oil packs can cause a detox reaction, so it’s possible that stirred up that reaction in your body. If you are trying to conceive, I wouldn’t do them after ovulation. If you feel you are having too much of a detox reaction, I’d back off and take a break or decrease frequency. Best of luck to you!
I have been trying the castor oil pack (or just oil massaged into the area) on and off for about 2 months now. I stopped after a few weeks because I was waking up every 1-2 hours on the nights after I used castor oil. I have to drink cherry juice nightly to help me wake up less and go back to sleep quicker.
Is there any reason for the sleep disturbance? It does happen more often during the “liver” time in the meridian clock, so it makes sense that it is detoxing. I resumed my castor oil again after a few weeks break and it started again.
How long should I be feeling the detox side effects? I’ve done the pack for 2 or 3 weeks now maybe 3x a week and have felt more pain than normal during and after ovulation. Not sure if side effects or endo flares (normally don’t feel this way after ovulation).
Hi Steph. It sounds like the castor oil could be detoxing you. It helps to move out congestion from your lymphatic system, so it makes sense. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and filling your body with more alkaline foods. Other things to help keep your lymph moving are massage therapy and sauna time. A lot of times thing can get worse before they get better when it comes to releasing toxins. If it gets to be too much, I’d back off of the oil.
Hi… i have endometrial cyst on my left ovary and trying to conceive,when is the best time to use castor oil pack?
Hi Cecille,
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to do them prior to ovulation.
Hi
I have chocolate cyst on my left ovary size 3 mm, not married , have bloating in stomach, pain on back and leg,periods are always painful even before, what should i do, can i use caster oil pack , how can i use , is there any food to control /not to eat.
please advise
Hi Reena. You could try a castor oil pack. It does take time to shrink cysts. You can do them as often as you like, but avoid during your period. Here’s some more ideas that could help: http://peacewithendo.com/2015/08/ovarian-cyst-symptoms-natural-remedies.html
Hi Aubree,
I have an endo cyst in my left ovary and i had a 2 shots of GRNH. I’d like to try this castor oil pack.. do you have any suggestions before i start it? actually im not having my menstruation after i undergo the GNRH treatment. my last period was on August 8. The OB said that the GRNH will last after 3 months from my last shot which was done last September 16. Hoping so much for your reply. thank you
Hi Gerly. Beware that it can cause some detox reactions. Not sure how that would go for you given your past treatment. If it’s too intense, I’d back off.
Hi Aubree,
I am ttc for six years and there was no miracle yet. Gynec says there no issues with me and my spouse. So currently i am doing yoga and came across this article. When you say before ovulation, what do you mean by that? Like my cycle is 28 days and its for five days. Can you please specify the exact days and can do daily from cycle day 5 till the day my ovulation is positive.
You can figure out when you ovulate with the Fertility Awareness Method. I teach the basics in my free course here: https://peacewithendo.teachable.com/p/tune-into-your-cycle.
I also recommend picking up the book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: http://amzn.to/2ziyrcy
Best of luck to you!
Hi aubree
I have blocked tube and I started castor oil pack a week ago I
did three days on and off for two days and back again today
I felt strong cramps and then
Disappeared
Does it mean it’s working
Should I continue? I wanted to do as much I can but after the cramps I figured it might too much
Hi Mariam. It can cause a detox reaction, so that could be what you felt, or maybe it was ovulation? Listen to your body. If it’s too much, then I’d back off. Sending Love.
I have endo cyst left and is big, my doctor prescribe a drug that will last for 2 month without seeing my period, is it right for me to use Castor oil without menstruating. Pls I need ur help
Yes. You can still do the castor oil pack. Good luck, love.
Hi! I’ve been reading a lot about castor oil packs and today I finally ordered what I need to start. I have stage IV endometriosis (it’s in my bowels) and the pain has gotten pretty bad in the past year or two. My question is, what is the recommended application time? Is everyday too much? I like that you say to listen to your body but I guess I don’t know where to start? Hoping this will help with the pain. Do you know if it can also help remove endo lesions? I’ve read the castor oil may have the power to soften scar tissue? Thanks so much!
I usually do them for 45 minutes to an hour. If you’re trying to conceive, don’t do them after ovulation.
Hi Aubree
im also suffering from Endometriosis and its stage iv. but now im in medication. is it OK if i use castor oil.
Yes. It should be. Best of luck to you, love.
Hello arubee, I tried the Castor oil pack yesterday and I had cramps all day. Did mycotomy surgery to remove large fibroids. It’s 4 months post surgery and I did scan found out I have a seedling of fibiod. I hope the Castor pack will shrink this seedling of fibroid
The castor oil helps to release toxins from your lymphatic system so it can cause some discomfort. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water, and if the symptoms become too much, I’d back off from them. Best of luck to you.
Hi Aubree,
I did a few castor oil packs this month to help detox and now I’m having some bleeding from cycle day 15-20. What could be causing this? Have you heard of this happening to other women?
Thanks!
J
Could be a detox reaction. I have heard of it happening before.
I ovarian cyst and fibroid and I’ve been using castor oil pack daily after my period, I feel pain at my lower abdomen,i was scared, thanks for letting me know that it is a detoxing effect. I noticed that the pain go down if I take up to 2 litres of water a day, wishing to continue till ovulation. I hope those sucking monsters will dissolve with my consistently application of the castor oil pack
Good luck to you, love. I hope it works!
how many days should i use castrol oil and how could i know fibroid disappeared
As much as you can tolerate. I would gauge the effectiveness by your symptoms. Hope it works out for you, love.
I have endo and adenomyosis and have been using castor oil packs since past few months but this time since i started i get severe lower abdominal pain and it only goes away with high potency pain killers… im so worried what is happening inside the body
The castor oil packs can be detoxifying. They could be moving stuff out of your lymph. Make sure you’re drinking lots of water and if things get too intense I’d back off and/or check with your doctor. Good luck, love.
Hi,
I am having 8cm endometriosis cyst and currently, I am symptom-free.
I have been to acupressure and is pretty confident that your cyst will shrink.
Currently, I am applying hot castor oil along with castor leaves.
Any idea that it will shrink 8cm size cyst?
The castor oil helps, but it takes time. Are you doing anything else to help shrink the cyst?
Hi,
I am beginning to use Castor Oil packs as part of my TTC journey. I have suspected endometriosis. My questions: Can I use this modality in the same month as trying to conceive? I will do so from menstruation and stop at ovulation. Can I get pregnant that same month? Or should I let myself have a menstrual cycle again?
Next, I noticed that I have some light spotting in the day after the castor oil pack (not my period), I wonder if that is already getting stagnant tissue out?
Thanks for answering these questions, this has all been very helpful.
Hi, Gina!
I think you can, but since the practice is helping to release toxins you may want to give it a couple of cycles without trying to conceive and focus on cleansing things out. I have noticed the spotting as well, and think this is a detox effect. Could influence your period too.
Best of luck on your journey to conceiving! Much Love 💛