Evidently this cure was popularized by the natural healing guru Edgar Cayce
. The basic idea from what I can tell is that the castor oil has a decongestant kind of effect and is stimulating to the lymph system. Ricinoleic acid, which is the main component of castor oil, has anti-inflammatory properties.A lot of people pooh-pooh castor oil packs, including Andrew Weil. However, since so many people recommend it, I decided to give it a shot, doing a pack once daily. I figure it can't hurt, and certainly the warmth feels nice.
What I found is that doing castor oil packs is not logistically very easy. Because the oil is very sticky, and has a tendency to stain clothes and linens. Finally I have worked out a system that seems to work well for me, and I'll share it with you here:
1. Buy castor oil
and a wool flannel.2. Buy several large washcloths, not too thick. I found some nice ones at Ikea. I got a color different from my other towels, to keep them separate.
3. Buy an Elasto-Gel heating pad
4. And this is the key one nobody will tell you, buy a wine coaster
to put underneath the bottle, as there is no way to keep it from getting sticky! The wine coaster is helpful if you want to keep it out where you'll use it.I tried using the packs when going to bed, but I would just fall asleep with it on and wake up to a sticky mess. So I decided to use it when sitting at my desk. I keep the castor oil bottle on my desk and the towels and heating pad nearby to help remind me.
I pour a tablespoon or so of the oil onto my belly, spread it out and put the flannel over it, then cover with the washcloth, and then put the heating pad over it and leave it there for an hour. I then throw the washcloth in the laundry. (Most instructions for these packs suggest using a layer of plastic, but since I'm trying to detox I don't want heated plastic anywhere near me! So I just wash the washcloths a lot.)
By the way, my acupuncturist said that it's ok to do castor oil packs as long as I am not trying to get pregnant. For those trying to conceive, the warmth on the abdomen is evidently not helpful. Also, researching this post I discovered that one is not supposed to do the packs during the menstrual period.
66 comments:
For fibroids...Look into female alternative surgery (FAS) with Dr. del Junco in Los Angeles California. Website is alternative surgery.com
thanks for the info
I think most of the readers of this blog are hoping for a non-surgical solution, but it's always good to know about options
Have you made any progress with the castor oil packs since Feb? Also, how often do you do this? Your blog is very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
I'm still doing the castor oil packs. Since I'm TTC, I am just doing them during menstruation. (Because other times the heat could be bad for your egg)
If you are not TTC, you can do them other parts of the month as well. (I have seen varying things on recommended frequency)
Glad you are enjoying the blog!
what happens if i need to shrink fibroids t get pregnant, can i do the castor oil packs? what do you recommend?
Something got left out of your post so I'm a bit confused. Do not do castor oil packs if you are pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant (In other words, not after ovulation if you are trying to get pregnant). If you are trying to get pregnant you could do them between the end of menstruation and the beginning of ovulation, but personally I am a bit reluctant to do this as I think the heat might not be good for the egg.
So castor oil packs probably best to do during some time you take before trying to get pregnant, where you do fibroid-fighting activities in earnest all month.
Hi,
Your blog looks great. I'm 39 and I also have fibroids and want to increase my fertility. I've been recently viewing a website called http://natural-fertility-info.com
The woman named Hethir behind that interesting website lists some super foods like, bee pollen, bee propolis, royal jelly, spirulina, whey protein and maca. I can't wait to go down to my local GNC store and get some of these products. I would like to be pregant by Christmas 2009!
Best wishes to you!
Thanks much, and best wishes for the success of your baby-making project!
I was wondering why you only use castor oil when you are having your period? I did not know that using it on a daily basis could be detrimental if one wants to get pregnant.
Does one have to use a flannel cloth? would massaging the oil directly on the skin not have the same effect?
I have a fibroid that is about 8 cm. It is causing me to bleed heavily and as of late it is so bad I cannot leave the house.
I too do not want to be operated on. So any information you could provide, would be most appreciated.
Hi Mwangole
Good questions. The issue re: attempting pregnancy is not with the castor oil itself, but rather with the heat pack. Shouldn't put a heat pack on your abdomen during the luteal phase while trying to get pregnant.
As for the flannel, the castor oil gets pretty messy and the flannel helps sop it up. I always put a washcloth over the flannel too.
Please look through this blog for other helpful tips, and good luck to you!
I too have suffered severly with fibroids to the point of needing 4 pints of blood. I would go through 3packs of pads a week. I am using this natural herb product call fibrovan. You can purchase it online at www.fibrovan.com I have decreased my bleeding by 90% I now have a cycle. All but 1 of 15 fibroids are gone. I drink water with 2 tbs of chloraphyll in 8 ounce cup of water daily. I take flaxseed oil capsules to help naturally shrink tumors/fibroids. I also take milkthistle to help aid liver to break down cbemicle agents causing fibroids. I eats raw vegetables and fruits daily and I drink lemon with hot water daily. Its been working well. I also chew wheatgrass tablets
Hi Anonymous
So glad to hear about your success and thanks for sharing your regimen!
Castor Oil has been used over the years for inducing labor...this may be why it is not suggested for pregnant women. (of course, in that situation it is usually taken orally and has laxative effects.)
very interesting, didn't know that, thanks!
Thanks for the nice blog! I really like your candidness. I guess I'm professing to be a fibroid shrinker too! I started my castor oil pack today! Just now as a matter of fact. From my research the castor oil is known for softening fibrous tissues. The heat is to make the oil absorb through the skin softening the fibroid so that it dissolves. The plastic is to probably keep the area moist while sealing in the heat over the natural fiber cloth that rests against the skin that is soaked in the castor oil. It probably also is supposed to help keep your hot water bottle or heat pad clean too. Also, I had been looking into the fibrovan and think that I am ready to try it. It is a plant-based protein enzyme (Nattokinase) that breaks down destructive clots and fibrin in the body. Everyone, thanks for all of the info shared.
Thanks so much Janice! Please let us know how it works for you!
I have had some success with using apple cider vinegar. Take one tablespoon in a glass of water in the morning or before a meal. You can do it twice a day. A side effect is losing weight. darn I do not have daily bleeding or daily cramps anymore. Also I cut out most soy products. I have been vegetarian for 18 years so hard to do. Soy is estrogenic and will feed the tumor. great for menopause though as a replacement. I eat more fresh fruits and veggies now and whole grains.
Hi Anonymous, thanks so much for sharing. I am totally with you on cutting out the soy! Glad to hear of your good results.
Hi
Am been diagnosed with fibroid ten years back even had an operation but they have grown back.
I came across a blog that talk about the use of Castor Oil and Cumin Oil (black seed oil). The Cumin Oil is to be taken 3times daily 1tablespoon for fibroid shrinking.
Using rubber and plastic utencils for food should be avoided because of their synthetic nature, instead use glass and ceramic even microwave.
Thanks for sharing. I hadn't heard of the black seed oil (known as Nigella Sativa) but here is a link for more info: http://lionhelper.tripod.com/spiritwithin_aromatherapy/id12.html
It seems to have anti-cancer properties but I'm not sure for non-malignant tumors. Let us know how it works for you!
Wow!! This all is great information. I was just told that I have two (inner and outer)fibroids. I'm in my early 30s and have not had children yet. So these fibroids make me very nervous. Castor oil is good for so many things. I will be trying this as soon as I stop ovulating. Thanks so much!
Hi Anonymous -- wishing you the best for your fibroid shrinking!
I read that castor oil packs are used for at least 3 or 4 days a week. How mant weeks do the treatment last?
Hello Anonymous
No set length of treatment -- basically you keep using them until they have done their job (fibroids shrunk). How long that takes depends on the person, and what else you are doing in conjunction.
I am 53 and still suffering with fibroids. I heard abour the castor oil pack b 4 but I'm definitely going to do it now!! Thanks for your blog.
Hi anonymous
Thanks so much for your note and do let us know how the castor oil works for you!
I was diagnosed with subserosal fibroid (antero-infereor position). It is conglomerate of 2 fibroids joined, size 10sm. Left fibroid has diameter 7sm: right 6sm. I also have a cyst on the left ovary (3.5 sm).
So far did 3 liver clensing: switched to organic food; minimised diary; eat organic fish and chicken, a lot vegetables vegetables and fruits, do my own sprouted grains (buckwheat and wheat); added vitamin/mineral supplements; drink once a day apple vinegar with honey and once a day a cup of mollasses with apple vinegar. It is about 1.5 month since I started. Don't feel that my fibroids are getting smaller. Any advice from the people who did shrink the fibroids, please
I was diagnosed with subserosal fibroid (antero-infereor position). It is conglomerate of 2 fibroids joined, size 10sm. Left fibroid has diameter 7sm: right 6sm. I also have a cyst on the left ovary (3.5 sm).
So far did 3 liver clensing: switched to organic food; minimised diary; eat organic fish and chicken, a lot vegetables vegetables and fruits, do my own sprouted grains (buckwheat and wheat); added vitamin/mineral supplements; drink once a day apple vinegar with honey and once a day a cup of mollasses with apple vinegar. It is about 1.5 month since I started. Don't feel that my fibroids are getting smaller. Any advice from the people who did shrink the fibroids, please
Hello Anonymous
Sounds like you are making a good start, but be aware that shrinking fibroids takes time. Take a look at this top ten list of methods: http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-ten-must-do-natural-remedies-for.html and make sure that you are hitting all facets mentioned.
Wishing you the best and keep us posted of your progress
is it safe to do castor oil with dermoid ovarian cyst? with chocolate cyst?
Hello Anonymous
You should ask your health provider but I don't see why that would be a problem. Also I googled castor oil and cysts, and found a bunch of places that say that castor oil is good for cysts too.
thanks. I have read that applying castor oil makes fibroid or cyst softer. So my thinking: If you have a dermoid cyst and it leaks (because it is soft), it can cause a lot of big problems like adhesions or peritonitis.I dont know what kind of cyst that I have ( in MRI report they only mentioned cyst size).
Another question is about sprouting grains. A friend of mine told me that the best to have sprouts of a size 2-3 mm. On internet it is green long sprouts. Appreciate your opinion.
How long did it take for you to notice that your fibroids started to shrink? What kind of fibroids and theirs size you had at the max?
Bought a book "Fibroid miracle" with all options which I am trying to follow, but missed my 3 months free support time without asking a single question. Not happy with myself, but they should give 3 months support from the time of first question rather than fron the buying time. So fishing for advice on internet. Thanks again for opinion if you read the book.
Hello...I was wondering if the castor oil packs would help w poly cystic ovaries. I have not been getting my periods and I'm not pregnant. I also don't want to have to toto myGYN so she can recommend pills. Would much rather doit naturally. Any ideas? Thank you!
Hi Anonymous,
Good question. I did a peek and indeed it does seem that castor oil packs are good for PCOS: https://www.google.com/search?q=castor+oil+polycystic+ovaries&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=&oe=
Also, check out the Fertile Kitchen Cookbook -- the author used the techniques described to beat PCOS and get pregnant http://amzn.to/Hdhdha
Laughing Sage Wellness Center in NY also a good resource on PCOS, the founder overcame it.
Good wishes to you!
For shrinking fibroids, is it better and faster and more effective to take it internally than to use it externally as a pack? Which way will the fibroids shrink faster? I have uterine fibroids. Any help would be sincerely appreciated.
Hi Rooh
I don't think that castor oil is recommended for internal use, just for internal.
Hello Anonymous,
Sorry to have missed your comment. Sorry I don't know anything about dermoid cysts, and I'm also not an authority on sprouting.
My personal fibroid shrinking saga got complicated because I did fertility treatments and those tended to counterbalance the shrinking activities...so still working on it...
Thank you! After days of searching Your site is the Only site i found about why you shouldnt use after ovulation about heat may damage egg... My question is castor oil packs help detox liver and numerous things. After you do these how can you tell if they worked? Does it make you go to the restroom alot or does it get you ill? Im patiently waiting to try this for my liver and ttc :0) thanks again
Thanks Anonymous, so glad you found this post to be helpful. Good question about castor oil packs, how to tell if they are working. To be honest, I don't feel any kind of physical effect that I can tie directly to them.
Good for you for doing the castor oil packs, you might also want to combine this with other approaches such as herbs, acupuncture, Mayan abdominal massage. My theory is that it works best in tandem with other things.
Good luck to you and let us know how it goes.
I have uterine fibroids, and have been bleeding for over 2 months now, stopping maybe for a day or less a couple of times. I've been eating raw veg and fruit and fasting/ detoxing to help rid my body of toxins. However, I can't stop my periods for more than a day, and I really want to do the castor oil pack, but cannot until I stop bleeding. I have three fibroids, one being the "bleeder". I'd like to get rid of it naturally, since my doctor is only giving me the choice of a hysterectomy if I can't stop the bleeding. My period is super light and has been for a week now. What is the risk of doing a castor oil pack for me? Thanks!
Hello Anonymous
Sorry to hear about all the bleeding. First of all, I am not a doctor and am not dispensing medical advice. In my opinion, although castor oil packs could be helpful as a long-term approach (and I can't comment on whether they would make bleeding worse, I use them during my period without problem), I think you need to do something else for the bleeding. One idea is to take a lot more Vitamin A, see discussion of that here (http://www.westonaprice.org/womens-health/treating-heavy-bleeding-and-fibroids) and this page mentions "Vitamin A deficiency has been found in women with heavy bleeding. One study showed that 92 percent of women prescribed supplemental vitamin A found that their heavy bleeding was either cured or alleviated." (http://www.marilynglenville.com/general/fibroids.htm) Also many readers of this blog have found that blackstrap molasses is helpful (http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/2008/01/blackstrap-molasses.html) Cinnamon can also help control heavy bleeding. You should also look into visiting an acupuncturist or naturopath who can prescribe herbs specific to your situation. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Last month I was diagnosed with a fibroid. My doctor told me that it is very tiny (less than a 1 cm). I'm only 25 and even though it's tiny right now, I'm concerned that it may grow or that more fibroids may appear. She told me that at this point I did not have to do anything but I still want to do everything in my power to avoid future problems with my fibroid. Currently I am not trying to get pregnant but hopefully in a few years I can conceive. If I'm not trying to conceive right now is it ok to do the castor oil pack daily? I just don't want that to affect my chances of ever becoming pregnant. I would greatly appreciate any feedback and advice!
Hi Anonymous
Sorry to hear about your fibroid especially at your age, but good for you to be proactive about it. check out my post on the top ten things to do for fibroids, and make sure you are doing something in each of the categories: http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-ten-must-do-natural-remedies-for.html
Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Greetings Everyone, this is the last thing, about I haven't tried - just had three fibroid attacks in a row. I have large ones sized 4 mo pregnancy bascially (eek).
JUST to give everyone a little more heads up - I ACCIDENTALLY found results in two things. (which fly in the face of conventional, "it's all about too much estrogen" theory. But, who cares, it got results!
Hannah Kroger, grandmother of herbology I read, talks about hard tumores being Fungal. (therefoe cutting out dairy makes a difference - also Chinese med treats it this way - to make less mucous-y) ... She also talks about in her book Free Your Body of Tumors and Cysts ... that almost all tumors are parasite related.
For years I resisted taking the suggested Black Hull Wallnut and Wormwood tincture. Then, out of desperation - I finally did it about a month ago. After a ten day treatment (all you do with it) - the fibroids shrunk to HALF the size. HALF.
(also I recommend getting a 'sapper' as per the Hilda Clark book for parasites, for long term freedom from them)
That was a shocking result - it literally proved to me that the tumors are MOSTLY parasites! And, thus why so difficult to get rid of. There was no pain in the shrinkage, fyi, either!
Clearly, not to do when wanting to get pregnant - BUT, I highly recommend. Tastes like crap but worth it!
Hi J Michaels
Wow, that is so exciting! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
In need of desparate help. Hi, I am a liver transplant patient and I have been dealing with fibroids since 1999 or earlier with- out knowing. Last year alone I had to have 5 blood transfusions to keep my blood levels up and iron infusions help only for a short while. What can I do to shrink the fibroids naturally without having an effect on my liver any further? It is important to me to not have surgery for this and I want them gone. The last time I went to the
OBGYN, he said my uterus has expanded to the size of a fetus at 4-5 months. Pleas help and thank you.
Thank you
Thank you for this site
Thank you
Hello Anonymous in need of desperate help (from June). Very sorry to have overlooked your comment. How have you been faring since then? Have you tried the fibrois shrinking top ten?http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-ten-must-do-natural-remedies-for.html
Hi
I have just completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy, about to finish three weeks of radiotherapy and then start on tamoxifen for five years, as my BC was ER+.
I am only 37 so still pre-menoposal, but I also have two fibroids (4-5cm). And although I had no choice but to follow conventional treatments for BC, but I really want to take care of the fibroids more naturally during this time.
Do you know if tamoxifen has any effect on fribroids?
Will the remedies suggested be safe to be used with tamoxifen?
Any help with this would be great.
Hello Anonymous
So sorry to hear about your breast cancer, and sending you good thoughts for success of your treatment.
I just did a quick google search on "tamifoxen fibroids" and saw info that indeed it can make fibroids grow. Try doing that search and see what you come up with...
About whether you can take herbs etc. along with tamifoxen, I suggest that you find an acupuncturist or herbalist who is knowledgeable about this.
hello madam , iam here for mom . she is suffering from fibroid since last 8-9 years, but now its causing her loads of problem .. her haemoglobin has reached 5 , she has heavy menses and feels weak .. she has low Blood pressuer problem as well sometimes ....
doctors suggested surgery but she wants to avoid it .
we are giving her fruits like pomegranate , apples etc etec ...
She is 51 years of age ...
i have heard castor oil for massage and drinking primrose oil reduces and get rid of uterus fibroid .. can u help me in reagrds to this ,....
i read castor oil shd nt be used during menses .. please help
So sorry to hear about your mom's problems.
I don't think it's a problem to do castor oil during menses.
Please do get her some iron,I like Proferrin ES.
Also check out the top ten must do items: http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/2011/06/top-ten-must-do-natural-remedies-for.html
Thanks for making this super helpful blog! I am 37 and have fibroids and am trying to conceive. Thanks for all of these tips which doctors never even mention!
Hello Jennifer,
You're welcome and good luck to you!
Let us know how it goes.
Is it safe to use a castrol pack if you have a endometrial polyp.
Hello Anonymous
That is a good question but I don't know the answer. This would be something to ask your physician.
Hello everyone ... glad to read all the stories ... I am 46 and have had 2 surgeries for fibroid removal and still suffering with them ... want to have a child but fear that my chances are very slim ... I am very interested in trying the castor oil packs and apple cider vinegar treatments ... I have been taking a vitamin B complex and was also thinking about taking fertility blend ... pls keep posting because these stories are so encouraging ... thanks
www.fibroid-diary.blogspot.com
Hello there!! I'm a 45 year old black female trying for my 1st child. I understand the risk(miscarriage 2 years ago ). I have multiple fibroids which cause the miscarriage. I'm taking dried herbs(liver tea) and dried herbs(fertility tea). I'm ready to do the castor oil but could u please state again when to do the pack and when not to do it? I don't want to damage the little amount of eggs I have left. I want the do the pack for three months then try to conceive..is that ok? Any advice would be helpful. How r ur fibroids? Also ladies u can try a Mayan abdominal massage..look on YouTube for self massage tips. Be well and good luck to all!- Melissa
Dear all thank you for sharing my uterus and stomach have expanded so much I look 4 months pregnant. I'm 46 and 4 months. I have been so anxious and depressed about what is happening to my body but reading the blogs has given me hope. These fibroids have got to go. I want my life back. I'm starting the lemon and water, apple cider vinegar flaxseed capsules, fibrovan etc. I'd like another child maybe I still have a chance. Thank you all for putting a smile on my face there is hope . Keep the blogs coming joan
Hello Anonymous, So glad this blog has given you hope! Please keep us posted on your progress!
Hi Melissa, When you are TTC, don't do the castor oil packs after ovulation until your period starts again. Any other time, you can do them daily. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
Do you think this would work for endometriosis cysts as well. Im 29 and would like to conceive in near future?!.
Hello Anonymous
I don't think it would hurt. However I suggest visiting an acupuncturist for a more comprehensive approach to your endometriosis. Good luck to you.
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