when to use castor oil packs

Just had a query on my original post on castor oil packs, which made me go back and re-read it, and realize that there is conflicting information about when to use it.

For some reason I had thought menstruation was the best time to use it, but evidently (according to a whole bunch of sites, just google "castor oil pack menstruation") you are not supposed to use it during your period. Oops, I messed up last month, that's when I used it!

If you are TTC, you shouldn't use it right before ovulation or post-ovulation. So if you rule out menstruation too, this basically means that if you are TTC you should not use it at all.

Here is a sampling of the different advice that various websites give about when and how often to use them. If you poke around more, I am sure you can find many other recommendations.

Daily use as often as possible
http://www.drkaslow.com/html/castor_oil_pack_detoxification.html

Two times per week
http://treeoflife.nu/whycastoroil

At least three times a week
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/15/70.cfm

Five nights in a row, then rest for two nights, for three weeks
http://www.millennium-healthcare.com/newweb/articles/drclofine/holistic_protocol_for_uterine_fibroids/holistic_protocol_for_uterine_fibroids.htm

Do not use during heavy menses
http://www.diagnose-me.com/treat/T350155.html
http://www.curezone.com/cures/castoroil.html

Do not use during menstruation
http://www.remedies-for-natural-health.com/ovarian-cyst-remedy.html
(a whole bunch of others say this too)

Use with care during menstruation
http://www.gilbertguide.com/2008/03/12/sit-down-oil-up-and-heal-your-body-the-wonder-of-castor-oil-packs/

During pregnancy do not use with heat, but ok to use without heat
http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:5J4MQJWJ9EwJ:www.sterlinghart.com/Castor%2520Oil%2520Pack%2520Instructions.pdf+castor+oil+pack+period&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us

This page cites an interesting study on benefits of castor oil pack use, and also raises some good questions which I have not seen answered anywhere.
http://www.uterinefibroids.com/c_alt_castoroilpacks.htm