Castor oil (ricinus communis) comes from the castor seed and is very high in ricinoleic acid, which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory and lymphatic stimulating actions, making it useful in detoxification as well as supporting uterine and ovarian health.
Traditionally castor oil packs are applied to various areas of the body where they produce different effects. Placed on the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, they can provide detoxification support to the liver and digestive system, and used on the lower abdomen they can help with period pain and other menstrual difficulties.
The heat applied during the castor oil pack process also stimulates blood flow to the area, which in the case of period pain can reduce stagnation in the uterine tissues as well as promote healthy repair and oxygenation to the tissues. Castor oil has been shown to: