Castor Oil - Uses for Self-Therapy for Spring to Summer Days / Perimenopause

Castor oil is a powerhouse in natural self-therapy, especially in Ayurveda and holistic traditions.

We have all seen our mothers and grandmothers use it long ago. But our generation has lost its connection with this humble but powerful oil.

I hope this blog post will help you understand the applications and the range of possibilities to help yourself and your family in a holistic way.

I have used this for a few years now to ease the transition from Peri-menopause to Menopause and I deeply believe in its efficacy.

Look for cold-pressed, organic, hexane-free castor oil. This type retains the most nutrients and is free of harmful chemicals.

Here are 10 self-therapy uses of castor oil, ranging from external to internal uses.

These are used for Seasonal Ayurvedic Alignment for Cleansing, Flow, and Emotional Ease.

 External Uses

1. Castor Oil Pack for Liver Detox

   • Soak a flannel cloth in warm castor oil, place it over the right side of the abdomen, cover with plastic wrap, and apply a hot water bottle.

   • Supports liver function and lymphatic drainage.

   • How to Make a Castor Oil Pack at Home: What You’ll Need:

     • Cold-pressed castor oil

     • Flannel cloth (cotton or wool; large enough to cover the target area)

     • Plastic wrap or an old towel

     • Hot water bottle or heating pad

     • Old clothes or towels (castor oil stains!)

     Steps:

     1. Soak the cloth in castor oil—just enough to saturate but not dripping.

     2. Place the cloth over your liver (right side of abdomen, just under your rib cage).

     3. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel to protect from oil leakage.

     4. Apply heat with a hot water bottle or heating pad for 30–60 minutes.

     5. Relax during this time (meditate, breathe, nap).

     6.  Use 3–4 times a week, or daily during a cleansing phase. Best done in the evening or on rest days.

   
   

2. Using Castor Oil Therapy During Menstruation or Perimenopause

   1. During Menstruation (for Cramping & Flow Support):

   • Apply a warm castor oil pack to the lower abdomen (womb area).

   • Helps relieve cramps, stagnation, and emotional heaviness.

   • Use on Days 1–3 of your cycle (but avoid if bleeding is very heavy).

   2. During Perimenopause (for Bloating, Breast Tenderness, Mood):

   • Liver pack (right side abdomen) to ease hormonal congestion.

   • Breast massage with a small amount of castor oil before bed (gentle strokes toward the armpits) to reduce tenderness and support lymph flow.

   • Abdominal massage with castor oil to ease bloating, especially if Vata Dosha is out of balance.

   
   

3. Joint & Muscle Pain Relief

   • Massage warm castor oil into sore joints or muscles.

   • Anti-inflammatory and deeply penetrating; ideal for arthritis, stiffness, or general soreness

   • Castor oil penetrates deeply into tissues, delivering anti-inflammatory Ricinoleic acid that soothes joint pain and stiffness. Regular massage boosts circulation and helps lubricate joints naturally.

     
     

4. Constipation Relief (Abdominal Massage)

   • Gently massage castor oil over the lower abdomen in clockwise circles.

   • Helps stimulate bowel movement naturally without ingesting.

   • Castor oil stimulates the smooth muscles of the intestines, promoting natural bowel movements. When used as an abdominal massage, it gently supports elimination without harsh laxatives.

     
     

5. Hair Growth & Scalp Nourishment

   • Apply castor oil to scalp and hair roots; leave overnight.

   • Strengthens roots, promotes hair growth, and reduces dandruff.

   • Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids, which boost blood circulation to the scalp and nourish hair follicles. This strengthens roots, reduces hair fall, and supports thicker, faster hair growth.

     
     

6. Eyelash & Eyebrow Growth

   • Dab a small amount onto lashes or brows before bedtime using a clean mascara wand.

   • Encourages thicker, fuller lashes and brows.

     
     

7. Cracked Heels & Dry Skin Repair

   1. Massage onto feet, cover with socks overnight.

   2. Deeply moisturizing and softening for rough areas.

   3. Castor oil deeply moisturizes dry, thickened skin and promotes healing with its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties. Applied nightly, it softens cracked heels and restores skin elasticity.

      
      

8. Under-Eye Nourishing Treatment

   Dab a tiny amount of castor oil under the eyes at night using your ring finger.

   Helps reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines with regular use.

   
   

9. Nail & Cuticle Strengthener

   Massage a drop of castor oil into your nails and cuticles daily.

   Promotes strong nails and prevents dryness or cracking.

   
   

Internal Use (Only with Guidance)

• Gentle Laxative

  • Traditionally used as a strong natural laxative (1–2 tsp, but only under medical supervision).

  • Effective but should be used rarely and carefully.

    
    

Parasite Cleanse Support

• Used in some traditional detox protocols to flush intestinal parasites.

• Must be guided by a practitioner due to potency.