Castor oil packs for fertility – the science, benefits & how to make them at home

Castor oil has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries, known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

It’s been on my personal radar since reading Period Power by the very brilliant Maisie Hill (pop it on your reading list if you haven’t already) where it was highlighted specifically for its potential to gently ease cycle-related pain. 

When exploring holistic support options recently—you might’ve caught wind of this too if you spend any amount of time on social media—we saw castor oil packs being recommended as a fertility natural aid. 

But does castor oil for fertility really work? In typical TRB fashion—we got curious. 

So, we took a closer look at what castor oil packs really are, as well as their benefits, and how you can try making and using them at home when fertility support is your goal.

Let’s dive into what we learned.

Does castor oil for fertility really work?

Castor oil has a long history in the world of natural remedies, particularly in functional and Chinese medicine. 

It’s derived from the seeds of the castor plant and contains ricinoleic acid, which may offer anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits. It is also a natural laxative and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US for this particular use. 

Castor oil packs are typically used externally in a fertility context, and are placed over the abdomen and held in place for an extended period of time. 

The reality is, though, that there’s limited scientific research proving that castor oil directly impacts fertility. 

There’s no definitive evidence to suggest that castor oil will increase your chances of conceiving, nor is it a proven treatment for fertility issues stemming from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

All this being said, we can’t ignore that castor oil packs are used by so many as part of a holistic fertility journey. Here’s a little peek into some of the suggested benefits.

What are the benefits of castor oil packs for fertility?

Castor oil packs for fertility are said to work to create a more supportive environment for conception by;

• reducing inflammation in the pelvic area
• improving circulation to reproductive organs
• supporting detoxification by boosting the lymphatic system 

Also, the use of castor oil for fertility often aligns with other lifestyle and wellness practices, like stress management.

Stress is a known factor that might negatively impact fertility, and the act of using a castor oil pack—lying down, and applying gentle heat—can be a relaxing, meditative experience.

Reducing stress may have an indirect benefit on fertility by helping to balance hormones and improve your overall well-being.

How to make a castor oil pack at home

If you’re curious about trying castor oil packs as part of your holistic fertility journey, you’ll be glad to know they’re super easy to make at home. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cold-pressed castor oil (available in most health stores and online – try this one from iHerb if you’re based in the US, and if you’re based in the UK we recommend grabbing this one from Holland&Barret)
• A piece of flannel or wool cloth (large enough to cover your lower abdomen)
• Plastic wrap (to keep the oil contained)
• A heating pad or hot water bottle
• An old towel (to protect your clothes and bed)
• A large ziplock bag (for storing your castor oil pack after use)

Here’s how to assemble and use your pack:

1. Prepare your cloth – Fold the cloth so it’s a manageable size and soak it in castor oil. The cloth should be saturated but not dripping.
2. Apply the pack to your abdomen – Lay the castor oil-soaked cloth over your lower abdomen, where your reproductive organs are located. This is the area just below your belly button.
3. Cover the cloth with plastic wrap – To keep the oil in place and prevent it from staining your clothes or bed, wrap a piece of plastic over the pack.
4. Add heat – Place a heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack. The warmth helps the castor oil penetrate the skin and may promote circulation.
5. Relax – Lie down in a comfortable position for 30 to 60 minutes. You can read, meditate, or just rest while the pack works its magic.

How to use castor oil packs for fertility

Most recommendations suggest using the pack a couple of times a week, for roughly 30 minutes to an hour. 

And honestly, we think it’s a lovely practice to work into your self-care routine (and a great excuse to get horizontal), particularly in the weeks leading up to ovulation.

A few pointers – you should avoid using castor oil packs on your period, as they may increase bleeding. Also, park the packs if you think you might be pregnant.

The bottom line

While castor oil packs for fertility might not have the scientific backing some of us might hope for, they are certainly a popular holistic remedy that can help empower us to take better care of ourselves. Many do find them really soothing and supportive. 

Just remember, it’s always a good idea to chat things through with your doctor before adding any new treatment like this to your fertility routine, especially if you’re actively trying to conceive, or dealing with specific fertility issues.

Next on your reading list: Womb massage benefits – for natural conception and IVF