At PAAVANI, we believe in time-honored Ayurvedic traditions and simple rituals that nurture the body, mind, digestion, spirit and skin. A special self-care practice that is aligned with our principles is the use of castor oil packs for women’s health and wellness. This gentle yet powerful ritual has been revered for generations to support menstrual, reproductive, digestive and lymphatic health and we are thrilled to add this healing practice into our offerings. Today, we launched our organic, hexane-free Castor Oil and 100% unbleached, organic Cotton Flannel, which you can purchase individually or in our new Castor Care Stack and Moon Cycle Stack. These products and stacks will help you begin your castor pack ritual with guidance, confidence and ease. Yet, before you make your first pack, we invite you to keep reading to learn more about castor oil benefits and how to successfully prepare and apply a castor oil pack for women’s health. 

Castor oil is derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, a resilient and deeply rooted botanical native to tropical regions of Africa and India. Rich in ricinoleic acid, castor oil has been celebrated across cultures for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. In Ayurveda, this oil is known as Eranda Taila and is often used to pacify vata dosha thanks to its warm, grounding and moisturizing qualities.

At PAAVANI Ayurveda, we offer hexane-free Castor Oil because it is extracted without using chemical solvents like hexane, which are often used in conventional oil processing. Hexane is a petroleum byproduct and classified as a neurotoxin that can leave trace residues in the oil. By choosing hexane-free, cold-pressed Castor Oil, the result is a clean, potent and safe oil for topical therapeutic use on the most sensitive areas of the body, such as the womb and abdomen.

In Ayurvedic medicine, castor oil is a revered snehana (oleation) agent. Its unctuous and penetrating qualities help:

• Support elimination & detoxification.

• Ease abdominal discomfort & bloating.

• Nourish reproductive tissues.

• Alleviate muscular tension & stiffness.

• Soothe the nervous system.

A castor oil pack is a method of applying warm castor oil to the body in a way that promotes deep absorption and healing. Traditionally, the pack is placed over the lower abdomen to support women’s health, but it can also be applied to other areas of discomfort such as stiff joints, lower back and upper abdomen.

Benefits for Women’s Health:

• Reducing menstrual cramps and supporting a healthy moon cycle.

• Enhancing lymphatic drainage.

• Improving digestion and relieving constipation.

• Easing pelvic stagnation and promoting womb wellness.

• Supporting hormone balance.

Whether navigating PMS, seeking post-partum support or simply wishing to ground into your body’s innate wisdom, a castor oil pack is a deeply nourishing act of self-care to enhance your health and wellness. 

Wondering where to place your castor oil pack? It all depends on your intention. Here are the most common areas for application:

Lower Abdomen (Pelvic Area)

To support reproductive health, ease menstrual cramps or bring balance during the luteal phase of the cycle, apply your castor oil pack over the lower belly. This can be especially supportive for those with fibroids, endometriosis or irregular cycles.

Upper Abdomen (Liver Area)

The most traditional placement is over the upper right side of the abdomen, just beneath the ribcage. This helps support liver detoxification, improve digestion, and promote regular elimination. Many people turn to this placement when feeling sluggish, bloated or hormonally imbalanced.

Joints & Lower Back

Feeling stiffness or discomfort? Wrap the pack around knees, shoulders or the lower back to help reduce inflammation and ease muscular or joint tension. This placement is perfect after travel, workouts or long hours at a desk.

Neck (Thyroid Area)

Some practitioners recommend placing the pack over the throat to support thyroid function. However, we suggest doing so only under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Do not use castor oil packs over open wounds, broken skin or during pregnancy. While many benefit from castor oil packs during menstruation, others may find it increases flow—tune into your body’s wisdom and adjust as needed.

What you will need:

• 1 organic, unbleached Cotton Flannel (reusable up to 10–15 times)

• 1 bottle of organic, hexane-free Castor Oil (8oz)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Flannel: Fold the flannel to your desired size and fully saturate it with castor oil.

2. Apply to Target Area: Place the flannel over the lower abdomen or area of concern.

3. Create a Protective Barrier: Cover with parchment paper, a compostable bag or reused plastic to prevent oil transfer.

4. Add Heat: Place a hot water bottle on top of the pack and relax for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please note, if your hot water bottle is too hot, you can place a towel in between the protective barrier and hot water bottle or use a hot water bottle cover to further protect your skin.

5. Cleanse: After the session, remove the pack and gently cleanse the skin with warm water, washcloth, baking soda or a natural soap to remove all oil residue.

6. Store: Keep the used flannel in its original packaging, repurposed plastic container or reused ziploc bag. Store in a cool, dry place for reuse.

To enhance the benefits of your castor oil pack, we recommend pairing it with our Women’s Moon Oil . This thoughtfully crafted blend is designed to support menstrual and female hormonal wellness through the power of plant medicine. This soothing transdermal roll-on features Mahanarayan Oil, an ancient Ayurvedic herbal oil used to relieve pain, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Mahanarayan Oil, along with the addition of cooling Sunflower Oil and penetrating Castor Oil, creates a deeply nourishing and grounding foundation for your castor oil pack.

Even more, the Women’s Moon Oil is elevated by healing, aromatherapeutic essential oils, chosen for their ability to calm the nervous system and support the womb.

• Lavender: Soothes emotional tension and promotes relaxation.

• Geranium: Helps balance hormones and uplift the mood.

• Marjoram: Traditionally used for cramps and to ease muscular tension.

• Clary Sage: Known for its estrogen-balancing effects and ability to support the reproductive system.

• Eucalyptus: Opens up circulation and brings a refreshing, clearing energy to the lower abdomen.

How to Use Our Women’s Moon Oil with Your Castor Oil Pack:

Before placing your warm, castor oil-saturated flannel on the abdomen, gently massage the lower belly with our Women’s Moon Oil. This helps to stimulate lymphatic flow, soften stagnation and enhance the penetration of the castor oil. The calming scent also invites you into a more sacred, connected space for rest and rejuvenation.

Whether used weekly or as part of your monthly moon-time ritual, a castor oil pack is a powerful yet gentle way to connect with your body, release what no longer serves you and create space for healing. At PAAVANI, we invite you to make this sacred practice your own and remember: your wellness is your power!

As you wrap yourself in warmth and intention, know that each moment spent in this ritual is an act of reclaiming your vitality. In Ayurveda, healing begins with awareness through listening to the body’s subtle whispers and honoring its needs. Through the nourishing support of Castor Oil, the grounding presence of organic Cotton Flannel and the balancing aromatics of our Women’s Moon Oil, you are invited to slow down, soften and return home to yourself.

May this ritual remind you that you are whole, wise and worthy of deep care.