Herbal Steams & Castor Oil Packs

If you are interested in a steaming session arranged for you at my treatment barn, or a combined steaming and abdominal therapy session, which is a lovely way to receive the benefits of both approaches, please feel free to contact me for details.

If you would like to do a steam in your own home, read on for some simple tips.

Directions on how to steam

Ideally using an organic blend of herbs, place a large handful into a stainless steel pot with about 2 litres of fresh water.  Gently simmer the herbs for about 10 minutes then remove from the heat and pour into a heat proof bowl, ideally ceramic, glass or other plastic-free container.

The simplest method for doing the steam is slipping off the bottom half of your clothing, kneeling over the bowl whilst resting your upper body on the end of a bed or sofa, and wrapping a large woollen blanket or towel or two around your lower half and the bowl. This creates a tent effect, trapping the steam inside.

It’s important to test the temperature of the steam before getting in to position, to ensure it isn’t too hot for the delicate skin and tissues in this area.

If you prefer something more comfortable, ready-made and specifically designed, it’s possible to buy a steaming chair or stool online.

Alternatively, if you feel like getting creative, you can use a garden chair that is slatted, or place your steaming bowl (one you don’t use for any other purposes!) in the bowl of the toilet, and sit over this. Or you can create your own modified chair or stool by cutting a circular hole in to it. I have also used an inexpensive wooden box with a hole cut in to the lid.

Ideally having the steaming bowl approx 20 cms away from your skin is usually a  comfortable distance but experiment with what suits you.  You will be sitting over the steam for 15 minutes so you need to be comfortable and supported. I also find it helpful to have an extra towel or blanket beneath your knees if you are kneeling.

The important thing is to be warm, comfortable and relaxed, and in a calm space where you won’t be disturbed.

Once you’re naked from the waist down, covering yourself with a warm blanket or towels that reach well to the floor and includes the back of the stool/chair/ your legs, helps to retain the steam and keep you warm. Wearing cosy socks to keep your feet warm is also a good idea.

Remain in the chair or kneeling absorbing the herbal steam for 15 – 20 minutes.

The steam should be a comfortable temperature. If you feel it’s too hot, remove the bowl, let cool for a few minutes then resume.

Afterwards, keep warm and if possible wrap up and go to bed for the night or lie down and rest for at least half an hour.  This will strengthen the healing process and allow your body to integrate the effects of the herbal steam. Other nurturing practices such as Self Massage and / or a Castor Oil pack before or after a steam will also enhance the process.

How often?

Herbal steams can be done throughout your cycle, except during your period as steaming at this time can promote heavier blood flow. Steaming just after the end of your period and a couple of times in the week before your period begins can be ideal for helping to regulate and balance cycles.

Please note: If you are trying to conceive ONLY use steams between the end of your period to before ovulation. Do not use steams after ovulation. 

When not to use herbal steams

 ✖️ During pregnancy or if you think you might be pregnant

✖️Consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or are breastfeeding

 ✖️ If you have a vaginal infection or open wound

✖️ During menstruation as this can promote heavier blood flow

✖️ Immediately postpartum

✖️If you have an IUD or other contraceptive device

✖️Remove genital peircings before steaming

Her Wild Organics Herbal Steam

Uses a blend of organic herbs designed to support all aspects of healthy cycles, fertility, post-partum care as well as menopause support. 

These include:-

Rose Petals

Cooling, soothing and tonifying for tissues, relieves stress and supports sensuality

Calendula flowers

Gentle and calming, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties, comforting and nourishing for skin & hormonal balance

Lavender flowers 

Cooling, hydrating and antibacterial, supporting healthy periods & cycles

Rosemary

Warming and circulation-boosting, helps to clear & cleanse with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.

Lemon Balm

Soothing, hydrating, with antimicrobial, antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties

Yarrow Leaf

Strengthens and tones, soothes and relaxes tension and discomfort

Mugwort flowers

Warming, cleansing, helps bring balance and ease cramps, with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Known as an emmenagogue, meaning that it can gently stimulate and support menstruation.

Castor Oil Packing Information Sheet

How do castor oil packs work?

Castor oil packs stimulate 3 important parts of the body: lymphatic and circulatory systems and the liver. The stimulation of these body systems aids the body in healing the organs and tissues beneath where the castor oil pack is applied.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and lymph, a clear to yellowish fluid. Lymphocytes are the cells of the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes help to provide immunological defence against disease. This system runs throughout our entire body. Lymph nodes are concentrated in certain areas of the body, and many lymph nodes surround the reproductive organs. The lymphatic system provides each cell in the body a means to get rid of waste. The lymphatic system relies on external movement and manipulation, as well as regular movement of the entire body to function, as it doesn’t have a “pump” to move the lymph through it like the circulatory system has the heart. Castor oil packs are one way to stimulate movement of lymph, which helps to cleanse the reproductive organs and promote healing of damaged tissues where the pack is applied.

Circulatory System

The circulatory system is the heart, blood, veins and arteries, that runs throughout the entire body. The promotion of circulation by the castor oil pack will bring in fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood to the reproductive organs, including the uterus, supporting optimal function and healing, and helping to minimise inflammation and congestion.

The Liver

The liver is our chemical processing plant. The liver removes hormones, drugs, and other biologically active molecules from the blood. It converts these by changing their structure or inactivating them, through different processes, and then excretes these to be passed through the kidneys. If there are too many excess toxins and hormones overwhelming the liver, they may be stored up, not only in the liver, but other parts of our body, especially fat. The liver also makes 1/3 to 1/2 of all lymph. Liver health is vital for the proper function of the lymphatic system. Supporting the liver with the castor oil packs helps it to function optimally and produce lymph, both of which contribute to hormonal balance.

How do you do a Castor Oil Pack?

Get a bottle of castor oil and a clean cotton cloth you don’t mind throwing away. Choose Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil, which can be generally be found in most health food shops or online.

Pour a generous amount of castor oil in to a bowl and soak the cloth in it, then place the flannel on your lower abdomen around the uterus area. You can also put the packs over your liver or your lower back too, to help support these areas. Put an old towel over the top and then sit with it for 20 minutes.

Place a warm hot water bottle over the top of this to help to stimulate the healing process even further. If you’d rather not add heat that’s fine too. It isn’t necessary and there are some schools of thought that suggest applying heat is not helpful if you have any concerns regarding egg reserve, so go whichever approach feels right and best for you, and know that both will be effective and supportive.

If you prefer you can use the castor oil balm (see here in the shop) which can make it easier to apply and go about your day if you don’t have time to apply a full castor oil pack with the castor oil. 

 How often should i do them and when?

Depending on your circumstances and what you’re using the treatments for,  you can do the packs up to a maximum of 3 or 4 nights in a row every week except during your period, and only up to ovulation time if you’re actively trying to conceive this month, (such as days 5, 6. 7 and 12, 13, 14), otherwise it’s fine to do them every few days throughout the month, stopping a few days before your period starts.

For IVF cycles and FET’s it’s fine to continue with the packs during down regulation and stimulation / lining building phase, stopping a few days before egg collection or if it’s a frozen cycle, a few days before transfer (but don’t use the packs during your withdrawal bleed and DO NOT USE THEM AT ALL POST TRANSFER TIME. 

In between sessions you can keep your cloth in a little sealed container like a glass mason jar or a zip lock bag in the fridge and then wash it or start with a fresh one at the end of a fortnight.

Build up gradually to up to an hour. No more than 20 minutes a time for the first week though, and increasing to 30 – 40 mins during the second week.

It can cause your first period to come early and feel more intense but after that beautiful cleanse things should be hugely improved.

When shouldn’t I do them?

During your period or withdrawal bleed or during any other times of heavy bleeding as the packs can promote heavier bleeding. 

If you think you might be pregnant

Not past ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive that month

Not over broken skin

Do keep out of the reach of children and rinse with warm water if the castor oil comes in to contact with your eyes. 

Castor Oil can stain so please be careful with your clothes and any fabric it comes in to contact with.