How to Use Castor Oil for Vaginal Dryness
Written by: Heather Tanti R.P.N (non-practicing)
Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Est. reading time: 7 minutes
In our lives, there are chapters that remain unspoken, hidden in the shadows. One such chapter is the silent struggle of many women- the battle against vaginal dryness and atrophy (thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls).
It’s a topic wrapped in whispers, yet its impact on our lives can be profound…
Can you relate?
Thankfully, in the midst of these struggles, there’s a natural remedy that offers a gentle, comforting approach- Castor Oil.
This blog touches on the emotional and physical aspects of vaginal dryness and atrophy, sharing with you the nurturing touch of Castor Oil for your mind and body.
What is vaginal atrophy?
Emotionally, it can feel like a silent struggle, often shadowed in shame or embarrassment. It affects self-esteem, body confidence, and even intimate relationships…
The physical aspects are equally challenging.
Vaginal dryness can lead to irritation, discomfort, and even painful intercourse1, while vaginal atrophy can make daily activities like sitting or walking painful.
It’s like living with a constant reminder that your body is changing, and not in a way you’d hoped for.
But here’s the beautiful part: while these conditions can be challenging, they don’t define who you are. They’re chapters in a much larger story, and with the nurturing qualities of Castor Oil, relief and empowerment can still be within reach.
Is vaginal dryness common?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one dealing with vaginal dryness, it’s time to take a collective sigh of relief- you’re not alone.
Believe it or not, vaginal dryness is far more common than you might think. In fact, it’s a pressing issue that women of all ages can experience, although it becomes more common as we get older.2
What’s to blame? Hormonal changes, especially during menopause, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. But, vaginal dryness can also be triggered by factors like stress, certain medications, or even emotions.
So, if you’re navigating this challenge, know that you’re part of a larger community of women who have walked this path. Afterall, vaginal dryness isn’t just about the physical symptoms; it’s also about the emotional weight it carries, agreed?
Did you know that more than 75% of women experience vaginal discomfort as a result of hormonal changes during menopause?3
Furthermore, almost 17% of women aged 17 to 50 may encounter painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness.4
Approximately 60% of women going through menopause experience vaginal dryness as a symptom.5 This is a significant portion of women in this stage of life, and it can greatly affect their overall well-being.
But were you aware that vaginal dryness can be caused by other means, including certain medications? It’s true, certain medications such as some antidepressants and antihistamines can contribute to this uncomfortable symptom7.
Stats like the above make it clear that vaginal dryness is not an isolated problem to feel shame or embarrassment over, but rather an issue that affects women across the world.
Vaginal atrophy symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Painful intercourse due to insufficient lubrication
- Continuous vaginal dryness
- Thinning of the epithelial lining
- Vaginal spotting, caused by small tears
Additionally, women often report urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and incontinence as well.8
According to research, nearly 70% of women experiencing symptoms choose not to discuss them with their healthcare provider.
This is primarily due to feelings of embarrassment or reluctance to talk about their symptoms, seeing them as a natural part of the aging process.9
The impact of vaginal atrophy on daily life is undeniable, but you don’t have to suffer in silence with natural remedies like Castor Oil.
Natural relief for vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness affects many women at various stages in their lives. It often leads to unpleasant symptoms like we touched on above, and can have a serious impact on a woman’s quality of life.
While yes, there are several available creams and medications available at your local pharmacy to try and support these symptoms, there’s one natural remedy that is gaining traction for its potential benefits in addressing vaginal dryness– Castor Oil.
Castor Oil is derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), and has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various ailments. Known for its moisturizing and emollient properties, Castor Oil has increased in popularity for its ability to support vaginal dryness and more.
1. Moisturization: Castor Oil is rich in fatty acids10, which may help bring moisturization to dry, irritated vaginal tissues. Applying a small amount of organic Castor Oil to the external genital area may help relieve discomfort with dryness.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The ricinoleic acid in Castor Oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties may help ease inflammation11 and itching caused by dryness, leading to improved comfort and overall well-being.
3. Antimicrobial Effects: Castor Oil also has antimicrobial properties12, which may help maintain a balanced vaginal flora, which is beneficial in preventing dryness-related infections and irritation.
4. Circulation Support: Castor Oil is known to promote nitric oxide, an antioxidant that supports blood flow12. And when combined with a Castor Oil Pack in the pelvic area, you may be helping to bring more circulation to this region. This may help stimulate the body’s natural lubrication production.
For your peace of mind, Queen of the Thrones® Organic Golden Castor Oil is always:
- 100% organic
- Extra-virgin
- Hexane-free
- Cold or Expeller-pressed
- Always bottled in amber glass
Conclusion
Vaginal dryness isn’t just a physical issue; it has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, and confident in your body.
So, as we wrap up this discussion, let’s not forget to acknowledge the emotional side of this common concern amongst women. These uncomfortable symptoms can cause self-esteem issues, making you hesitant to engage in intimate moments, or even diminishing your overall quality of life.
It’s a vicious cycle, agreed?
And because physical discomfort can lead to emotional distress, symptoms like vaginal dryness can become exacerbated.
While Castor Oil isn’t a magic wand, it is certainly your natural ally, offering support on your journey to wellness. When you take the time to support these symptoms, you help to enhance your emotional well-being.
Sounds good, right? Plus, feeling physically better can often translate into a more confident and positive outlook!
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Click here for references
1. Kingsberg SA, Wysocki S, Magnus L, Krychman ML. Vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: findings from the REVIVE (REal Women’s VIews of Treatment Options for Menopausal Vaginal ChangEs) survey. J Sex Med. 2013 Jul;10(7):1790-9. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12190. Epub 2013 May 16. PMID: 23679050.
2. Palma F, Volpe A, Villa P, Cagnacci A; Writing group of AGATA study. Vaginal atrophy of women in postmenopause. Results from a multicentric observational study: The AGATA study. Maturitas. 2016 Jan;83:40-4. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.09.001. Epub 2015 Sep 14. PMID: 26421474.
3. Eubanks A. Hormone Therapy: Menopausal Hormone Therapy. FP Essent. 2023 Aug;531:15-21. PMID: 37603881.
4. Goncharenko V, Bubnov R, Polivka J Jr, Zubor P, Biringer K, Bielik T, Kuhn W, Golubnitschaja O. Vaginal dryness: individualised patient profiles, risks and mitigating measures. EPMA J. 2019 Mar 2;10(1):73-79. doi: 10.1007/s13167-019-00164-3. PMID: 30984316; PMCID: PMC6459457.
5. Peacock K, Ketvertis KM. Menopause. [Updated 2022 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/
6. O’Malley D, Higgins A, Begley C, Daly D, Smith V. Prevalence of and risk factors associated with sexual health issues in primiparous women at 6 and 12 months postpartum; a longitudinal prospective cohort study (the MAMMI study). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2018 May 31;18(1):196. doi: 10.1186/s12884-018-1838-6. PMID: 29855357; PMCID: PMC5984394.
7. Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S. Antidepressant-Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction. Mayo Clin Proc. 2016 Sep;91(9):1280-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033. PMID: 27594188; PMCID: PMC6711470.
8. Mac Bride MB, Rhodes DJ, Shuster LT. Vulvovaginal atrophy. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010 Jan;85(1):87-94. doi: 10.4065/mcp.2009.0413. PMID: 20042564; PMCID: PMC2800285.9. Bleibel B, Nguyen H. Vaginal Atrophy. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559297/
9. Marwat SK, Rehman F, Khan EA, Baloch MS, Sadiq M, Ullah I, Javaria S, Shaheen S. Review – Ricinus c0mmunis – Ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.Pak J Pharm Sci. 2017 Sep;30(5):1815-1827. PMID: 29084706
10.Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362
11.Mascolo N, Izzo AA, Gaginella TS, Capasso F. Relationship between nitric oxide and platelet-activating factor in castor-oil induced mucosal injury in the rat duodenum. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 1996 May;353(6):680-4. doi: 10.1007/BF00167187. PMID: 8738301.
Hello,
I have been using the liver pack for about 3 months now practically nonstop nightly. I give myself a 2-3 day break periodically. Can I use a bit of CO inserted into vagina? I am 64 years old.
Christina W.
Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Traditionally, Castor Oil has been used on suppositories for vaginal support, but this should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use during pregnancy. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
I am on my second week with the castor oil pack for the liver. I, too, would like to know, since castor oil does enter the body because anything that goes onto the skin goes through to the body and the organs within the regions, the pelvic and hip castor oil pack, help with the vaginal area? I thought inserting castor oil into the vagina would help, also.
Hey there! Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Traditionally, Castor Oil has been used on suppositories for vaginal support, but this should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use during pregnancy. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
Will liver packs help with constipation from ozempic?
Hey there, we cannot comment on any specific case.
However, wearing the castor oil pack over the liver may help with constipation.
Please always check with your doctor if any new practice is right for you. This is not medical advice. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any disease. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
I’ve seen you tell two women that castor oil is for topical use only, is it just the brand you recommended because I have seen doctors say that taking it internally is good for constipation, fibroids, and a little bit to help induce labor??
Our castor oil is 100% pure, certified organic, hexane-free, extra virgin, but it is for topical use only. Traditionally castor oil has been taken orally as a stimulant laxative, but should only be done so if it’s approved for oral use. The castor oil pack is a much gentler approach to support constipation and regular bowel movements.
How to use for your knee breaking up scar tissue do you have knee pads?
We do not have a specific knee pack however you can use the thyroid or kids sized liver pack
I have read that cold pressed castor oil is best. On your brand’s bottle it is noted as expeller pressed. Is there a difference?
Hey there!
Due to concerns with the quality of cold-pressed Castor Oil available on the market, we switched to an expeller-pressed oil of higher quality. Like cold-pressing, it is mechanically extracted, the only difference is that the expeller press produces heat slightly higher than a true cold-pressing method.
Castor Oil has a higher oxidative stability than most skin oils, and oxidizes at temperatures above 230°F. Cold-pressed Castor Oil is exposed to heat up to 122°F, where expeller-pressed Castor Oil is exposed to heat between 140-210°F max. While this heat is higher than in cold pressing, it is still relatively low.
A benefit of the low heat exposure with expeller-pressing is that the heat helps to extract MORE oil from the castor beans, meaning a higher yield is produced, and less of the plant is wasted.
Third-party testing of Queen of the Thrones® expeller-pressed Castor Oil demonstrates that all key specifications including fatty acids/ricinoleic acid profile, saponification, and acid value all fall within the same strictly specified range of standards for high quality organic Castor Oil as cold-pressed Castor Oil does. This suggests that the low heat exposure of expeller-pressing does not destroy the integrity of organic Castor Oil.
Our promise to you is always to provide the best source of Castor Oil available in the marketplace at the time of bottling. We take every step in making sure our Castor Oil is fit for you and your family, because we use these products on ourselves and our families, too.
Can CO applications help with providing assistance to help with decreasing urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, and incontinence? If so, where and how does one apply?
Hey there, Thank you for reaching out. Although we cannot comment on your case specifically. Castor oil packs balance the regulatory systems of hormonal, immune and nervous systems, so whatever condition (other than pregnancy) you’re presenting with castor oil packs can be foundational! The best place to start is our liver, as this is considered the HUB of healing of our bodies!
My question is regarding the Omega fats. I read somewhere that Castor Oil has Omega 6 in it so I’m a little concerned as I try to avoid them as it’s easy to overdo them. Where would the information on this be or can you tell me here?
Thanks so much!
Hey there,
Thanks for your comment, this is a great question! Castor Oil does contain Omega 6s, but they’re in very low amounts (only 8-13% of the oil) as the majority of Castor Oil is composed of 85-92% ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid well known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, Omega 6s may also be metabolized differently versus when taken orally.
I have had VIN 3 vulvar cancer surgery several years ago, and nothing the doctors have prescribed has helped with the irritation down there. I’m unable to wear under garments or pants, and have a painful time even sitting. The medical professionals don’t seem to care. Would the castor oil help with the irritation and dryness down there? I’m in my early 70s, and tired of all this. Thank you.
We cannot comment on any case specifically however castor oil is a nourishing agent! “Topical use one
You keep saying it is not for internal use and yet the whole article is about how it can help with vaginal dryness. The vagina IS internal, though! So can it be used in the vagina or not?
Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Traditionally, Castor Oil has been used on suppositories for vaginal support, but this should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use during pregnancy. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
I’m with you on this question. Are there any testimonials about Castor oil use for vaginal dryness?
Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Traditionally, Castor Oil has been used on suppositories for vaginal support, but this should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use during pregnancy. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
We do not have any testimonials at this time for this.
For vaginal dryness and atrophy following menopause would it be beneficial to put castor oil on a sanitary towel?
Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Traditionally, Castor Oil has been used on suppositories for vaginal support, but this should only be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use during pregnancy. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.