Image depicting fibroid: Source: Cleveland Clinic
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Claim: A Facebook user claims that applying castor oil to sanitary pads and wearing them can cure uterine fibroids.
Verdict: Misleading. DUBAWA’s findings reveal that there is no scientific or medical evidence to suggest that castor oil applied to sanitary pads can cure uterine fibroids.
Full Text
A Facebook page, Soulful Herbs and Spices, posted a video claiming that adding castor oil to a sanitary pad cures fibroids.
The caption stated, “POV: You started using castor oil to get rid of fibroids/cysts because surgery will not be the end for you. Apply 3-5 drops to your navel area or your organic pad and let the magic happen.”
According to Healthline, organic menstrual pads are sanitary pads made from natural materials, such as cotton (often grown without the use of pesticides or harmful chemicals), and are gentler on sensitive skin. They are typically free from harsh substances such as chlorine, pesticides, and fragrances that are more common in conventional pads.
As of Dec. 22, 2025, the video had over 6,000 likes, 503 comments, and 1,000 shares. Some users shared their personal experiences, including Melissa Firstlady Carroll, who wrote, “I use castor oil every day. I have a lovely mixture for my entire body: castor oil, coconut oil, cloves, bay leaves, and rosemary.”
Another user, Zaida Rivera, commented, “Better results if you use it on a tampon.” Caryll Kimble added, “Or you can pour the castor oil in your navel (belly button), then apply a heating pad… especially when you have a period.”
May Muna wrote, “My sister uses it for fibroids and I for menstrual cramps,” while Patience Dappa asked, “After applying the oil on the pad, so you have to wear it right? Please, for how long?”
DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim because of its potential health implications and the widespread circulation of the content on social media.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are primarily influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, as well as genetic factors. Fibroids vary in size and may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, or no symptoms at all.
Castor oil, while commonly used in traditional and alternative medicine for its anti-inflammatory and laxative properties, cannot penetrate the uterus. Fibroids develop deep inside the uterus, not on the skin or external genital area, and wearing castor oil-soaked pads does not affect hormone levels, blood supply to fibroids, or the fibroid tissue itself. Evidence-based treatments for fibroids include hormonal therapy to control symptoms, minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolisation, and surgery such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, depending on severity and fertility plans.
What do experts say?
Dr. Olujitan Temitayo, Registrar of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), explained that uterine fibroids are benign tumours of the smooth muscle of the uterus, influenced by hormones and genetic factors, and that women of African descent are more likely to develop them at a younger age.
He noted that while castor oil is used in hair creams, skin moisturizers, and as a laxative to reduce cramping or diarrhoea, it does not contain any ingredients that could treat or shrink fibroids, stressing that castor oil on sanitary pads does not affect fibroids and may even disturb the vaginal area, but it cannot treat uterine growths.
“Now, regarding the claim that castor oil can treat fibroids, some people have postulated that it might work, even though gynaecologists have publicly stated this is not true. Castor oil does not contain the hormones or ingredients that could affect uterine fibroids. So it is safe to say that castor oil on sanitary pads is unrelated to uterine fibroids.
“However, it is important to note that using castor oil externally may cause other effects on the vaginal wall, which could disturb normal blood flow or other aspects of vaginal health. But its use as a cure for uterine fibroids has not been scientifically proven and has been debunked.”
The Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr James Musa, noted that there has been widespread misinformation suggesting that castor oil, particularly its presence in sanitary pads, can cause uterine fibroids. “There have been misconceptions that the presence of castor oil can cause uterine fibroids, but that is not true,” he said.
Dr Musa explained that castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant and contains ricinoleic acid. “It has anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally used to relieve pain and inflammation,” he added.
However, he stressed that scientific evidence does not support claims linking castor oil to fibroids. “No studies show that castor oil is implicated in the causation of uterine fibroids, and it has also not been shown to eliminate or shrink fibroids,” he said.
He said, “some studies indicate that castor oil may offer minor symptomatic relief for some people, but because it can stimulate uterine contractions, it may even worsen menstrual cramps.”
Dr Musa highlighted risk factors for uterine fibroids, such as family history, age, obesity, and diet, further noting that there is no truth to claims that castor oil in sanitary pads can cause, reduce, or eliminate uterine fibroids.
Conclusion
The claim that applying castor oil to sanitary pads can cure fibroids is false and lacks scientific support. Experts recommend that women rely on medical advice and evidence-based treatments when managing fibroids.
