If you are suffering from arthritis and looking for a way to mitigate the pain, our guide on Castor Oil for Arthritis will show you how to do it successfully.
Castor oil has been in use as a form of medical treatment since the Egyptian Era. During this period, it was used as a laxative after being extracted from the castor beans. In modern times, castor oil is specifically applied externally as a moisturizer, given its potent healing properties.
The oil contains 90% of fatty acid that is made up of ricinoleic acid – which is responsible for its healing powers. As a result of this, people now use it for variety of purposes, including the treatment of arthritis.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that arises when the joints get inflamed. When your cartilages, which support your bone structure, breaks down and the connective tissues are adversely affected, then you are suffering from arthritis.
There are many signs that can help you identify arthritis but the common symptoms are stiffness and pain in the joints.
The areas of the body that are often affected include the hips, arms, feet, knees or the spine. Because of the inflammation of joints, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience swelling and intermittent pain, which can make life a living hell.
Can Castor Oil Really Help With Arthritis?
Since arthritis – notably rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis – is a leading cause of inflammatory disorder and acute joint pain, it’s safe to say that castor oil – which is an anti-inflammatory agent and a powerful analgesic – can help tone down the resulting pain.
The skin is able to take in castor oil – when applied topically – so that healing properties of the oil can go into effect immediately. And since castor oil improves the activity level of the immune system, it gives the body enough strength to combat arthritis.
Castor Oil Treatment for Arthritis
To avoid the debilitating effect arthritis can have on the body, you need to use castor oil topically or as a “pack”.
Because of its anti-inflammatory components, castor oil can help soothe swelling and inflammation of the bone.
Caution about Using Castor Oil
With all the benefits of castor oil, not using it properly can result in some negative side effects.
If you are a liver patient or suffering from abdominal pain/diarrhea, avoid using castor oil.
Also, don’t use it for children – aged below 4 years. Finally, don’t take the oil internally and don’t use it for more than three days in a single week.
Using Castor Oil for Pain Relief
To use castor oil for reducing arthritis pain, you’ll need:
- Castor oil
- Cotton pads
To apply, follow these steps:
- Warm castor oil until it becomes lukewarm. You can do this over the gas on in your microwave
- Soak the cotton pads in the warm oil and massage all the areas around the affected joint
- Once the skin absorbs the oil, it will stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies which then fight and reduce the inflammation.
Depending on how bad the pain is, you can use this once, twice, or thrice a week.
How to Make Castor Oil Pack
You can also make castor oil pack, which have the same healing effect.
What you’ll need:
- A bottle of castor oil
- A thick towel
- Saran wrap
- A hot water bottle
- A piece of flannel
Directions for use:
- Heat 5 oz of castor oil in the microwave with glass dish for about 50 seconds
- Drop the piece of flannel in the oil and allow it to soak up oil
- Lay the towel over the area you want to put the pack and then lie down on your back in a comfortable position
- Gently place the flannel on the affected area and bind it with the Saran wrap
- Place the hot water bottle on top the Saran wrap and leave for an hour
For best results, use this way for three consecutive days in a week. It can also be used once a week or for shorter periods when the pain comes up again.
Final Thoughts: Castor Oil for Arthritis
Castor oil is a great natural solution to ease the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. If you suffer from stiff joints and aches, try castor oil for arthritis to see how it helps soothe inflammation.