Castor oil has been used to treat several health issues since time immemorial. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties (1), castor may offer relief from the pain caused by arthritis. If you use castor oil for arthritis, it may help heal the swelling and inflammation. This pale yellow oil extracted from the castor seeds is nothing but a wonderful remedy to several ailments. It has anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve discomfort associated with arthritis.
But how does castor oil reduce pain? How is it useful for your joints? If you are wondering the same, we can help you. This article discusses how castor oil helps solve arthritis discomfort and the different ways to use it based on your needs. Keep reading.
In This Article
How Does Castor Oil Help With Arthritis?
Let’s quickly look at what this is and see how/why castor helps. Arthritis in layman terms is a condition that affects your joints and the connective tissues around them. The first common kind which is called – osteoarthritis is due to the wear and tear of the tissue or cartilage around your joints, degenerative and usually comes with age. The other one is Rheumatoid arthritis which is autoimmune and can affect anyone. Scientists are yet to put the finger on what might be causing this. Conditions like skin problems, stress, lifestyle issues, etc. could be some probable causes. But the affected parts are usually the knees, arms, ankles, feet, spine, hips, etc.
How To Use Castor Oil For Arthritis?
While allopathy or any alternative medicine you might be taking is a big part of your healing, there are simple remedies that can cool off your joints and reduce the inflammation, giving you comfort which is a blessing in itself, if you understand the pain. Here are different ways in which you could use castor oil.
Castor Oil Rub For Arthritis Pain Relief
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You Will Need
- Castor oil
- Cotton Pads
Prep Time
5 minutes
Process
Warm-up castor oil, not too hot but just a little warm. Take a little at a time and thoroughly massage it all over the affected area and place a hot pack. This is good for general joint pains too.
How Often?
Use this as often as you can or at least once a week for regular spine, neck or knee pains. But, use it at least twice a week for arthritis, and you will start to feel much better.
Why This Works
The oil is known to stimulate the production of antibodies that help to fight against inflammation and thereby reduce it. When you rub castor oil over the affected joint, it absorbs into the skin and starts to reduce the swelling.
Castor Oil Pack For Arthritis
Shutterstock
You Will Need
- Castor Oil
- Hot water pack (bag or pads).
- Cotton pads
Prep Time
8 Hours
Processing Time
1 hour
Process
For chronic arthritis pain, you can soak a cotton pad or two in castor oil overnight, squeeze off the excess, massage over the pain area and put the hot packs over it.
How Often?
Continue doing this every week or once in two weeks at least, depending on your pain and swelling.
Why This Works
Arthritis invariably comes with swelling, and on days that you exert more pressure on the affected area, the pain shoots up. So, for days like that, you need something that cools off the inflammation faster. Like we all know, hot packs take off the pain while castor oil helps with swelling. That’s why it helps you a great deal.
Castor oil and Orange Juice For Arthritis
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You Will Need
- Castor oil
- One glass of orange juice
Prep Time
5 mins
Process
- Take about one to two teaspoons of castor oil and boil it.
- Once it is warm enough, turn the stove off.
- Add this to a glass of orange juice, preferably fresh.
How Often?
Take this before breakfast for about 3 to 5 weeks depending on your progress. Give this a break for another 3 weeks at least, before you repeat this cycle.
P.S: It works effectively on people on an alkaline diet. Also, make sure you consult your doctor about any dietary restrictions.
Why This Works
Citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C and have antioxidant properties (2), which may help reduce the free radicals that cause inflammation. That’s why arthritic patients are advised to add orange juice or any other juices that have antioxidants or Vitamin C to their diet. And, adding this with castor oil to your diet helps it further.
Castor Oil In Ginger Tea For Arthritis
Shutterstock
You Will Need
- Ginger
- Tea powder
- Castor oil
- Water
Prep Time
5 minutes
Process
- Boil tea in water as you normally would.
- Grate the ginger into boiling water and let it simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Turn off the stove and filter the pulp.
- Add one to two teaspoons of castor oil to the ginger tea.
- Drink this before going to bed, it gives you relief from the pain and helps you sleep better.
P.S: Castor oil has laxative properties (3), so people suffering from sensitive bowel syndrome, diarrhea, etc, might want to avoid this.
How Often?
- Depending on your pain, take it at least two or three times a week.
Why This Works
If you are a fan of tea, and it’s already part of your diet, you already know that it not only gives you relief from a lot of abdominal and stomach-related issues but also physical ailments. Adding castor oil to your ginger tea gives comfort and induces sleep too.
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Castor Oil And Flannel Pack
Shutterstock
You Will Need
- Flannel cloth
- Castor oil
- Plastic/cling wrap
- Towel
- Hot water bottle or hot water pack
Prep Time
5 minutes
Processing Time
45 minutes
Process
- Take about 20 ml of castor oil and warm it over the stove or just microwave it.
- Fold the flannel and soak it in castor oil. Leave it on for about 20 minutes till the flannel completely absorbs the oil.
- Place a towel over the affected joint to keep it elevated.
- Wrap the affected area with the flannel that has been soaked in castor oil.
- Now, wrap the flannel with plastic or cling wrap for binding it all intact.
- Leave this castor oil pack for at least 30-45 minutes.
- It could be a little messy, so ensure there’s no oil spillage around the house, or it’s best you sit outdoors or in the balcony while you do this.
How Often?
- Do this for at least 2-3 days consecutively, and you will find great relief at the end of three days.
- Give it a break and continue after a week or so.
- You could bring it down to 15-20 minutes, as you start feeling relieved.
Why This Works
Topical applications have always proved to help with joint pains. Castor oil seeps into your skin, and tying a flannel cloth soaked in castor oil helps reduce the soreness and effectively so. The hot pack adds as a catalyst in reducing the swelling and thereby reducing the pain to a great extent.
Castor oil is one of the most widely used cooking oils. It is also used topically as a popular folk remedy for many ailments. Castor oil’s health advantages are derived from its high nutritional profile of important fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. In addition, castor oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Therefore, it could be useful for alleviating arthritic pain when applied topically. However, further research is needed to support these claims about using castor oil for arthritis. Furthermore, when used extensively, it might lead to health concerns. If you encounter any negative side effects, discontinue the usage and seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix castor oil with my body lotion?
Yes. Adding a few drops of castor oil to creams, moisturizers, and body lotions will help nourish your skin as it is packed with many beneficial compounds.
Does castor oil expire?
Yes. Castor oil has a shelf life of about 1-5 years and is recommended to be used within a year. Check the label instructions for expiration dates and storage requirements.
Sources
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Therapeutic potential of castor oil in managing blepharitis meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037703/ - Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4690266/#:~:text=Citrus%20fruits%20are%20good%20sourcesand%20pantothenic%20acid%20%5B4%5D. - Castor Oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/
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Shaheen Naser
Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology,… more
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