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How Do I Use Castor Oil for Arthritis?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

There are a few different ways of using castor oil for arthritis, and the best one to choose can depend on your own personal circumstances. Castor oil can be taken internally, or used in conjunction with a heat pack, and each of these methods also has a few variants that you may want to try. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, then you should consider adding castor oil to ginger tea and drinking it before bed. Osteoarthritis pain and discomfort can also be managed with castor oil, though you may want to consider combining it with the herb gandharva haritaki. Another alternative way of using castor oil for arthritis relief is to soak a piece of flannel, then wrap it around a heating pad and apply to the affected joint.

Arthritis is a condition that involves joint inflammation, and it can often be uncomfortable or even painful. There many different types of arthritis, and also a number of different medications, dietary changes, and other methods that can help manage the pain and discomfort. One home remedy that can be especially useful for relieving pain from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis is castor oil, which contains ricinoleic acid and other beneficial compounds. If you are interested in using castor oil for arthritis relief, you may want to select a treatment that is geared towards your specific condition.

Taking castor oil orally is one way to treat arthritis.
Taking castor oil orally is one way to treat arthritis.

Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain can be reduced by taking castor oil orally, though the methods are somewhat different. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it can be effectively managed with a combination of castor oil and an herb called gandharva haritaki. This treatment involves frying a little bit of the herb in castor oil, adding that to warm water, and then drinking the mixture.

Castor oil can be combined with ginger tea for added benefits.
Castor oil can be combined with ginger tea for added benefits.

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, combining castor oil with ginger tea is one option to consider. The best way to use ginger tea and castor oil for the relief of arthritis pains is to combine 2 teaspoons (about 10 ml) of oil with 1 cup (about 237 ml) of tea. This combination of ginger tea and castor oil should be taken before you go to bed to see the best results.

A caster oil wrap can be topped with a heating pad to provide pain relief for arthritis.
A caster oil wrap can be topped with a heating pad to provide pain relief for arthritis.

Another way to use castor oil for arthritis relief is to make a castor oil pack. The best way to do that is to wrap a piece of sterile flannel around your affected joint after soaking it in castor oil. You can then cover the soaked flannel wrap with a heating pad and leave it in place for about an hour. If you do not have a heating pad, you can wrap the flannel in a towel and set a hot water bag on top. The key to this method is to apply some type of heat to the wrapped joint.

Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.

Before you begin any castor oil regimen, it can be a good idea to consult with a doctor. Castor oil should not be consumed by certain people, especially women who are pregnant. Castor oil wraps can sometimes be dangerous as well, and you should avoid getting castor oil into any open wounds. If you have cuts, abrasions, or any other ruptures in your skin, you should speak with a medical professional before applying a castor oil wrap.

Discussion Comments

SimpleByte

@Nefertini, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can aid in relieving arthritis symptoms since arthritis is an inflammatory condition. Ricinoleic acid is also known for its pain-relieving effect, and it's used for sore muscles as well as sore joints. This fatty acid is one of three omega-9 fatty acids in castor oil. Linoleic acid and oleic acid, the other two fatty acids in the oil, are believed to help lower cholesterol and promote heart health.

Nefertini

What component of castor oil makes it a good treatment for arthritis?

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    • Taking castor oil orally is one way to treat arthritis.
      By: Fenton
      Taking castor oil orally is one way to treat arthritis.
    • Castor oil can be combined with ginger tea for added benefits.
      By: praisaeng
      Castor oil can be combined with ginger tea for added benefits.
    • A caster oil wrap can be topped with a heating pad to provide pain relief for arthritis.
      By: nito
      A caster oil wrap can be topped with a heating pad to provide pain relief for arthritis.
    • Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
      By: maska82
      Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
    • Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.
      By: Tracy Whiteside
      Females develop rheumatoid arthritis three times more often than males.
    • Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disease that commonly causes joint inflammation in the hands and feet.
      By: designua
      Rheumatoid arthritis an autoimmune disease that commonly causes joint inflammation in the hands and feet.
    • Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing arthritis.
      By: Dave
      Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing arthritis.
    • Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.
      By: bst2012
      Genetics and family history are among the risk factors for developing arthritis.