Can Castor Oil Relieve Joint Pain?

Thick and amber colored, castor oil is extracted from the castor bean plant (Ricinus Communis). The medicinal uses and properties of this therapeutic oil have been known since ancient times, when people used this oil to treat many a malady. Castor oil was used to treat health issues like constipation, relieve sore joints and skin problems.

Even in modern times, the use of castor oil has been popularized as an alternative medicine, especially to treat aches and pain. Pain in the joints or any other body part can be alleviated with the use of castor oil pack or infusion.

Although, the seeds of castor bean plant can cause a havoc in the body, if they are consumed knowingly or unknowingly, castor oil is safe for ingestion, when taken in the recommended amount. The dosage of the oil is determined by the healthcare provider, based on the individual's complaint.

It is advisable to take two or three teaspoons of castor oil, only AFTER consulting a physician. Since this oil has an unappetizing scent and taste, it can be mixed with other ingredients like green tea, ginger tea, root beer, etc., to make it drinkable.

Castor oil for joint pain is an effective remedy, since it eases the pain and relaxes the muscles. In the following paragraphs, let us see how it can be used to relieve joint and other muscle problems.

How to Use Castor Oil for Joint Pain

Joint pain is triggered due to several reasons like improper postures or movements causing the muscles of a joint to be stressed or strained and even due to arthritis, in case of senior citizens. Not only can this be a bothersome issue, it can also cause a hindrance in the daily activities.

To curb the pain, the use of castor oil, as pack or poultices is recommended. The idea of external application of castor oil, in the form of packs, was promoted by Edgar Cayce. An alleged psychic and holistic medicine practitioner, who founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) in 1931.

Cayce recommended the use of castor oil to relieve pain and aches. Castor oil (after warming) can be used in the form of a pack or as an infusion, which can be applied on the painful region. Here is how to make a castor oil poultice and use it.

• For preparing the oil pack, first you will have to heat the castor oil. Take four to five tablespoons (or as per your requirement) of castor oil and warm it.
• Once the oil has warmed, soak a piece of flannel or woolen cloth in it. The thicker the cloth, the better it is. Allow the cloth to remain in oil, till it is completely soaked.

• Place the cloth on the affected joint and secure it with a plastic wrap. Apply a heating pad to the oil pack, for even distribution of heat to the joint.

• The warmth of the oil and cloth will relax the muscles and alleviate the pain. Repeat this process for about an hour, two or three times, till you find relief. You can also use this method to cure aches in any other part of the body.

Warm castor oil, when rubbed on the affected regions, is known to relax the muscles and ease the pain. An infusion of castor oil with camphor, garlic, whole peppercorns and any other spice, if applied on the aching joints can heal the pain. Rubbing the oil in circular motion, on the sore joints generates heat.

This in turn improves blood circulation in the sore joint and triggers the lymphatic system to reduce inflammation and pain, thereby relaxing the muscles.

This oil is also an excellent remedy when it comes to treating disorders like arthritis, rheumatism and osteoporosis. However, do not rub castor oil if the skin is broken or cracked, since it can cause inflammation and burning sensation.

Due to its many, wonderful benefits, castor oil has been advocated by many doctors around the world to be used as a pain reliever. Castor oil, when used in moderation, with its medicinal properties can treat and relieve joint pain and other maladies. Keeping these beneficial uses in mind, castor oil has aptly been named as, "The oil that heals."