How Effective Is Castor Oil For Knee Pain?
Usually, castor oil is applied topically to joint pains, sciatica and knee pain to help ease the pain and provide relief. You can apply a bit of hot castor oil directly to the knee joint and leave it on for maximum benefits, or you can make a castor oil pack. Let’s look at what we need for this home remedy for knee pain and how to go about making one!
What Do You Need To Make A Castor Oil Pack?
Required Supplies:
High-quality castor oil (preferably pale yellow cold-pressed oil) A heating pad or a hot water bottle Plastic wrap, cellophane tape, plastic sheet, cling film or an empty bin-liner. Three ‘1 square foot’ pieces of cotton or wool, or a piece large enough to cover the knee. An old towel.
How To Prepare:
So, How Does The Castor Oil Pack Work?
The cooling lotion of Castiva is equally effective, yet it has a different chemical composition than the warming lotion. It contains methyl salicylate/menthol. Menthol is known as a cooling agent, and on being combined with castor oil, it forms Castiva cooling lotion. You can buy it online; it’s usually a tad expensive than the warming lotion (4). A recent study on castor oil has helped determine the efficacy of castor oil for knee joint pain treatment (5). A blogger shares her experience with castor oil for knee pain. She says “I’ve been using the castor oil for a few things; first I have been using it for the anti-inflammatory properties for both my shoulder and knee pain. Then I have been using it for my hand calluses and thumb pain that I was getting from the dreaded “hook grip”. So far, my experience has been good (i).” Even though castor oil can be highly beneficial, misuse can lead to some side-effects. So, never use it on broken skin. If you have sensitive skin, mix it with a carrier oil and perform a patch test before use. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition, it is best to talk to a doctor before using it. And without ail, discontinue use if redness or swelling occurs, and seek medical advice if needed. Does applying castor oil to the belly button help treat knee pain? Possibly not. While anecdotal evidence suggests that the traditional method of rubbing the belly button with castor oil may help alleviate knee pain, there is no scientific research to support this. Does castor oil help treat osteoarthritis? Yes, castor oil may help with the pain, inflammation, and swelling in individuals with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (5), (6). Health experts recommend using castor oil for arthritis in general. Are there any side effects of using castor oil for knee pain? It is safe to use castor oil for knee pain unless you are allergic to the oil. However, ingesting castor oil may cause vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and dizziness. How long does it take for castor oil to relieve knee pain? It will start reducing in a week’s time. Applying castor oil for one or two weeks continuously may help relieve knee pain completely. Can castor oil be used in combination with other treatments for knee pain? There is no harm in using castor oil if you are taking other treatments for knee pain. However, inform your doctor about it before starting. How often should I apply castor oil to my knee for pain relief? For best results, you can apply castor oil once daily till the pain subsides. Later, you can reduce the frequency. Is castor oil safe to use on sensitive or irritated skin around the knee? Generally, castor oil is safe to use on sensitive and irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help heal the skin. However, it is best to avoid applying it if you feel any discomfort. Should I consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil for knee pain? Yes, consult a healthcare professional before using castor oil so that you get a proper diagnosis of the pain as castor oil can only alleviate the pain, but it won’t treat any underlying cause if any.
Illustration: How To Use Castor Oil To Treat Knee Pain
Discover the remarkable pain-relieving properties of castor oil. Explore the therapeutic benefits and effective techniques to soothe your discomfort naturally by checking out this video.
