In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Castor Oil is considered as the most effective remedy for Arthritis. It can be used topically as well as orally.

Arthritis is a common name used for a group of medical conditions.


Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are the most common types of arthritis.

The following are the most common symptoms of various arthritic conditions:

• Inflammation of the joints

• Pain and stiffness

• Swelling of the joints

• Degenerative damage to the affected areas

Scientific research has found that Arthritis is really an autoimmune disease (1, 2, 3). In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.

To use castor oil topically, heat the oil slightly and apply it on the affected areas that experience pain, swelling and inflammation.


Make sure that the oil is not too hot, otherwise it can cause discomfort to the skin. Apply the oil and massage the skin in circular and up/down or sideways strokes, which will increase absorption by the skin. You can leave the area open or wrap it with a cotton cloth to keep the area warm.

The best time for this topical application is at night, before bed time. Leave the oil on all night as this will increase its absorption by your body. The increased absorption will lead to enhanced benefits.
 
According to Ayurveda, Castor oil taken orally works as a laxative and cures gas and bloating in the stomach. It detoxifies the stomach and helps in boosting the immune system, thereby reversing the autoimmune disease.

There are several ways to take it orally:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of oil in 1 cup of warm water and drink it before your morning tea or coffee

• You can also mix it in your morning tea and coffee

• Warm your favorite fruit or vegetable juice (not in a microwave) and mix 2 tablespoons in it

• In severe RA cases, boil 1 glass of water with 1/4 spoon of ginger powder. Strain, cool and add 2 spoons of the oil to the liquid before you drink it.  

The best times for oral ingestion are early in the morning on an empty stomach or just before going to bed. You may start with 1 tablespoon and increase it to 2 or 3 tablespoons over 1 to 2 weeks.

Castor Oil possesses various healing properties:

• Relieves Pain

• Reduces Inflammation

• Reduces Swelling

• Increases lymphatic circulation

• Reduces flatulence

• Stimulates the liver and gall bladder

• Reduces toxins

Harvey Grady did a scientific study of the effect of topical application of castor oil on humans (4). His study found castor oil to be an antitoxin, and as having an impact on the lymphatic system, enhancing the immune function of the body. A two-hour topical application caused an increase in the number of T-11 cells and a large increase in total lymphocytes in the blood within a 24-hour period following treatment. Thus, it gave a boost to the body's defense mechanism. T-cells find and kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells. Lymphocytes are responsible for protecting the body from pathogens and their toxins.

It was also used in ancient times in Egypt, the Middle East and Rome. The Castor bean plant is called as Palma Christi (Palm of the Christ) in the Bible.

Wishing you Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness,
Pankaj Kotak

 

REFERENCES

1.    Saraf SK., et al. Role of autoimmunity in the etiology of osteoarthritis. Indian Journal of orthopedics. April 2002;36(2):98-101.

 

2.    Gary SF. Evolving concepts of rheumatoid arthritis. Nature. May 2003;423:356-361.

 

3.    Bardos T., et al. A longitudinal study on an autoimmune murine model of ankylosing spondylitis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. July 2005;64(7):981–987

 

4.    Grady H. Immunomodulation through Castor Oil Packs. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. 1997;7(1):84-89.