Topical Application of Castor Oil

[birdlvr466]

I came across this article yesterday in search of a natural remedy for my ankle that I believe has a slight sprain. It made me wonder if this might be something that would be beneficial for birds with arthritis or an inflamation?

When used externally (rubbed into the skin), castor oil is able to penetrate deeper than any other essential plant oil. Rubbing castor oil on the skin can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and boost lymphatic circulation.

I used it last night on my ankle, that was swollen last night from walking on it too much and to my surprise, my ankle swelling was gone! I am going to keep using it for the next few days to see if it remedies the situation.

This is the article and as you can see, it has many medicinal uses.
Castor Oil's many medicinal and healing uses

What are your thoughts about this as a possible use with parrots?

Note: I have never used Castor Oil on my birds and would check with your vet before trying.

 

[merlinsmom13]

Interesting for sure, I'll keep it in mind. I know its not how my granny used castor oil.

 

[birdlvr466]

Interesting for sure, I'll keep it in mind. I know its not how my granny used castor oil.

I would check with a vet before use, it just crossed my mind though it may be a natural product that could be used.

 

[Billie Faye]

Pat, personally I would NOT use this around my birds:*Castor Beans: Common Name: Castor Bean, Castor, Castor Oil Plant, palma Christi, Wonder Tree, Higuerilla, Steadfast Toxic Principle: Leaves, Seeds, Ricin, Ricinin Clinical Signs: Decrease blood pressure, Hypothermia, Decrease in blood glucose, Increase in serum hepatic enzymes: AST, ALT, LDH, Increase in BUN, calcium, phosphorous, Upset Stomach, Vomitting, Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Anorexia, Trembling, Weakness, Sudden Collapse, Seizures, Exercise intolerance, Ataxia, Slight Depression, Copious thick, ropy salivation, Thirsty.....Taken from:Foods & Plants Toxic to Birds

 

[birdlvr466]

While the castor bean contains toxins that makes it poisonous, the expressed oil only has trace amounts of those toxins. So when castor oil is taken internally or ingested, it causes purgative (laxative) effects instead of poisoning the body.

Thats why I said to check with your vet first. The bean itself is toxic, not the oil so I would see what an avian vet would say.

 

[Thugluvgrl187]

I would love to hear what a vet would have to say about this

 

[Daisy's Mom]

I know this is silly but whenever I think of Castor Oil it always reminds me of a episode of the Little Rascals..