Castor Oil and Cacao Powder: faddy trends or genuine helpers?
Castor oil and cacao powder have been trending on tiktok and instagram lately, hailed as everything from detox staples to mood boosters. Depending on where you look, they’re either miracle cures or total nonsense.
I’ve seen both claims pop up in wellness forums, Reddit threads, and even among friends trying to manage chronic symptoms. So I wanted to take a closer look—not just at the science, but at how these products actually play out in real life.
This piece pulls together research, personal experience, and insight from disabled communities to ask a simple question: are castor oil and cacao really worth your time, or just the latest wellness distraction?
Key Takeaways:
- Research shows castor oil may help with inflammation, arthritis pain, and neurological damage
- Cacao powder has been studied for fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis and behavioural effects in autistic children
- Real-world feedback on Reddit reveals mixed results, from pain relief to unwanted side effects
- Both substances come with risks, especially when taken internally
- More research is needed focused specifically on disabled people and long-term outcomes
What the Research Shows
Castor Oil: Old Remedy, New Scientific Backing
Castor oil’s Natural Composition: Castor oil has been used for centuries, but recent studies give it scientific credibility, especially around inflammation and pain management. A 2009 clinical trial found that topical castor oil was as effective as NSAIDs for knee arthritis symptoms, with fewer reported side effects (WebMD).
The active component is ricinoleic acid, which makes up about 90% of castor oil and has been shown to reduce inflammation markers.
| Condition | Research Finding | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis pain | Comparable to NSAIDs (see WebMD link above) | Human study |
| Anxiety symptoms | Reduced anxiety-like behaviour (PMC) | Animal study |
| Inflammatory conditions | Anti-inflammatory properties (see WebMD link above) | Multiple studies |
| Neuropathic pain | Positive effects reported | Case studies |
Neurological Benefits
Early research suggests castor oil might help prevent Parkinson’s-like symptoms. One study found it protected against pesticide-induced neurological damage (Brieflands), though this research is still early-stage.
Cacao Powder: More Than Just a Mood Booster
Cacao (as well as being great to eat!) is showing potential in nutritional studies. The most cited study involved 40 people with multiple sclerosis who consumed high-flavanol cacao daily.
Key findings from the study include:
- 45% reduction in fatigue levels (see JNNP study below)
- 80% increase in walking speed (see JNNP study below)
- Effects seen after just six weeks
| Symptom Area | Improvement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue (MS) | 45% reduction | Statistically significant (JNNP study) |
| Walking speed (MS) | 80% increase | Statistically significant (see link above) |
| Social skills (ASD) | Notable improvement | Parent-reported (see Autism research section below) |
| Irritability (ASD) | Reduced severity | Measured improvement (see Autism research section below) |
Autism Spectrum Research
A smaller study with 17 children found cacao consumption improved several behaviors (PMC). Parents reported noticeable changes in communication, self-regulation, and hyperactivity.
Real User Experiences from Reddit
Castor Oil: Mixed Results in Practice
Reddit users share varied experiences with castor oil, especially in skincare.
From r/CanSkincare: “I’ve been using castor oil for about 3 months now and it’s been amazing for blackheads and skin texture.” (Reddit thread)
From r/30PlusSkinCare: “Castor oil broke me out terribly and made my skin feel dehydrated.” (Reddit thread)
Pain Management Reports
Users in r/AmazonVine discuss external use for joint stiffness and muscle pain, with mixed results (Reddit thread).
Cacao Powder: Powerful Effects, Mixed Reactions
From r/keto: “Cacao is one hell of a drug… I get this euphoric energy that lasts for hours.” (Reddit thread)
From r/intermittentfasting: “Cacao powder helped my mood and reduced food cravings, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it.” (Reddit thread)
The Stimulant Reality
Several users describe stimulant-like reactions due to just a teaspoon of cacao powder. Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine content (Reddit thread).
Safety Considerations You Need to Know
Castor Oil Precautions
Internal Use Risks
Castor oil can cause serious digestive issues. Common side effects include cramping, bloating, and diarrhoea (see WebMD link above).
⚠️ Important Safety Warning
- May interact with certain medications (MD Anderson)
- Should not be taken during pregnancy
- Always speak to a healthcare professional before internal use
Cacao Powder Cautions
Stimulant Effects
Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine. People sensitive to stimulants may experience anxiety or disrupted sleep.
Quality Concerns
Raw cacao may contain trace amounts of heavy metals. Choose reputable, third-party tested brands (Reddit thread).
How to Use Castor Oil Safely
Castor Oil Packs
Widely recommended for external use:
What you’ll need:
- Cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil
- Flannel cloth (12″x8″)
- Plastic wrap or waterproof cover
- Heat source (e.g. hot water bottle)
Steps:
- Soak cloth with castor oil
- Place over target area
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Apply heat for 30–60 minutes
- Repeat 3–4 times per week
Choosing Quality Cacao
Look for:
- High-flavanol content
- Organic and minimally processed powder
- Third-party testing for contaminants
Start small: 1–2 tablespoons daily, especially if you’re caffeine-sensitive.
Bottom Line for Disabled People
Promising Areas
MS-Related Fatigue
Cacao with high flavanol levels has shown measurable effects in reducing MS fatigue and improving walking speed.
Inflammatory Pain
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit certain chronic pain conditions.
The Reality Check
Limited Disability-Specific Research
Most clinical trials focus on the general population. Studies designed for disabled people remain scarce.
Responses Vary
What works well for one person may be ineffective—or even cause issues—for another. Reddit reports highlight this variation.
Preparation Matters
Dose, delivery method, and other health conditions all influence outcomes.
The Takeaway
Both castor oil and cacao powder offer promising evidence for addressing fatigue, inflammation, or sensory symptoms, especially when used mindfully.
Before trying either:
- Talk to a healthcare provider
- Start with low amounts and monitor your response
- Be wary of dramatic claims or miracle solutions
- Use Reddit and forums as anecdotal context, not proof
The disability community deserves more targeted research on complementary therapies like these. Until then, combining real-world reports with peer-reviewed evidence helps us make more informed choices.
About the Author: Duncan Edwards
Supporting my disabled son through chronic fatigue and the keto-genic diet made so-called “natural remedies” feel less like trends and more like genuine alternatives we had to assess for ourselves.
I have a background in science and genetics, so I tend to approach health claims with a critical mindset. Through my work with Disability Horizons, I often look at wellness trends from a disabled perspective—asking not just whether something might help, but whether it’s realistic, affordable, and backed by research. Outside of work, I’ve dealt with the maze of benefits systems, juggled complex care routines, and sifted through endless Reddit threads looking for ideas that might actually work.
This piece comes from that place—somewhere between curiosity and exhaustion—trying to make sense of what’s safe and what’s worth skipping for disabled people, who deal with all of this daily.
