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Castor oil may be able to help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions. Ricinoleic acid is not found in many other plants or substances, making the castor plant unique since it’s a concentrated source. Castor is one of the oldest cultivated crops, but interestingly it contributes to only 0.15 percent of the vegetable oil produced in the world each year.
Castor beans contain a substance called ricin, which is poisonous when intact. However, once castor beans are processed and used to make castor oil, the ricin is destroyed and is not present in the oil. Discard castor oil supplements once they reach their expiration date as listed on the packaging. Oftentimes, supplements may interact with various medications or other supplements. In the case of castor oil, drug or supplement interactions are not well-documented.
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Generally, castor oil is thought to be safe and non-toxic when used in appropriate amounts. Anecdotal evidence of a rash developing after using castor oil on the skin has been reported. There has also been limited evidence that using castor oil on hair may be unsafe. It's important to be aware of potential side effects before starting a new supplement or medication.
It’s very thick with a color that ranges from clear to amber or somewhat green. A detergent that may cause drying of skin irritation to individuals who may be sensitive. Phthalates are solvents commonly used as a plasticizer in cosmetics and are currently under review by the FDA for consumer safety. Making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fluid intake, eating more fiber-rich foods, and being more active, can often help improve constipation. A number of bacteria and fungi, including Candida fungi, commonly grow on dentures.
Castor Oil for Cellulite
Also, using pure castor oil may irritate some people’s skin, so it’s best to dilute it with another oil, like jojoba or coconut oil. Try testing the combination on a small area of skin to see how your skin tolerates castor oil before applying it on larger areas . While castor oil is considered safe in small doses, larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea . What’s more, another study demonstrated that castor oil was effective at cleansing people’s bowels before they underwent a noninvasive type of colonoscopy called a colon capsule endoscopy . These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin.
Simply put, it isn’t worth the potential risk to the mother or the baby for negligible benefits in terms of the ability to induce labor with castor oil. Taking too much castor oil may cause side effects, so it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about the right dosage for you. Ricinoleic acid is thought to be responsible for the laxative properties of castor oil.
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When it comes to dosages, no one should ever recommend taking more than a spoonful of castor oil. Taking large gulps or consuming excessive amounts of castor oil can cause major problems for your health. It is recommended that you look for a reputable castor oil brand and, if possible, buy from a familiar vendor such as your local pharmacy. It's also important to read the castor oil label carefully, as potentially irritating fragrances are sometimes added. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before using any supplement, especially while pregnant. In one study, 323 women used a castor oil cocktail to induce labor.
These might be able to help increase topical absorption through the skin’s pores. Castor oil works like a natural, mild stimulant laxative when taken orally. It can help to treat constipation, reduce straining during defecation and enhance the feeling of complete evacuation after a bowel movement. It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin. One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system.
A powerful laxative
It may seem safe since it is primarily plant-based but there is potential danger lurking under the surface. If you take it internally, castor oil’s potent fatty acids can pose health risks. Food and Drug Administration as a way to relieve temporary constipation, but it isn’t suitable for long-term treatment. Use castor oil in small amounts and be sure to consult with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. Studies show that castor oil’s ricinoleic acid reduces swelling and pain caused by inflammation. Research suggests that, when applied to the skin, castor oil may reduce arthritis symptoms more effectively than prescription topical treatments.
Acid, a type of fatty acid shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Interestingly, cleaning dentures with castor oil may help reduce the risk of developing denture stomatitis because castor oil can help kill bacteria and fungi. Several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation. Stimulative laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation or to clean out the bowel before medical procedures. Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative. It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, medications, and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Petroleum is used to dissolve other substances, usually liquids, in cosmetics and personal care products. This clear, colorless liquid is a comedogenic substance which may irritate the skin by clogging pores and not allowing the skin to breathe.
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. They act as occlusive moisturizers, which prevent or reduce water loss through the outer layer of the skin. Castor oil can benefit overall skin health, but may treat specific skin conditions as well. Though there’s a lack of clinical research, its combination of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects is thought to help treat some causes of acne.
This effect can promote good skin health, relieve dryness, and soothe skin inflammation. One of castor oil’s most traditional uses is to stimulate digestion, relieving temporary constipation. Modern research has found that this effect is due to the oil’s high levels of ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that acts as a natural laxative. Many companies promote the use of castor oil as a diuretic, a laxative, or a safe way to induce labor in pregnant women. All of these uses are only possible through ingesting the castor oil orally and allowing it to actually enter the body’s main systems. However, it is typically recommended to avoid using multiple supplements for the same purpose at a time.
Symptoms
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Some castor oil supplements are cold-pressed and unrefined, while others are a bit more processed. Typically, castor oil supplements are both vegan and gluten-free. However, other research has reported castor oil's ability to cause something called hair felting, in which hair becomes twisted and matted, almost like a bird's nest.
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