If you are struggling with constipation and want a natural solution, castor oil is a centuries-old remedy. Being rich in ricinoleic acid, it stimulates bowel movements, reduces inflammation, and promotes digestive wellness. We reached out to our experts to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using castor oil as a remedy for constipation. Read on to learn more.
“Castor oil is produced from the beans of castor plants. A vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil is also known as ‘Ricinus communis’ Castor oil is a versatile product with many applications,” shared Shuchita Sharma, dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Indore. She also shared some advantages and disadvantages of using it.
Sharma said, “Castor oil is well-known for its use as a natural laxative and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. It works quickly by stimulating muscle movement in the intestines, making it effective for temporary constipation relief or bowel cleansing before medical procedures.”
Shuchita shared, “Castor oil supplements can cause side effects including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, rashes, and even hallucinations, in some cases, however, not very fast, these effects only surface after frequent use in some cases.”
Dr Ridhima Khamesra, a renowned Clinical Dietician, said, “Constipation affects nearly 22% of the adult population of India and this is actually a little on the higher side as compared to the rest of the world. Constipation is when you have difficulty in evacuation or you poop less than three times a week which in turn leads to discomfort, bloating and flatulence. There have been so many ‘Dadi Maa Ke Nuskhe’ to help with constipation, one of them is consuming castor oil which is a stimulant laxative. It is an age-old remedy with good results.”
“Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is a stimulant laxative. When consumed, this acid binds to receptors in the intestine, triggering bowel movement by stimulating peristalsis in the intestines. This pushes the poop through the colon, leading to evacuation,” she added.
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Dr Khamesra continued, “Castor oil has another property. It draws water into the intestines, which softens the stool, making it easier to pass. This makes it a good remedy for people suffering from haemorrhoids or those who have to exert undue pressure due to hard stools.”
“For adults, the typical dose ranges between 15 to 60 millilitres (1 to 4 tablespoons) depending on the severity of constipation. Also, Castor oil has a strong taste and thick density which is why it is often easier to mix it with milk or some juice to make it ingestible. Consuming it on an empty stomach gives better results though. It has a short reaction time of 2-3 hours hence it is best to consume it early morning,” mentioned Dr Ridhima.
“It is rampant to note that castor oil should be used sparingly, as overuse can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. I always recommend consulting a health practitioner and deciding the dosage and duration,” she concluded.
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