Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractions With Other MedicationsSimilar Supplements
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions With Other Medications
Similar Supplements
Castor oil is an FDA-approvedlaxative. Claims of castor oil benefits also include that it may be used to aid in childbirth andlabor, relievearthritispain, and moisturize skin. A vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil is also known asRicinus communis. The main active component of castor oil isricinoleicacid, a type of fatty acid shown to possessanti-inflammatoryproperties.
It’s important to note that some people experience mild side effects from using castor oil, such as dizziness and vomiting. Others may experience very severe reactions, like hallucinations, throat tightness, and fainting.
Castor Oil Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Ricinoleic acidAlternate name(s):Ricinus communis, riccinus oilLegal status:Legal in the U.S. and available over-the-counter (OTC)Suggested dose: There are no universal dosage requirements for castor oil.Safety considerations: Side effects, like abdominal cramping,bloating, anddizziness, are possible when using castor oil.
Castor Oil Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Ricinoleic acidAlternate name(s):Ricinus communis, riccinus oilLegal status:Legal in the U.S. and available over-the-counter (OTC)Suggested dose: There are no universal dosage requirements for castor oil.Safety considerations: Side effects, like abdominal cramping,bloating, anddizziness, are possible when using castor oil.
w-ings / Getty Images
Uses of Castor Oil
While castor oil has long been used orally and topically in traditional medicine, research on its potential benefits is limited. Additionally, study results regarding its health effects have been inconsistent.
That said, castor oil continues to be touted as a treatment for a wide variety of conditions, from headaches to menstrual cramps.
Below is a look at what is known about some of castor oil’s most popular uses.
1. Laxative
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved castor oil for only one medical use: to serve as a stimulantlaxative. In fact, castor oil is often used to treatconstipationor prep the bowels for various medical procedures.However, it may not work as well as some other laxatives.
Ricinoleic acid is thought to be responsible for the laxative properties of castor oil. Once digested, castor oil is broken down into ricinoleic acid, stimulating the bowels through a series of reactions, according to 2012 findings.
Research has shown that castor oil is an efficient way to cleanse the bowels for procedures such as a colonoscopy. However, the studies conducted have been small; randomized trials with control groups are necessary to prove that castor oil is effective.
Can Castor Oil Help With Weight Loss?Some people claim that drinking about 1 tablespoon of castor oil regularly can help lower weight and body fat. According to some proponents of the practice, castor oil suppresses your appetite, which naturally leads you to eat less and lose weight. However, no studies have been conducted indicating that castor oil affects body weight or body fat.The laxative properties of castor oil can lead to a small immediate weight loss, but this should not be confused with long-term body fat reduction. Laxatives should not be used for weight loss.
Can Castor Oil Help With Weight Loss?
Some people claim that drinking about 1 tablespoon of castor oil regularly can help lower weight and body fat. According to some proponents of the practice, castor oil suppresses your appetite, which naturally leads you to eat less and lose weight. However, no studies have been conducted indicating that castor oil affects body weight or body fat.The laxative properties of castor oil can lead to a small immediate weight loss, but this should not be confused with long-term body fat reduction. Laxatives should not be used for weight loss.
Some people claim that drinking about 1 tablespoon of castor oil regularly can help lower weight and body fat. According to some proponents of the practice, castor oil suppresses your appetite, which naturally leads you to eat less and lose weight. However, no studies have been conducted indicating that castor oil affects body weight or body fat.
The laxative properties of castor oil can lead to a small immediate weight loss, but this should not be confused with long-term body fat reduction. Laxatives should not be used for weight loss.
2. Hair and Skin Care
Despite numerous claims, there is no strong evidence that castor oil canstimulate hair growth.
Some people also use castor oil for skin care treatment forwrinklesanddry skin. Research published in 2017 suggests that castor oil is considered an occlusive moisturizer, which means it creates a barrier to protect the skin and locks in moisture to prevent dry skin.
However, while other plant oils have been well investigated for potential skin benefits, castor oil has not. This means that any skin benefits of castor oil have yet to be scientifically proven.
3. Labor Induction
It has long been claimed that castor oil caninduce labor. But studies investigating this claim have shown mixed results.
An observational, retrospective study looked at the use of castor oil to induce, or initiate,labor. The study took place over five years and included women between 40 and 41 weeks pregnant, which is full-term. Compared with the control group, the women who used castor oil showed a higher probability of going into labor within 24 hours.
Another study, conducted in 2009, involved 612 women whose pregnancies lasted longer than 40 weeks. Of these women, 205 received castor oil for induction of labor. The study’s authors found that the time to birth was not significantly different between those who took the oil and those who did not.
4. Arthritis
Castor oil was studied in 2009 for potential use in relieving symptoms associated withosteoarthritis of the knee.
In the study, men and women over 40 with knee osteoarthritis took capsules containing castor oil ordiclofenacsodium (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) three times daily for four weeks.
The results indicated that both treatments were effective at relieving pain associated withosteoarthritis. In the diclofenac sodium group, 90% of participants showed significant improvement in pain levels, while 92% of those in the castor oil group showed significant improvement in arthritis-associated pain.
The study authors noted that the findings were significant because no side effects were associated with the use of castor oil. However, in the diclofenac sodium group, about 20% of participants complained of mildgastritis(inflammation of the stomach lining), and 4% of participants complained ofskin rashes.
5. Antibacterial
Research has shown that castor oil contains antibacterial properties that make it appropriate to apply to a wound. The potassium salt in castor oil appears to control infection and promote healing.
In addition to caring for wounds, castor oil can be used to remove bacteria from material. Studies have specifically focused on its effectiveness in removing bacteria from dentures, ensuring better overall health for denture wearers.
6. Remove Toxins
Many people believe castor oil can help remove toxins from the body, but there is no research to support these claims.
7. Eye Health
There is a wide range of beliefs about castor oil for eye health, from claims that it can improve eyesight to those that it may even treat glaucoma. Unfortunately, there’s no evidence to support these beliefs.
Not only is there no research to support that castor oil can improve eye health, but the substance may actually irritate the eyes. It can cause pain, burning, and blurred vision.
8. Treat Cancer
Some people believe that castor oil can shrink tumors and help treat cancer, but research does not support these claims.In fact, castor oil may cause irritation on skin that is already sensitive from treatments like radiation or surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Castor Oil?
It’s important to be aware of potential side effects before starting a new supplement or medication. Like most supplements, side effects are possible when using castor oil. These side effects may be mild or severe.
Common Side Effects
Mild side effects have been reported with the use of castor oil. Typically, these and other side effects will subside once castor oil use stops.
Common side effects of castor oil may include:
In addition to some evidence showing that castor oil may cause a skin rash, there is research showing it may be unsafe to use on your hair and scalp.
Severe Side Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), swallowing too much castor oil can be harmful. It is possible to overdose on castor oil, which could cause severe consequences.
Signs of castor oil overdose, which warrants immediate medical attention, include:
Some of these are similar to the common side effects associated with castor oil, so it is important to take it exactly as directed. Talk with your healthcare provider about the right dose of castor oil for you.
Castor oil may not be right for everyone, and there are a few precautions to take when using it.
It is recommended that people who are pregnant avoid using castor oil, as it could cause premature contractions.
There is not enough research to know if castor oil is safe for breastfeeding people. Because of this, you should consult your healthcare provider before using castor oil. Also, parents should consult their pediatrician before giving castor oil to children.
It’s possible to be allergic to the castor plant, ascontactdermatitishas been reported in rare cases after using topical castor oil. Therefore, anyone allergic to castor oil should avoid using it.
Ricin, a substance in castor beans, is a potent toxin derived from part of the waste mash produced when beans from the castor plant are processed to make castor oil. It is contained in the hull of the bean, which is discarded in the oil manufacturing process. This means it does not make its way into the end product.
Ricin made news when letters containing the toxin were sent to members of Congress and the White House in 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional exposure to ricin is highly unlikely, except through the ingestion of castor beans.However, if you suspect exposure to ricin, the agency recommends that you seek medical help immediately.
Dosage: How Much Castor Oil Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Castor oil may be used orally or topically in varying amounts. Due to a lack of research, there are no official recommendations for the dosage of castor oil.
In adult males, an appropriate castor oil dose is 15 to 60 milliliters (mL) a day when used as a laxative.However, this range may not be suitable for everyone. You should follow dosage recommendations from your healthcare provider or as listed on the supplement label.
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.
However, even if supplements are independently tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Castor Oil?
It is possible to take too much castor oil, which may cause various side effects.
Generally, castor oil is thought to be safe and non-toxic when used in appropriate amounts. But it is possible to overdose on it.
The castor oil plant,Ricinus communis, contains ricin, which is a known toxin. Fortunately, the ricin is removed from the castor bean in making castor oil. However, large amounts of castor oil are thought to be poisonous.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you think you have overdosed on castor oil. Signs of a castor oil overdose include but are not limited to:
Because it is possible to overdose on castor oil, you should talk with your healthcare provider to determine the proper dosage and instructions for use.
Oftentimes, supplements may interact with various medications or other supplements. In the case of castor oil, drug or supplement interactions are not well-documented.
Aside from the lack of evidence, interactions with castor oil may still exist. You should discuss any potential interactions between castor oil and the medications or supplements you’re taking with your healthcare provider.
It is vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review new supplement labels with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Are There Similar Supplements?
Various supplements may work similarly to castor oil. However, it is typically recommended to avoid using multiple supplements for the same purpose at a time. Talk with your healthcare provider about which supplements are best for you.
Similar supplements to castor oil include:
No supplement should replace standard medical care. Always seek medical guidance from a healthcare provider to discuss the right supplement choice.
Summary
Castor oil supplements can cause side effects, including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, rash, and even hallucinations, in some cases. You should be aware of any precautions or interactions associated with castor oil, and talk with your healthcare provider before using it.
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Nitbani FO, Tjitda PJP, Wogo HE, et al.Preparation of ricinoleic acid from castor oil:a review.J Oleo Sci. 2022;71(6):781-793. doi:10.5650/jos.ess21226
Alookaran J, Tripp J.Castor oil. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
DailyMed.Label: castor oil liquid.
Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
Levinson JA, Sarda V, Sonneville K, Calzo JP, Ambwani S, Austin SB.Diet Pill and Laxative Use for Weight Control and Subsequent Incident Eating Disorder in US Young Women: 2001-2016.Am J Public Health. 2020;110(1):109-111. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2019.305390
Phong C, Lee V, Yale K, Sung C, Mesinkovska N.Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review.J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):751-757. doi:10.36849/JDD.6972
Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, et al.The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
Neri I, Dante G, Pignatti L, et al.Castor oil for induction of labour: a retrospective study.J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;31(16):2105-2108. doi:10.1080/14767058.2017.1336223
Boel ME, Lee SJ, Rijken MJ, et al.Castor oil for induction of labour: not harmful, not helpful.Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2009;49(5):499-503. doi:10.1111/j.1479-828X.2009.01055.x
Medhi B, Kishore K, Singh U, et al.Comparative clinical trial of castor oil and diclofenac sodium in patients with osteoarthritis.Phytother Res. 2009;23(10):1469-73. doi:10.1002/ptr.2804
Fitranda MI, Sutrisno, Marfu’ah S.Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Castor Oil and Its Derivatives.IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng.2020; 833 012009. doi:10.1088/1757-899X/833/1/012009
Salles MM, Oliveira Vde C, Souza RF, Silva CH, Paranhos Hde F.Antimicrobial action of sodium hypochlorite and castor oil solutions for denture cleaning - in vitro evaluation.Braz Oral Res. 2015;29:1-6. doi:10.1590/1807-3107BOR-2015.vol29.0104
Cleveland Clinic.No, Castor Oil Won’t Solve All (or Any) of Your Health Problems.
MD Anderson Cancer Center.What to Know About Castor Oil Health Claims.
Ghazikhanlou Sani K, Jafari MR, Shams S.A comparison of the efficacy, adverse effects, and patient compliance of the sena-graph®syrup and castor oil regimens for bowel preparation.Iran J Pharm Res. 2010;9(2):193-198.
Maduri VR, Vedachalam A, Kiruthika S.Castor oil-the culprit of acute hair felting.Int J Trichology. 2017;9(3):116-118. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_22_17
MedlinePlus.Castor oil overdose.
Verheyden M, Rombouts S, Lambert J, et al.Contact allergy to castor oil, but not to castor wax.Cosmetics. 2017;4(1):5. doi:10.3390/cosmetics4010005
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts about ricin.
Dugoua JJ, Seely D, Perri D, et alSafety and efficacy of black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa) during pregnancy and lactation.Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;13(3):e257-e261.
Mori H, Tack J, Suzuki H.Magnesium oxide in constipation.Nutrients. 2021;13(2):421. doi:10.3390/nu13020421
Russell M.Assessing the relationship between vitamin D3 and stratum corneum hydration for the treatment of xerotic skin.Nutrients. 2012;4(9):1213-1218. doi:10.3390/nu4091213
Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, et al.Effectiveness of boswellia and boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020;20(1):225. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6
Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Kasi Viswanath LC, Maples R, Subong BJ.Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production.Lipid Insights. 2016;9:1–12. Sep 2016. doi:10.4137/LPI.S40233Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S.Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation.Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. doi:10.1080/09629350020025737
Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Kasi Viswanath LC, Maples R, Subong BJ.Castor oil: properties, uses, and optimization of processing parameters in commercial production.Lipid Insights. 2016;9:1–12. Sep 2016. doi:10.4137/LPI.S40233
Vieira C, Evangelista S, Cirillo R, Lippi A, Maggi CA, Manzini S.Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation.Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8. doi:10.1080/09629350020025737
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
