Castor oil is a powerful laxative in its primary use. However, new applications have been discovered and continue to be studied. Still, it must be used with care and at the appropriate doses since its frequent use or without taking the proper precautions can cause severe dehydration. It can be used by adults and young people over 12 years, although older adults should abstain.
Do you want to know what it is, the doses, the contraindications, and how to use castor oil as a laxative? So, you have to keep reading this article.
Table of Contents
What is castor oil?
The castor oil is obtained by gripping or impregnation essence oil derived from castor beans. The scientific name of this plant is Ricinus communis L., a medicinal plant also known as Castor. From it, this oil with a viscous and transparent-yellowish appearance is obtained.
Its use is ubiquitous, not only because it has been known since ancient times, hundreds of years have passed, and its use does not decline, but more and more applications are found for different diseases. It is not only used in natural or alternative medicine but is being applied in current medicine.
The substances it contains are amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, phytosterol, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. All of these have proven to be effective in treating different pathologies. Still, the plant also contains a part of toxins such as pricing, it must be eliminated during the preparation of the oil to avoid the harmful effect on health, so it must significantly pay attention to the origin of the oil and try to confirm that these substances are not present, as they are pretty harmful. In any case, the commercial brands that you will easily find usually ensure that the product is not detrimental to health, or they should …
How to use castor oil as a laxative and dosage
The primary and oldest use it as a purgative. Castor oil is a reasonably strong laxative often used to complement antiparasitic treatments. For these cases, the chosen antiparasitic should be taken first (natural or pharmacological), and after 1 hour, one tablespoon of castor oil should be taken. This is repeated for three days. In adolescents between 12 and 15 years, the dose will be one teaspoon. Some suggest drinking a single 25 ml dose directly.
It is preferable to drink castor oil in the morning. Until noon since the evacuation usually happens between 2 to 6 hours after ingesting it, it is advisable to avoid it in the afternoon or at night.
It can be ingested with or without drinks, although it is recommended not to add more than water or some fruit juice at the same time.
Apart from being a laxative, more uses of castor oil have been discovered since its components have been shown to have different properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insecticide, and repellent, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, among others. Therefore, its use has been implemented in pathologies such as:
- Pain management: menstrual, postpartum, muscular.
- Arthritis.
- Low back pain
- Abdominal disorders, constipation, parasitosis.
- Cystitis.
- Insomnia.
- Contraceptive.
The particular use in each case is being investigated since being a purgative with intense effects. It cannot be used chronically.
Among other uses, it can also be used to prepare a medication to treat warts and calluses, mix it with garlic and apply it to the affected area.
Contraindications of castor oil as a laxative
As it is a substance that has powerful intestinal effects, it should not be used in the following cases :
- Pregnancy.
- Children under 12 years old.
- Elderly.
- Hypersensitivity
- Colon diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s).
- Intestinal obstruction.
- After abdominal or gynecological surgery.
- Dehydration
Although its use is widespread in the postpartum and breastfeeding period in some parts of the world, it should not be exposed to such young children since it can have a very toxic effect. Its use is discouraged, except under medical supervision.
Side effects of castor oil as a laxative
Being a purgative solid can lead to dehydration and alteration of electrolytes due to the loss of water.
It should not be used frequently. It should only be used in a single dose, or as indicated, for three days accompanying an antiparasitic treatment.
If you must use laxatives frequently, it is convenient that you try to improve constipation and your habits, naturally reducing colon inflammation.
If in doubt, it is advisable to consult your trusted doctor before using castor oil or any other medication.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.