Castor oil is an FDA-approvedlaxative.
The main active component of castor oil isricinoleicacid, a pop in of fatty acid shown to possessanti-inflammatoryproperties.
Others may experience very severe reactions, like hallucinations, throat tightness, and fainting.
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No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Additionally, study results regarding its health effects have been inconsistent.
Below is a look at what is known about some of castor oil’s most popular uses.
Ricinoleic acid is thought to be responsible for the laxative properties of castor oil.
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.
However, no studies have been conducted indicating that castor oil affects body weight or body fat.
Laxatives should not be used for weight loss.
Hair and Skin Care
Despite numerous claims, there is no strong evidence that castor oil canstimulate hair growth.
Some people apply castor oil topically to the scalp and hair as ahair conditionerto treatdandruffor to make hair shiny.
Some people also use castor oil for skin care treatment forwrinklesanddry 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.
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.
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.
Arthritis
Castor oil was studied in 2009 for potential use in relieving symptoms associated withosteoarthritis of the knee.
The results indicated that both treatments were effective at relieving pain associated withosteoarthritis.
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.
However, there is no scientific proof to support the claims of detox.
Unfortunately, there’s no evidence to support these beliefs.
It can cause pain, burning, and blurred vision.
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.
These symptoms occurred following the use of castor oil for the first time by healthy individuals.
It is possible to overdose on castor oil, which could cause severe consequences.
Talk with your healthcare provider about the right dose of castor oil for you.
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.
Therefore, anyone allergic to castor oil should avoid using it.
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.
Dosage: How Much Castor Oil Should I Take?
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.
You should follow dosage recommendations from your healthcare provider or as listed on the supplement label.
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.
Interactions With Other Medications
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.
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
Many people think of castor oil as a treatment for constipation.
Many of these claimed benefits of castor oil are not well-supported by evidence.
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