WHAT ARE BENEFITS OF CASTOR OIL AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Possible Side Effects

Swallowing too much castor oil can be harmful, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Castor oil might cause fluid and potassium loss from the body when used for more than a week or in doses of more than 15 to 60 milliliters per day.8 (To put these numbers in perspective, 15 milliliters equals about 3 teaspoons.)

Signs of castor oil "overdose," which warrants immediate medical attention, include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath and chest pain
• Throat tightness

Some people develop a rash when using castor oil on the skin. In addition, there is limited evidence that using castor oil on hair may be unsafe.

One study discovered a rare hair condition called "acute hair felting," where the hair becomes hard, twisted, and entangled. These symptoms occurred following the use of castor oil for the first time by healthy individuals.9

Women who are pregnant should consult their healthcare provider before consuming castor oil. Parents of children should consult their pediatrician before giving castor oil to their child.9

Dosage and Preparation

There are no official recommendations for the proper dosage of castor oil. Some over-the-counter brands recommend taking 15 milliliters a day if you're using it as a laxative. But this dosage may be too strong for an adult, not to mention a child.

Since the side effects are capable of sidelining you, it makes sense to check with your healthcare provider for advice before taking even a small dose of castor oil. And there is always the chance that the oil could interact with other medications you're taking.

What to Look For

Castor oil can be found in drugstores, natural foods stores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements. And like most products, castor oil can be purchased online.

Choosing the best castor oil is important. Experts recommend that you look for a reputable brand and, if possible, buy from a familiar vendor such as your local pharmacy.

To get a product that is pure, try to choose an organic castor oil. And read the label carefully. Added ingredients—such as fragrance or less expensive oils—may cause skin irritation.

Some people prefer cold-pressed castor oil because the oil's natural properties remain intact. Unrefined castor oil is also available for those who prefer even less processing.

Store castor oil in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight. If it starts to smell foul, it has gone bad and should be thrown away.

The Ricin Factor

Ricin is a potent toxin derived from part of the waste mash produced when beans from the castor plant are processed to make castor oil. Ricin 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.10 However, if you suspect exposure to ricin, the agency recommends that you seek medical help immediately.

Summary

Many people associate castor oil with being a cure for constipation, but it has other potential uses, such as inducing labor, relieving arthritis pain, and improving skin. Most of its claimed benefits aren't supported by much evidence, however.

Castor oil supplements can cause side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and even fainting and hallucinations. Topical use can trigger a rash. Don't use it if you are pregnant or give it to a child without consulting a healthcare provider first.