Castor Oil: Uses, Benefits, Precautions & More!

Introduction

Castor oil, derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, is a vegetable oil that is used in different preparations due to its medicinal properties. It is pale yellow in colour. The contents of castor oil include palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, ricinoleic acid, and linolenic acid. Major castor oil-producing countries are Brazil, India, and China. India accounts for approximately 90% of the global castor oil export. Castor oil is considered important in the global chemical industry¹. 

Properties of Castor Oil

Castor oil contains different beneficial properties like:    

• It may have anti-inflammatory properties  
• It may show purgative (laxative) activity  
• It may show expectorant properties  
• It may have hepatoprotective (liver-protective)  properties
• It may show anti-cancer  activity
• It may have antioxidant properties  

Potential Uses of Castor Oil

1. Potential Uses of Castor Oil for Treating Constipation

Castor oil functions as a laxative. It might help to relieve constipation. It can also be helpful to empty and prepare the bowel for surgery². However this effect of castor oil needs further research to validate and provide scientific evidence to the claim.

2. Potential Uses of Castor Oil for Hair

Castor oil contains omega-6 fatty acids that can have some effect on hair loss. These benefits are not proven thus, you must consult an ayurvedic physician for help regarding the use of castor oil for hair loss³.

3. Potential Uses of Castor Oil for Joint Pain

According to animal studies⁴, applying castor oil to the skin might help in reducing pain and inflammation due to its ricinoleic acid content. The studies related to castor oil for benefits in humans are insufficient. Before using castor oil for these properties for diabetic conditions, make sure you consult your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid using castor oil or any other herb as medicine without consulting your physician.

Though various studies show the potential uses of castor oil in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of castor oil on human health.

Based on my observations and many studies I came across, castor oil possesses antibacterial and wound healing properties. Due to the presence of these properties, castor oil might be useful in preparing dressings for wound healing⁷.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Castor Oil?

• Castor oil is taken orally.
• Follow the medicine label’s instructions.
• A marked spoon can be used to measure each dose.
• It is essential to take medicines at regular doses and not more frequently than directed.
• Consult a pediatrician regarding the use of castor oil in children.
• You must contact an emergency room or poison control center if you feel you’ve taken an excess of castor oil.

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Based on my past experiences, castor oil has many medicinal properties. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil might be useful for reducing eye infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and liver diseases. Additionally, castor oil might be effective as a disinfectant, germicidal agent, antifungal agent, etc⁸.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Castor Oil

• You should report allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue to a doctor as soon as possible⁵. 
• Side effects that generally do not require medical attention are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. However, you must report to your health care professional if these side effects are bothersome or continue⁵. 

Moreover, every herb may react differently in every individual. Therefore, if you experience any of such side effects, seek immediate medical help from your doctor who has prescribed it to you. They will be the best guide for providing proper treatment to overcome side effects.  

Also Read: Camphor – Uses, Benefits, Precautions & Side Effects

Precautions to Take with Castor Oil

Castor oil is unsafe to use in the following medical conditions: 

• Pregnancy: Castor oil, in some cases, is used for the induction of labour. However, it should be avoided in all stages of pregnancy as it can result in premature contractions. 
• Abdominal Pathologies: Stimulant laxatives like castor oil should not be used when having problems related to the abdomen like gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis.
• Electrolyte & Acid-base Imbalances: Regular monitoring must be done in case of electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances. Imbalances might develop due to the elimination of water, electrolytes, and bicarbonates, and this may worsen with diarrhea. The patient might present with confusion, sleepiness, weakness, and vomiting. These problems must be addressed as soon as possible as they can be potentially lethal. The doctor should also keep an eye on the patients for signs of laxative abuse.

Also Read: Palash Tree – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Interactions With Other Drugs

It is essential to keep in mind not to use castor oil with laxatives. Taking other laxatives with castor oil can lead to severe dehydration. It is advised to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration⁵.  You must take advice from a qualified doctor before consuming any herb. Please discuss your ongoing medication with your doctor for better advice.

Also Read: Kalmegh – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Fitranda MI, Sutrisno, Marfu’ah S. Physicochemical Properties and Antibacterial Activity of Castor Oil and Its Derivatives. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering [Internet]. 2020 Jun 30 [cited 2022 Feb 14];833(1). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342563806_Physicochemical_Properties_and_Antibacterial_Activity_of_Castor_Oil_and_Its_Derivatives 
2. Alookaran J, Tripp J. Castor Oil. [Updated 2024 May 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/
3. Maduri VR, Vedachalam A, Kiruthika S. “Castor Oil” – The Culprit of Acute Hair Felting. Int J Trichology. 2017 Jul-Sep;9(3):116-118. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_22_17. PMID: 28932063; PMCID: PMC5596646. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5596646/
4. 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. PMID: 11200362; PMCID: PMC1781768. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1781768/
5. Di Berardino L, Della Torre F. Side effects to castor oil. Allergy. 2003 Aug;58(8):826. doi: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00221.x. PMID: 12859571. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12859571/
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 Sep 7;9:1-12. doi: 10.4137/LPI.S40233. PMID: 27656091; PMCID: PMC5015816. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5015816/
7. Yari A, Yeganeh H, Bakhshi H, Gharibi R. Preparation and characterization of novel antibacterial castor oil-based polyurethane membranes for wound dressing application. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. 2014;102(1):84–96. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.34672. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jbm.a.34672
8. Subramaniyan V. Therapeutic importance of caster seed oil. In: Preedy VR, Watson RR, editors. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention. 2nd ed. London (UK): Academic Press; 2020. p. 485–495. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-818553-7.00034-6. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B9780128185537000346

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