--- title: "Castor Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "A strong, fast-acting laxative with well-known efficacy for short-term constipation. Do not use it on your own to start labour." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/castor-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) # Castor Oil Ricinus communis A Strong clinical evidence A strong, fast-acting laxative with well-known efficacy for short-term constipation. Do not use it on your own to start labour. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Castor oil is pressed from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). Ricinoleic acid released in the gut strongly stimulates bowel movement, acting within 2–6 hours. The seed itself contains deadly ricin, but processed oil contains none. Its popular use for hair and eyebrows rests on tradition, not evidence. **Parts used:** seeds **Key constituents:** Ricinoleic Acid (~90%) Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - A Strong clinical evidence An effective stimulant laxative for short-term constipation. \[1\] - T Traditional use Traditionally used for hair, eyebrow and eyelash care; faster growth has not been shown. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Oral oil Adults: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) on an empty stomach; it acts within 2–6 hours. **Amount:** Single dose **Duration limit:** 1–3 days \[1\] ### Topical Apply a few drops to hair ends or eyebrows. **Amount:** Once daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 12 years Duration limit: 3 days - Do not use in pregnancy: it can trigger uterine contractions. Labour induction is only considered under medical supervision. - Do not use with bowel obstruction, suspected appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease or unexplained abdominal pain. - Do not use long term: it causes water and potassium loss. - Never eat castor seeds: they contain ricin and are poisonous. \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Cardiac glycosides, diuretics | Potassium loss increases interaction risk. [2] | Moderate | | All oral medicines | Rapid gut transit may reduce absorption. [2] | Minor | ### Side effects - Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhoea - Loss of fluid and electrolytes - Rarely allergic skin reaction #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? Castor seeds contain ricin, one of the most potent plant toxins, but it does not pass into cold-pressed oil. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Does castor oil grow eyelashes? There is no scientific evidence; it only moisturises. Does drinking castor oil start labour? Some studies linked it to labour onset, but it causes nausea and diarrhoea; never use it without medical supervision. How fast does castor oil work? Usually within 2–6 hours; do not take it at bedtime. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009 ### Cite This Page Castor Oil (Ricinus communis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/castor-oil/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Chamomile](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/) T Traditional use Matricaria recutita A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation. 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[Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) +1 [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [Sweet Almond Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sweet-almond-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Prunus dulcis Cold-pressed oil from sweet almonds. An effective emollient for dry, itchy skin; its effect on preventing stretch marks is inconsistent. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [St. John's Wort Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort-oil/) T Traditional use Hypericum perforatum St John's wort oil (an oil macerate) is applied to the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and to help heal small wounds. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [Argan Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/argan-oil/) C Laboratory / animal evidence Argania spinosa An oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Used to moisturise skin and hair. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.