What Are The Health Benefits Of Castor Oil: Tips On How To Use It

Castor oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis and is a natural aid and healing agent with various properties.

However, before using it, it would be good to deepen your knowledge of the indications and contraindications for this oil. This is important because of the importance they have for our health.

It is true that mostly natural products do not usually cause side effects. However, in some cases it is necessary to check whether we are in a state where their use is not recommended at all.

Castor oil

To learn about all indications and contraindications to the use of castor oil, please read its information leaflet carefully.

It is approved in Poland, as well as by the drug itself, by the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products. This leaflet also contains other information, such as the composition of the oil and the available pharmaceutical forms.

Indications

Most people who use this oil do so for a specific purpose: to facilitate the emptying of the intestines. It is a natural way to eliminate constipation, both occasional and frequent. However, in order to use it correctly, the following recommendations should be considered:

• Castor oil is always administered on an empty stomach and on an empty stomach, in a single dose of 25 ml.
• It can be mixed with milk, juice or carbonated drinks.
• Its effects begin to be noticed 2 to 6 hours after taking it.

An important fact about this oil is that it should always be taken with breakfast, never in the afternoon or evening.

At times we may be away from home and we fear that the urge to expel will arise at an inappropriate time. In that case, it is better to use castor oil at a different, more appropriate time.

Contraindications

Despite the benefits of castor oil in fighting constipation, there are some contraindications that need to be considered. Therefore, this natural remedy should never be abused. Let’s see some of these contraindications:

• In children. Due to the hypersensitivity to this type of oil in children under 12 years of age, its use in their case is not recommended.
• In pregnant women. As the article “Evaluation of new products” points out, this oil should not be used by pregnant women. Taking it may cause contractions and premature birth.
• For women who are breastfeeding. As indicated above, young children cannot consume castor oil. Therefore, mothers should not take it while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk.

• People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Due to the delicate nature of this disease, castor oil is not recommended, even in constipation.
• In people with intestinal obstruction. Castor oil may not be effective in these cases, but it can cause severe abdominal pain due to inability to evacuate.

Castor oil should also not be used if we suffer from hemorrhoids, colitis or other gastrointestinal problems.

The reason is not only the pain that we can cause by consuming the oil. If diarrhea occurs, it can also dehydrate the body.

In addition, it is not recommended for use if you are taking medications for cardiac arrhythmias or diuretics, or if you suffer from heart disease.

Tips on how to use castor oil

If we take all of the above aspects into account, castor oil can be a great aid in treating constipation. However, when in doubt, it is always better to consult our trusted doctor or pharmacist.

Despite the fact that this oil facilitates defecation, it is not recommended to use it too often and regularly. Therefore, it is best to prevent constipation by following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Let’s also not forget to include exercise in our daily routine.

Have you ever used castor oil to relieve constipation? What were your experiences? We hope that the indications and contraindications described by us have helped you learn more about the correct way to use it.

We also recommend that you never exceed the recommended dosage. Symptoms such as diarrhea, acute colic or excessive loss of electrolytes may occur in the event of an overdose. Therefore, castor oil should always be used with caution.