Castor is a plant that produces seeds (beans). Castor oil is produced from ripe seeds that have had their outer covering (hull) removed. Castor oil has been used as a medicine for centuries.Castor oil is used for constipation and bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, childbirth, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Nutrition Information
A one-tablespoon serving of castor oil contains:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Vitamin E
- Omega-9 f atty a cids
- Omega-6 f atty a cids
Castor Oil: Things to Remember
Castor Oil: Things to Remember
The safest quantity of castor oil you can consume is one tablespoon.
One should not use castor oil daily. The maximum is once a week. When applied to hair, the maximum is twice or thrice a week.
In terms of oral consumption, it takes 2-6 hours to relieve constipation. In terms of external application, it takes around 2-3 months to affect your skin and hair positively.
Avoid consuming castor oil on an empty stomach.
Possible side effects of excess consumption of castor oil are nausea, dizziness, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and muscle weakness.
It’s also possible to overdose on castor oil if you consume large amounts of it. Symptoms of an overdose on castor oil include shortness of breath, chest pain, and abdominal cramps.
Pregnant women should not orally consume or externally apply castor oil to induce labour.
Due to the lack of research, it’s probably safest for infants, children and breastfeeding women to avoid consuming or applying it.
Avoid castor oil if you already take adrenal corticosteroids, liquorice root, or diuretics. It can lower your potassium to dangerous levels if combined with any of these.
Though castor oil in small quantities is generally safe for consumption, one should not use it for long-term treatment.
