Castor Oil Laxative: Safe Usage Guide

Castor oil is a natural remedy for constipation. It is a stimulant laxative that increases intestinal movement and helps stool to pass. It is typically taken in the morning or afternoon, on an empty stomach, and can be mixed with juice to mask its bitter taste. It works quickly, often causing a bowel movement within 2 to 6 hours. However, it should not be used for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor, and it is not recommended for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, or children under 12.

Castor oil dosage

The dosage of castor oil depends on age. For adults over 12, the typical dose is 15ml, which is about half an ounce or three teaspoons. However, the dose can range from 15ml to 60ml in a single daily dose. For children between the ages of 2 and 11, the dose is lower, ranging from 5ml to 15ml. Children under 2 years old should only be given 1ml to 5ml, and it is recommended that you consult a doctor before administering castor oil to infants.

Castor oil should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or afternoon, as it can take 2 to 6 hours to stimulate a bowel movement. It is not recommended to take castor oil before bed. If you want the castor oil to work slowly over time, you can take it with a meal.

To mask the bitter taste of castor oil, you can mix it with juice or purchase flavoured castor oil preparations. It is recommended to refrigerate the castor oil for an hour before consumption to improve its taste.

When to take it

Castor oil is a natural laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is a liquid that is drunk on an empty stomach, usually in the morning or afternoon, and it typically causes a bowel movement within 2 to 6 hours. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it before bedtime.

The typical dosage for adults over 12 years is 15 to 60 millilitres (1.0 to 4.1 US tablespoons) in a single daily dose. For children between 2 and 11 years of age, the dosage is between 5 to 15 millilitres (0.18 to 0.53 imp fl oz; 0.17 to 0.51 fl oz) per day. It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

It is important to note that castor oil should not be taken for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. Overuse of castor oil may affect the ability of the bowel muscles to work effectively and can lead to chronic constipation. Additionally, it may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and muscle cramps.

Before taking castor oil, it is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have any allergies or are taking other medications. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with certain health conditions such as intestinal blockage or stomach pain.

How to mask the taste

Castor oil is well known for its unpleasant taste. Here are some ways to mask the taste:

Refrigerate the Castor Oil

Leaving the oil in the refrigerator for at least an hour before taking it can improve the experience. The taste will not change, but it may be easier to tolerate when the oil is cold.

Mix with Juice

Stirring the oil into juice is another way to make castor oil more palatable. Orange juice or citrus soda is especially helpful for masking the unpleasant taste. Pour the oil into the juice and stir until it is mixed. You can also drink the oil very quickly and then follow up with juice.

Flavoured Castor Oil

You may be able to find flavoured varieties of castor oil at a pharmacy.

Drink a Full Glass of Liquid

Like many laxatives, castor oil can dehydrate you. Drinking a full glass of water or juice after taking castor oil will help prevent dehydration.

How long it takes to work

Castor oil is a natural laxative that can be used to treat constipation. It is typically taken during the day as it works quickly, usually within 2 to 6 hours, although it may take up to 12 hours for some people. Due to its delayed effects, it is not recommended to take castor oil before bedtime.

The quick-acting effect of castor oil is attributed to its main fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, which binds to receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the intestinal walls. This binding causes the muscles to contract and push out the stool, similar to other stimulant laxatives.

To use castor oil as a laxative, it is recommended to take it by mouth on an empty stomach, carefully measuring the dose with a special device or cup. The dosage can range from 1 to 4 tablespoons (15 to 60 milliliters) per day for adults, depending on age and medical condition. It can be mixed with juice to improve its strong taste and odor.

While castor oil can be an effective treatment for occasional constipation, it should not be used long-term as it can decrease muscle tone in the intestines and lead to chronic constipation. It is also not recommended for certain groups, such as pregnant women, children under 6 years old, and adults over 60, as it may worsen bowel problems.

Who should avoid it

Castor oil is not suitable for everyone. Here are some groups of people who should avoid using castor oil:

Pregnant Women

Castor oil is not recommended for pregnant women as it can induce labour and cause the uterus to contract. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies castor oil as a medication that might harm a fetus or cause congenital abnormalities if taken during pregnancy.

Children Under 12

Castor oil is not recommended for routine use in children under 12 years of age. Always consult a doctor or pediatrician before giving castor oil to children.

Adults Over 60

In older adults, castor oil can worsen bowel problems if used for a long time. It can also reduce the amount of potassium in the body.

People with Certain Health Conditions

People with specific health conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or abdominal pathologies, should avoid using castor oil. Those experiencing symptoms such as strong, sudden stomach pain, appendicitis symptoms, or a blocked intestine should also refrain from using castor oil.

People Taking Certain Medications

Individuals taking certain medications, including diuretics, antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines), bone drugs, blood thinners, and cardiovascular medicines, may need to avoid castor oil. This is because castor oil may interact with these medications and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Frequently asked questions