Castor Oil For Constipation
Did you ever suffer from constipation? If yes, what did you do to get rid of it? If castor oil is what you had used to get rid of constipation, then you are a genius! Guess why? Because nothing else cures constipation as effectively as castor oil.
Castor Oil Laxative
Castor oil is extracted from the fruit of the Ricinus communis plant. Although the seeds of the plant have a highly toxic element called ricin, the distilled oil does not have any traces of it and is declared by the FDA to be safe and effective to use.
Various studies have been conducted in this field to ascertain the effectiveness of castor oil. In one such study, a group of patients suffering from constipation were studied closely for seven days at a stretch. Some of these patients were suffering from extreme symptoms from a decade.
It was seen that the consumption of castor oil brought immediate relief to everyone in the group. Within 4 to 6 hours of consumption, patients started feeling bowel movement, much to their surprise.
Is Castor Oil Good For Constipation?
Castor oil is one of the most effective oils when it comes to treating common ailments. And here’s why:
Benefits Of Castor Oil For Constipation
- It is found that 80% of castor oil is ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is a fatty acid that binds to the receptors located inside the muscle of the intestine.
- Once attached, the acid triggers powerful contractions that in turn gear up the bowel movement.
- These attached acids also stimulate the movement of the intestine that pushes the stool out of the body.
- In this process, the need to strain is reduced considerably giving way to the pleasant feeling of complete evacuation after excreting.
How To Take Castor Oil For Constipation?
Castor oil is a must have item in your household if you or someone in your family often suffers from constipation. The oil can be used for relief in two different ways:
1. External Application:
This is one of the most effective ways to relieve a small child from an excruciating stomach pain. You can simply massage the oil on the stomach of the suffering child or soak a piece of cloth in the oil and apply to the affected area.
2. Internal Consumption:
In severe cases where external application is of no use, the oil can be consumed for relief. Since the oil has a mild unpleasant taste, it is advised to consume the oil along with some sweetener like carrot or orange juice.
How Long Will You Have to Use Castor Oil for Constipation?
Castor Oil For Constipation Dosage:
The dosage of castor oil for constipation should be strictly as per your doctor’s instructions. If the oil is bought from a retailer, you should follow the below-mentioned golden rules:
- 1 tsp. or 4.92 millilitres for an adult
- ½ tsp or 2.46 millilitres for a child
Usage:
The oil is usually suggested to be consumed for 3 to 7 days. Depending upon the amount of relief, consumption of the oil should be gradually reduced.
Timing:
Best time to consume the oil is in the morning, before having breakfast. Drinking the oil with some juice on an empty stomach is highly recommended for best results. Don’t take the oil at bedtime in the night as its effects start showing immediately after just 3 to 5 hours.
Who Can Use Castor Oil for Constipation?
Because castor oil can cause the uterus to contract, it’s not recommended during pregnancy. It’s also not advised for regular use in children under age 12. If you’d like to give castor oil to your child, ask their pediatrician first. In adults over 60, castor oil may make bowel problems worse if it’s used over a long period. It can also lower the amount of potassium in your body.
You may need to avoid castor oil if you take certain medicines, including:
- Diuretics, Which can also lower the amount of potassium in your body
- Antibiotics, Including tetracycline
- Bone Medicines
- Blood Thinners
- Heart Medicines
In addition to having what many consider to be an unpleasant taste, castor oil has a few side effects. Like other stimulant laxatives, it can cause cramping and diarrhea. It can also reduce the absorption of nutrients in your intestines.
Side Effects Of Castor Oil:
Regular usage of castor oil is never advisable. If you tend to feel constipated even after consuming castor oil every day, it tells that you are not attacking the exact cause of the problem and only dealing with the oil’s side effects.
Chronic use of castor oil may lead to fluid and electrolytic imbalance.
There is no doubt castor oil eases constipation. But like every other ingredient, even it has certain side effects. So use it in moderation.