What are the side effects of drinking castor oil?

Castor oil is not an edible oil and is generally used in medical and other industrial applications. Occasional consumption of castor oil can be used to treat constipation, but it should not be used frequently to prevent dependence or black bowel disease. Castor oil can be used externally and is beneficial for treating arthritis and skin infections. Castor oil is a strong hair growth promoter and can also reduce dandruff. Castor oil should not be used by pregnant women or those who have just given birth.

Functions of castor oil

Treats dry and hard stool, sores, scabies, and burns.

① "Tang Materia Medica": It is used to treat wind-deficiency, cold and heat, itching and swelling of the body.

② "Benbi Mengquan": applied to scabies, leprosy and sores.

③ Chen Nianzu: can cause mild diarrhea.

Benefits of Castor Oil:

1. Castor Oil and Constipation

Castor oil extracted from castor beans contains ricinoleic acid. This is the most important fatty acid in castor oil, and it binds to smooth muscle cell receptors in the intestinal wall. This helps the muscles contract, further helping to push out the stool. Castor oil is said to have a similar effect on the uterus and is used to induce labor.

2. Castor Oil and Arthritis

Castor oil is also a natural remedy for the pain and swollen joints caused by arthritis. Castor oil's anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal massage oil. You can apply castor oil to the area affected by the pain and then use a hot water bottle. This will improve drainage and absorption. Try this method for two weeks to get effective results.

3. Castor Oil and Skin Infections, Wounds

The condition of your skin depends on your gut health, hormonal balance and a proper immune system. Skin care products on the market contain many harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Castor oil is an effective, more natural alternative to these products. It can be easily absorbed by the skin, leaving the skin clearer and fresher. Treating irritated skin, sunburn, and acne are other features in the list of positive effects of castor oil on the skin. It acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin and increases the production of elastin and collagen. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil makes it one of the most effective home remedies for fighting acne.

4. Castor Oil and Hair

Castor Oil helps in growing faster, thicker, shinier, dandruff-free and stronger hair. The omega-6 fatty acid content in castor oil results in shinier hair, getting to the root of the problem and improving circulation in the hair follicles. You can massage slightly warm castor oil into your scalp. You can also create a hair mask by massaging the oil into the roots of your hair, covering your head with it, and leaving it on overnight before taking a head bath. The antifungal and antibacterial properties in castor oil can reduce dandruff and scalp infections.

Side Effects of Castor Oil

Castor oil used as an induction meal may cause strong side effects. Taking castor oil and its products before delivery may cause strong uterine contractions during delivery, which may cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, and the mother's life may be in danger.

Suggestions: The Chinese Pharmacopoeia in 2005 has stipulated that castor oil is a drug that should not be taken by postpartum women. Contraindications: It is contraindicated for use during menstruation, pregnancy and patients with abdominal inflammation.

Castor oil may cause allergies. It is recommended that you use it with caution if you have an allergic system.

However, it cannot be used during menstruation or pregnancy; it cannot be used in cases of abdominal inflammation.

Drinking castor oil once in a while will not have any major side effects. However, if castor oil is taken for a long time, it can lead to intestinal dysfunction and black bowel disease.