Castor oil
Brand Names
Castor, Palma christi, Tangantangan oil plant, African coffee tree, Mexico weed, Wonder tree, Bofareira, Ogiri-igboWhat is Castor oil
Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean (castor plant) and seen as a yellowish liquid with mild or no odor and taste. Castor oil is used in stimulant laxatives and as a lubricant. The major components of this triglyceride are ricinoleic acid - 90 %; oleic and linoleic acids. Not like other vegetable oils with determinate applications, it plays an important role in medicine. Castor oil has a multi-purpose potential. It is often used for treating skin disorders. Many modern drugs include castor oil as a unique ingridient.
Side effects of Castor oil
The most common side effects are the followings:
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- hallucinations (rare)
- fainting
- nausea
- shortness of breath and chest pain
- skin rash
- throat tightness
Indication
Mainly Castor oil is aimed to be used as a laxative and for the induction of labor. But Castor oil is sometimes used for simple constipation, because it leads to strong purgation. Castor oil has a wide usage. It is used in cosmetic industry. Castor oil is benefitial for the body, starting off with its ability to promote elimination of the bowels, treating unwanted constipation. Castor oil helps to improve the condition of skin and hair.
Precautions
Castor oil should not be used:
- by pregnant woman, as it can cause contractions
- if you are hypersensitive to the castor bean
- if you have intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, vomiting, fecal impaction, or any signs of appendicitis or an inflamed bowel
Dosage forms
Castor oil dose may be different. It may vary from 5 ml as a purgative to 120 ml for the induction of labor. You should not overdose with the oil when intaiking it, because it may lead to poisining. The recommended dose of Castor oil depends on the medical condition and should be discussed with the doctor.
