Castor

BotanicalBest in the morning

What is it

Castor (Ricinus communis), called eranda in Ayurveda, is a plant whose seed yields castor oil, an oral and topical agent used for centuries as a laxative and skin/scalp emollient.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Constipation (short-term laxative)

Good Evidence

Castor oil is an established stimulant laxative. It is effective but generally reserved for short-term or occasional use due to side effects.

How it works

Castor oil consists largely of ricinoleic acid triglycerides. After hydrolysis in the small intestine, free ricinoleic acid activates intestinal prostaglandin EP3/EP4 receptors, stimulating smooth muscle contraction and producing a strong laxative effect. Ricin, a toxin in the seeds, is destroyed by proper processing of food/medicinal castor oil. Standard cold-pressed castor oil is essentially ricin-free.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Adult laxative use of castor oil is typically 15-60 mL as a single dose, taken only occasionally and under guidance. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

When used as a laxative, take in the morning; effect typically occurs within 2-6 hours. Not for nightly use.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Castor seed oil (cold-pressed)

Used orally and topically; pharmacopoeial-grade is the standard.

Hydrolyzed in the gut to active ricinoleic acid.

Safety

Effective but powerful laxative. Side effects include cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and electrolyte loss. Not for routine daily use. Raw castor seeds are highly toxic due to ricin.

Who should be cautious

Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterine stimulant), intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, undiagnosed abdominal pain, and in young children except under medical direction.

Interactions

Risk of additive effects with other laxatives and diuretics; can reduce absorption of oral medications taken nearby in time.

Frequently asked questions

Is castor oil safe to take daily?⌄

No. It is a stimulant laxative best reserved for occasional use; chronic daily use is not recommended.

Does castor oil contain ricin?⌄

Properly processed castor oil is essentially ricin-free. Raw seeds are highly toxic and should not be consumed.

References

Castor on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Castor on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Castor (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.