Is Castor Oil a Safe Constipation Remedy?

Castor Oil has been used as a constipation remedy for thousands of years. A potent stimulant laxative, castor oil (or at least the castor seed) was known to be used by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Aztecs in varying forms. The oil is derived from the seed of a plant called Ricinus communi whose seeds resemble little beans. It has been popular through the ages because the oil is a very potent laxative treatment. Constipation can be alleviated quickly with castor oil, but are there risks associated with this potent natural oil?

How does Castor Oil work as a constipation remedy?

Castor oil is broken down in the body into a substance called ricinoleic acid. This acid induces secretions of water and electrolytes in both the small and large intestines. The increase in water causes the intestines to contract and induces rapid bowel movements. But castor oil is often not a recommended constipation laxative in regards to comfort because these rapid bowel movements are frequently accompanied by excessive cramping, diarrhea, and occasionally vomiting.

Is Castor Oil safe for occasional or chronic constipation?

In regards to safety, it is probably best to avoid the use of castor oil as a constipation remedy because safer alternatives exist. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil decreases absorption of glucose and key amino acids in the intestines while also increasing intestinal secretions of water and electrolytes into the intestine – causing the laxative effect. Forcing these intestinal secretions causes damage to the mucus of the intestines – damage that has been show by both light and electron microscopes. In addition to this mucosal damage, ricinoleic acid produces structural changes to the epithelial (surface) cells of the intestines (likely the reason for the decreased absorption of amino acids and glucose mentioned earlier).

From a practical standpoint, the castor seed itself is extremely poisonous due to its high “ricin” content. Just a couple of the beans can kill a full grown adult. While the amount of ricin in Castor Oil is miniscule, it begs the question of why one would want to risk having such a strong poison (even in trace amounts) in their constipation remedy.

Alternative natural laxatives

When searching for a laxative (natural or not), it is important to look at the long-term consequences of using the product. For those with chronic constipation, a constipation remedy is needed that will be safe for long-term use and addresses the underlying cause of constipation. Products containing beneficial prebiotics and probiotics can help balance the intestinal tract over the long-term and should be favored over stimulant laxatives. Similarly, products containing the essential vitamins and minerals that body is often deficient in (and needs for long-term colon health) should also be favored over a more dangerous stimulant laxative like castor oil.