Can I Drink Castor Oil? Constipation, Flat Tummy, Periods and Pregnancy

You can drink pharmacy-grade castor oil (often labelled BP) as a short-term laxative for occasional constipation, at the dose on the pack or the dose your pharmacist gives you. It usually works within a few hours. But you should not drink castor oil for a flat tummy, to "clean your stomach", during pregnancy, or to fix period problems. And you should never drink cosmetic castor oil sold for hair and skin, including xHerbs castor oil. Here is what castor oil does when you swallow it, the risks, and safer options.

Important: xHerbs Castor Oil is sold for external use on hair, skin, massage and packs. Don't drink it. If a doctor or pharmacist tells you to take castor oil as a laxative, use a pharmacy product made for that purpose.

What happens when you drink castor oil

In the gut, castor oil's main fatty acid, ricinoleic acid, irritates the bowel and makes it contract strongly, pushing stool through quickly. That is why it works as a stimulant laxative. Expect a bowel movement within a few hours, often with cramps.

Can I drink castor oil for constipation?

For occasional constipation in adults, pharmacy castor oil can work. But it is a strong, crampy laxative, so it is rarely the first choice. Try these first:

• more water and fibre: fruit, vegetables, beans, oats
• daily movement, even a walk
• gentler laxatives your pharmacist recommends

Don't take castor oil, and see a doctor, if you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, which could be appendicitis or a blockage. The same applies if you see blood in your stool, have lost weight without trying, or constipation lasts more than two weeks.

Can I drink castor oil for a flat tummy?

No. Castor oil doesn't burn fat. Any "flatter" look comes from emptying your bowels and losing water, which comes straight back. Using laxatives for weight loss can cause dehydration, dangerously low potassium and dependence on laxatives. For lasting change, see our honest look at black seed oil and weight and focus on diet and activity.

Can I drink castor oil to clean my stomach?

No. Your stomach and bowel don't need "cleaning", and there is no evidence that purging with castor oil removes toxins. Bowel clean-outs before medical tests are done with specific products under medical instructions.

Can I drink castor oil during my period?

There is no benefit. Castor oil won't regulate periods or ease period pain, and the cramps and diarrhoea it causes can make you feel worse. For period pain, see our natural remedies for menstrual pain, and see a doctor if periods are very painful or heavy.

Can I drink castor oil during pregnancy?

No, not on your own. Castor oil can trigger contractions, and it has a long history of being used to bring on labour. Taking it without medical supervision can cause dehydration and distress for you and the baby. Never use it to "start labour" without your doctor or midwife.

Side effects of drinking castor oil

• stomach cramps and diarrhoea
• nausea and vomiting
• dehydration and dizziness
• low potassium and other salt imbalances with repeated use
• dependence on laxatives if used regularly

Never give castor oil to babies or children unless a doctor tells you to. More detail is in castor oil side effects.

Pharmacy castor oil vs cosmetic castor oil

• Pharmacy castor oil (often labelled BP) is made to a standard for internal use as a laxative, with a dose on the pack.
• Cosmetic castor oil, including cold-pressed hair and skin oils like xHerbs, is sold for external use. Use it for hair, edges, skin and castor oil packs.

Using castor oil the safe way

For hair, skin and packs, xHerbs cold-pressed castor oil is in store at Doyen Pharmacy, Golf Estate, Port Harcourt (0815 091 0417), where you can also ask a pharmacist about constipation, and at Elo-Ruks Naturals, Articles Market, Abule Oshun, Lagos. See castor oil packs and castor oil for hair.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drink castor oil?

Pharmacy-grade castor oil can be used short-term for occasional constipation at the dose on the pack. It isn't safe for weight loss, "cleansing", pregnancy, or regular use. Never drink cosmetic castor oil.

How fast does castor oil work for constipation?

Usually within a few hours, often with cramping.

Can castor oil reduce belly fat?

No. It causes water and stool loss, not fat loss, and misuse can be dangerous.

Can I drink the castor oil I use for my hair?

No. Hair and skin castor oils, including xHerbs, are for external use only.

Bottom line: Only pharmacy-grade castor oil should be swallowed, and only short-term for occasional constipation, at the dose on the pack. Never drink it for a flat tummy, "stomach cleaning", periods or in pregnancy, and never drink cosmetic castor oil. Use xHerbs castor oil on hair and skin, from Doyen Pharmacy, Port Harcourt, or Elo-Ruks Naturals, Lagos.