Products
Castor oil is available in pharmacies and drugstores as an open product. Specialty retailers can order it from Hänseler, for example.
Extraction
Virgin castor oil is the fatty oil obtained from the seeds of the miracle tree L. of the spurge family by cold pressing. A suitable antioxidant may be added. Refined castor oil is produced by purification from the virgin oil.
Properties
Castor oil exists as a clear, nearly colorless to faint yellow, viscous, hygroscopic liquid. The taste is initially mild, then scratchy, and the odor is faint. Castor oil, unlike other oils, is relatively polar and miscible with acetic acid 99% and ethanol 96%. It should be stored away from light, in tightly closed containers appropriate for consumption and as full as possible. The triglycerides in the oil contain a high percentage of ricinoleic acid.
Effects
Castor oil has laxative properties. The effects are due to stimulation of intestinal motility, secretion of fluid into the intestine, and inhibition of reabsorption of the fluid.
Indications for use
For short-term and symptomatic treatment of constipation. Castor oil is also used, among other things, as a pharmaceutical excipient, as a skin care agent, for cosmetics and as a solvent. Technically, it is in use as a lubricating oil, for example.
Dosage
According to the literature, the usual dose is 1-2 tablespoons. The effect occurs after 2 to 4 hours. Lower doses of 1-2 teaspoons can be expected to have a delayed onset of action.
Contraindications
Castor oil should not be used in hypersensitivity, intestinal obstruction, bile duct obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal pain of unknown cause, children under 12 years of age, and not during pregnancy or lactation. Administration during pregnancy may result in induction of labor. We do not have a complete list of precautions.
Interactions
The possible loss of potassium may potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin when administered over a prolonged period. Other drugs should not be taken at the same time but should be spaced out.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, and rarely allergic reactions. Electrolyte losses can be expected with prolonged administration. The life-threatening toxin ricin, which is found in the seed of the miracle tree, is not present in castor oil due to the manufacturing process. It remains in the remains of the seeds. We do not recommend making castor oil yourself because the seeds are toxic.
