Castor oil is all the rage among health influencers – what you need to know about this alternative remedy

Castor Oil: The Ancient Remedy Making a Comeback

What’s Behind the Hype?

Castor oil, once used as a punishment by fascists in Italy, has become a weight-loss trend on TikTok. Influencers are rubbing it on their bellies, pouring it into their belly buttons, and wrapping towels soaked in it around their midriffs. They claim it can melt belly fat and help with bloating. But what’s the truth behind this ancient remedy?

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A Brief History of Castor Oil

Castor oil is made from the beans of the castor plant and has been used for centuries. References to it appear in the ancient Egyptian medical text, the Ebers Papyrus (1550BC). It was used as a laxative and to treat various skin conditions. Cleopatra is said to have used it in her hair and to brighten the whites of her eyes.

Modern Uses of Castor Oil

Today, castor oil is an approved over-the-counter remedy in some countries for short-term constipation and is used for cleansing the bowel before medical examinations. However, there’s not much scientific evidence to indicate that this laxative effect is better than other commonly used laxatives, such as senna.

Other Reported Uses

Other reported traditional uses for castor oil include as a cure for sore and itchy eyes, to relieve joint and period pain, and as a means to induce labour. However, the evidence for these things is scant.

Cosmetic Uses

Castor oil isn’t just imbibed; it is also widely used in skin creams, hair conditioners, and other cosmetic products. It is used to moisturize, soothe irritated skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Its moisturizing properties have been attributed to ricinoleic acid.

Haircare Benefits

As part of haircare products, castor oil is said to help with hair loss and dandruff.

The Risks of Taking Castor Oil

Taking castor oil as a standalone product is not risk-free. The main side-effects of imbibing the oil are abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloating, and dizziness. Vulnerable people, such as the elderly, babies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with liver or kidney failure should avoid taking castor oil. As should anyone with inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, or gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation.

Allergic Reactions

Applying castor oil to the skin or scalp can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. It is always advised to apply a small amount of pure castor oil or a castor oil-containing cosmetic product onto a small patch of skin. If there is no allergic reaction after 24 hours, then it can be assumed that the product can be applied safely to a larger area of the body.

Conclusion

While castor oil has been used for centuries, there’s limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for weight loss or other claimed benefits. It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and side-effects, especially for vulnerable individuals. If you’re considering using castor oil, consult with a healthcare professional and follow proper application guidelines.

FAQs

Q: What are the potential side-effects of taking castor oil?
A: Abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloating, and dizziness.

Q: Who should avoid taking castor oil?
A: The elderly, babies, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with liver or kidney failure, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis, or gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation.

Q: Can castor oil trigger an allergic reaction?
A: Yes, applying castor oil to the skin or scalp can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

Q: Is castor oil effective for weight loss?
A: There’s limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for weight loss.