Castor Oil Laxative

Castor oil is a popular type of laxative for self-treatment and it is the most valuable of all purgatives for occasional use.
The oil is obtained from the first cold-pressing of the seed.

Castor oil has a very special composition; it is made up mostly of triglycerides containing an unsaturated and hydrolyzed fatty acid called ricinoleic acid.

The castor oil plant has an erect stem, red-purple, which enriches the landscapes of the temperate and tropical zones.
The tree is grown - especially in India, China and Brazil - to the vast use of castor oil industry, whose applications ranging from pharmaceuticals (a constituent called Undecylenic acid, is known and used for its antifungal proprierties) to cosmetics, paints, plastic polymers and lubricants.

The laxative action of castor oil is due to ricinoleic acid which is produced when castor oil is hydrolyzed in the small intestine. It is the only contact laxative that acts on the small intestine. As a result, this agent acts quickly. This oil also has the ability to prevent the absorption of liquids from the intestinal tract. The helps the bowel retain more moisture, allowing for easier passage of fecal matter.

Oral administration of 10-30 ml of castor oil is followed within 0,5 - 3 hours by discharge of a watery stool.
In addition to taking it with lemon and even by itself, one can also mix one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of castor oil.

Castor oil should be taken early in the day because the laxative effect is unpredictable and might otherwise interfere with a full night's sleep.

Warning:don't use this oil in pregnancy, since the castor oil can cause violent uterine contractions.

Long term use of stimulant castor oil can cause chronic diarrhea which can lead to low potassium levels and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances often times lead to kidney problems.

I recommend to use this oil as a temporary solution for relief of symptoms associated with constipation.