Castor oil

Castor oil is a colorless to slightly yellowish, viscous vegetable oil that is obtained from the seeds of the tropical wonder tree or castor oil tree (Ricinus communis), a spurge plant. Castor oil has a strong laxative effect.

The quality of virgin castor oil (Ricini oleum virginale), refined castor oil (Ricini oleum raffinatum) and hydrogenated castor oil (Ricini oleum hydrogenatum) is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.):

HMPC monograph: Well-established use: Laxative for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation
ESCOP: not processed.
Commission E: not processed

Exter, in the cosmetics industry, used as a hair and skin care product, also for optimizing eyebrows and eyelashes, as well as for covering fissures; in technology as a lubricant.

1 to 2 tablespoons or 4 to 6 g (10 to 30 mL) as a single dose. At higher dosage, defecation occurs within 2 to 4 hrs, at lower dosage after 6 to 8 hrs.

Nausea, cramp-like gastrointestinal complaints may occur

Take drugs with a low therapeutic range (e.g., digitalis preparations, Marcurmar) only after bowel emptying, not at the same time or shortly before.

Allergy or hypersensitivity, intestinal obstruction, stenosis, atony, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), abdominal pain of unknown cause, severe dehydration, fatigue. Pregnancy and lactation,

1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/draft-european-union-herbal-monograph-ricinus-communis-l-oleum_en.pdf
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/rizinus.php
3. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/ricinus_communis/rizinus.htm
4. https://heilkraeuter.de/lexikon/rizinus.htm