Castor oil

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

For Virgin Castor Oil (Ricini oleum virginale), Refined Castor Oil (Ricini oleum raffinatum) and Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Ricini oleum hydrogenatum), the quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.):

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

Exterm used as a hair and skin care product.

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.

cramping gastrointestinal symptoms 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/wunderbaum.php