On social media, castor oil has become a popular trend for various uses ranging from hair growth to Weight loss.
There are millions of posts on this topic Vegetable oil Many creators on TikTok have shared how they have used it to improve their health.
In more controversial cases, manufacturers have gone as far as applying castor oil directly to your navel — and even drinking it as a detox and weight loss method, since the FDA has approved castor oil as a natural laxative.
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While some people on the internet have reported positive results, experts are warning that consuming castor oil can be dangerous. Holistic Health,
Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein told Fox News Digital that she has “never heard of castor oil being used for anything other than its traditional use.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the Ricinus communis plant, which is common in eastern regions of the world. (iStock)
The Los Angeles-based expert believes its primary use is for short-term, mild weight loss, as castor oil acts as a laxative.
“Laxatives can dehydrate you and cause dependency,” he said. “There are much safer alternatives.”
“If you’re having trouble going to the toilet, try increasing your water intake, adding more fiber to your diet and,” he says. Exercise more. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you have any questions.”
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Katrina Mattingly, MD, chief medical officer of Chicago-based Option Medical Weight Loss, said castor oil is a “tried-and-tested laxative.”
“The first thing that comes to mind is diarrhea,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.
One doctor told Fox News Digital that castor oil is an “old and tried laxative” that “tastes nice.” But doctors warn against using it for weight loss. (iStock)
“I remember my 97-year-old grandmother used to give it to us with plum juice when we were kids. GI Systems “We need help moving things forward,” Mattingly said.
The expert explained that castor oil “rapidly eliminates solid waste from our body and also removes essential water from the body.”
While this does lead to weight loss, Mattingly adds that “along with all the solid waste that goes down the toilet, essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and chloride also come out” — which can lead to deficiencies.
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While castor oil can be helpful in relieving pain Occasionally constipation Mattingly warns that overusing it as a laxative can cause the bowels to become dependent on the laxative, “making it more difficult to move naturally on their own.”
The obesity doctor stressed that she would not recommend castor oil for weight loss in any way.
One doctor may recommend drinking small amounts of castor oil for occasional constipation. (iStock)
“Although castor oil has been used for centuries for a variety of reasons, from removing toxins from the body to vision problems “There are no safety data available to recommend routine use for any of these conditions except inducing labor and constipation,” he said.
The doctor said that current scientific studies and research do not support its use for weight loss purposes alone.
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Mattingly said she would recommend taking castor oil “in small amounts” for occasional constipation if it has worked in the past.
“Just remember to keep drinking water to replace fluid loss, and if you have chronic or long-term constipation, you need a diet for that. Visit your doctor,
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Women’s health expert Dr. Mindy Pelz advocates the use of castor oil packs to regulate organ function and flush out toxins from the body.
The California-based doctor claimed that castor oil can be absorbed through the skin and reach the organs “very easily.”
One doctor stated that using castor oil could cause “massive detoxification.” (iStock)
“When it goes into our system, it causes dilation,” Pelz told Fox News Digital. “It’s very simple, and very inexpensive … You can rub it on your liver and gallbladder. You need the castor oil to stay there for two hours so that it … starts to dilate these organs.”
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Pelz recommends applying castor oil at night three times a week to “provide a comprehensive detox throughout the system.”
The FDA has approved castor oil as a natural laxative. (iStock)
However, Mattingly notes that castor oil “shows no promise for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial or antioxidant properties.”
And while viral social media claims are often based on personal experiences, Mattingly said some applications may not have the same effect on everyone.
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“When it comes to medical weight loss, leave it to the experts so they can make sure you’re on a safe and effective plan that won’t leave you miserable or threatening a trip to the emergency room,” he advises.
Other applications of castor oil
Castor oil has some traditional uses, including applying it to the scalp or eyelashes. hair growthMuhlstein said it can also be applied to the navel for better sleep.
“Some people say it helps reduce muscle tension and induces deeper sleep,” he said. “Just be careful, because I’ve heard it can make you feel drowsy if you use it too much.”
One doctor said, “Perhaps future studies will tell us about some other medicinal uses of (castor oil) besides constipation.” (iStock)
Another possible use of castor oil is as a topical treatment skin irritation or scarringMuhlstein said.
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“People have reported positive results,” he said. “So, if you have a bothersome skin problem, it might be worth trying, but always avoid using a topical treatment.” Consult a dermatologist for bigger issues.”
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Mattingly recommends rubbing castor oil on the stomach or skin only as a moisturizer — but not for weight loss.
“Also, the smell of castor oil can be unforgettable,” he warns. “So be prepared for that, especially if you’re using it on the face or hair.”
