Health experts are warning social media followers of Tik Tok, where castor oil is trending as a potential solution to weight issues and boosting immunity. Castor oil is being promoted as a beverage that many feel it can help in weight loss, and boost immunity to fight illness. However, doctors say it can cause explosive diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration and death. Read on to know more.
Tik Tok has been full of comments, which are backing castor oil, calling it a ‘cure for everything ‘
Castor oil is a stimulant laxative taken orally for temporary constipation relief. However, plant seed oil is currently topping the social media charts as it is being praised as a treatment for hair growth and complexion problems. Creators on TikTok say that the oil can even detox your body.
Castor oil is being promoted as a beverage that many feel it can help in weight loss, and boost immunity to fight illness. However, according to experts, castor oil – packed with ricinoleic acid, acts as a surfactant and reduces the absorption of fluid and electrolytes – stimulating peristalsis, a series of intestinal muscle contractions that make bowel contents move. And so, it can lead to explosive diarrhoea – which can be fatal.
The social media site has been full of comments, which are backing castor oil, calling it a “cure for everything – including cancer” and that “castor oil is a miracle for weight loss”.
According to doctors, there is no scientific evidence that castor oil will have any impact whatsoever on serious illnesses like cancer. The only thing it is used for is clearing the colon before a colonoscopy as it has softening and soothing effects and is typically used on the skin and hair.
Since it can dehydrate, doctors say castor oil can cause malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance – which can disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to life-threatening complications.
Health warnings related to castor oil
Doctors advise not to use castor oil in the following circumstances:
- Hypersensitivity to castor oil
- Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation
- Fecal impaction
- Symptoms of appendicitis or other abdominal conditions that require immediate surgical intervention
- Ulcerative colitis
- Rectal fissures
- Pregnancy
Common side effects
A few common side effects of castor oil include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pelvic congestion syndrome – a condition with varicose veins in the lower abdomen
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
Things to remember while taking castor oil
- If you are taking castor oil to alleviate constipation, make sure to take a dosage of 15-60 mL orally once
- Do not take castor oil at bedtime because castor oil has a rapid onset of action
- Chill or take with milk, juice, or other beverages to improve palatability
- Take castor oil on an empty stomach for a quicker onset
- Do not use castor oil for longer than one week; if bowel movement does not occur within a week, seek medical help
- Do not take castor oil if you have a tummy ache, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding – see a doctor
- Store castor oil out of reach of children
