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Swallowing a large amount of oil can be harmful, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Castor oil might also cause fluid and potassium loss from the body when used for more than a week or in doses of more than 15-60 mL per day.
Signs of castor oil overdose include:
- • Abdominal cramps
- • Diarrhea
- • Dizziness
- • Hallucinations
- • Fainting
- • Nausea
- • Shortness of breath and chest pain
- • Throat tightness
Some people experience a rash when using castor oil on the skin. In addition, there is limited evidence that using castor oil on hair may be unsafe. There is one published report of a rare hair condition called "acute hair felting," where the hair becomes hard, twisted, and entangled. Study authors suggest that castor oil may have been the culprit because the condition occurred following the use of the product for the first time in a healthy individual.
Safety Warning
Consuming a whole castor seed is unsafe. The outer coating (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison that may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, shock, and even death.
Women who are pregnant should consult their provider before consuming castor oil. Parents of children should consult their pediatrician before administering castor oil to their child. *
Many people use castor oil to treat a variety of issues, either by ingesting the oil or applying it to the skin.
Although castor oil is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions and unwanted side effects in some people.
- Can induce labor: It’s used by medical professionals to induce birth. For this reason, women at all stages of pregnancy should avoid consuming castor oil.
- Can cause diarrhea: While it can be an effective way to alleviate constipation, you may get diarrhea if you take too much. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Can cause allergic reactions: It may cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied to the skin. First try applying a small amount to a tiny patch of skin to see how your body reacts. *
