6 Ways To Use Castor Oil for Faster Constipation Relief

Castor oil and its impact on health hardly need an introduction, especially regarding its role in relieving constipation. This natural remedy has been a popular topic of discussion for quite some time. But does castor oil work for constipation?

Constipation can result from various underlying health conditions, with diet and lifestyle playing a significant role. Fortunately, castor oil may help alleviate this issue.

In this article, we’ll explore the different aspects of using castor oil as a remedy for constipation.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition that hinders smooth and easy bowel movements, making stool passage difficult. If you pass stools fewer than three times a week, you are likely constipated.

Difficulty in passing stool often leads to straining during defecation, which can cause tears in the anal opening and may result in abdominal pain. Chronic constipation is also associated with symptoms such as pain and bloating in the abdominal region.

Does Castor Oil Work for Constipation?

It might come as a surprise when someone recommends castor oil for constipation, but it is indeed beneficial. Castor oil contains an active compound called ricinoleic acid, known for its potent laxative properties.

So, does castor oil work for constipation? The answer is yes. But you might be wondering—how does it work?

• Ricinoleic acid is an effective stimulant laxative (R). When it binds to receptors in the intestinal wall muscles, it promotes consistent contractions of the intestinal walls, helping facilitate the easy passage of stools.
• Additionally, ricinoleic acid helps soften stools and cleanse the intestines, making defecation more efficient and reducing the strain on the abdominal region during bowel movements.
• Castor oil’s moisturizing properties further aid in lubricating the stool while drawing water into the intestines, enhancing its effectiveness.

How to Use Castor Oil for Constipation?

When using castor oil to relieve constipation, it’s essential to be cautious, not just with the dosage but also with the potential side effects and contraindications.

Castor oil has a distinct taste that many find unpleasant. However, if you plan to use it for constipation relief, several key precautions should be considered before starting.

Who Should Avoid Using Castor Oil?

• Individuals taking diuretic medications.
• Those on antibiotics
• People using medications to boost bone health
• Individuals taking blood thinners like warfarin
• Those on heart medications

How do you use castor oil for constipation, and determine the appropriate dosage?

Castor oil can be used in various ways to relieve constipation. Here are the top six methods.

1. Just Castor Oil

Thanks to the beneficial laxative properties of ricinoleic acid, even the topical application of castor oil can help alleviate constipation. Focusing the application around the belly button is particularly effective, as the oil can gradually seep into the skin, enhancing stool motility and easing defecation. 

Additionally, castor oil helps stimulate contractions in the intestinal walls, further relieving constipation.

What to Do?

1. Pour a coin-sized amount of castor oil onto your palm.
2. Gently rub it onto your stomach in circular motions, concentrating around the belly button.

How Often?

• Apply 2–3 times a day.

2. Castor Oil and Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is well-known for its antioxidant and lubricating properties (R), making it highly effective in relieving constipation. Combined with castor oil, it enhances the lubricating effect, helping soften hardened stools and ease painful contractions caused by a lack of bowel movements.

What to Do?

1. Add 1–2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of castor oil to a cup of warm water.
2. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Drink immediately before the oil separates and settles.

How Often?

• Once a day

3. Castor Oil and Orange Juice

Since castor oil has an unpleasant taste, it is often mixed with certain drinks to make it easier to consume. One popular choice is orange juice because it masks the taste and contains a high fiber content, which helps bulk up stools and supports regular bowel movements (R).

What to Do?

1. Mix one tablespoon of castor oil into a glass of orange juice.
2. Drink it during breakfast.

How Often?

• Once a day

4. Castor Oil and Milk

Warm milk is a common remedy for relieving constipation, as it improves gut motility and helps soften stools (R). Castor oil, with its potent laxative properties, enhances this effect. 

The stimulating properties of castor oil, combined with the soothing effects of milk, help alleviate abdominal discomfort and effectively combat constipation.

What to Do?

1. Add one tablespoon of castor oil to a glass of warm milk.
2. Drink it before bed at night.

How Often?

• Once a day at night

5. Castor Oil Massage

Constipation is a common issue in kids and toddlers, and it can often be alleviated with a gentle castor oil massage on the stomach (R). Proper massage and applying light pressure on the abdominal area can stimulate bowel movements in children.

However, it’s essential to ensure that the oil does not come into contact with the child’s genital area, anal opening, eyes, or lips.

What to Do?

1. Warm some castor oil in the microwave, ensuring it’s not too hot.
2. Pour a small amount onto your palms and rub them together to spread the oil evenly.
3. Gently massage the oil onto your child’s stomach using circular motions. You can also massage the oil onto the knees and thighs.
4. After the massage, fold your child’s legs and gently press them toward the abdomen to apply light pressure on the abdomen and GI tract.
5. Continue this routine for about 15 minutes.

How Often?

• Perform this routine once a day before bathing your child.

6. Castor Oil and Heating Pad

Castor oil is effective in addressing constipation. Pairing it with a heating pad enhances digestion and improves circulation in the abdominal area, making it easier and less painful to pass stool (R).

What to Do?

1. Apply a small amount of castor oil to your palm and gently massage it onto your stomach in circular motions.
2. Place a heating pad over the area you just massaged.
3. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, adjusting the temperature as needed.

How Often?

• Use this method once or twice a day.

How Long Does Castor Oil Take to Work for Constipation?

Because castor oil is a stimulant laxative, it’s essential to understand that consistent consumption for constipation relief is not recommended.

Castor oil works relatively quickly compared to other types of laxatives. It is believed to take around six hours to relieve constipation symptoms.

However, it is generally advised to avoid using castor oil for extended periods, as prolonged use can weaken the muscle tone of the intestines. This can ultimately lead to chronic constipation, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to treat.

How to Prevent Constipation?

Several dietary and lifestyle changes can effectively alleviate the signs and symptoms associated with constipation. This section will discuss effective preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing constipation.

1. Drink More Water

One of the most common causes of constipation is dehydration, which negatively affects the GI tract, particularly the intestines. This leads to harder stools, making defecation more difficult. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day helps cleanse the GI tract and facilitate the elimination of waste.

2. Consume More Fiber

Fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bowel movements. If you’ve been suffering from chronic constipation or irregular bowel movements, increasing your fiber intake can be highly beneficial. It helps regulate gut motility, promoting easier digestion and defecation.

3. Indulge In Some Exercise

An active lifestyle is key to preventing constipation. If you’ve been consistently struggling with this condition, moving away from a sedentary lifestyle and engaging in regular physical exercise is beneficial. This helps boost overall metabolism, improves digestion, and promotes smoother defecation.

4. Drink Probiotic Drinks

Probiotic drinks are highly beneficial for boosting gut health. Probiotics are compounds that promote the growth of good bacteria in the GI tract. This helps improve digestion and alleviates the signs and symptoms associated with constipation.

5. Avoid Dairy

Often, we unknowingly complain about constipation and poor digestion of the food we’ve ingested. One common underlying cause of these issues is lactose intolerance. If you’ve been experiencing regular constipation, it’s important to have the issue checked out and take appropriate measures to address it.

Castor oil is effective for constipation. It promotes better defecation and supports the digestion of food, which is an added benefit. However, be mindful of the castor oil you consume, as excessive intake can negatively affect your body.

Conclusion

Castor oil is a natural treatment for constipation that provides relief from bowel movement and offers several other benefits. Its topical application, oral consumption with different drinks, or gentle massages can promote smooth digestion, alleviate discomfort, and provide quicker relief. 

However, castor oil should be used with caution and attention to dosages and frequency to avoid any adverse side effects.

While castor oil can provide instant relief, prevention through hydration, high fiber intake, exercise, and lactose intolerance management is the key to long-term digestive health. The above methods can be combined to alleviate symptoms and treat the root causes of constipation for improved well-being and pain-free bowel movements.

• Dec 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Jan 2025
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri