Castor oil is many things: a carer for skin, an agent that aids hair growth, a laxative and the basic ingredients in most cosmetics. But, as the adage goes, more of anything is bad. Castor oil overdose has a similar effect. It can cause a variety of problems and allergies, especially if the source from which the oil has been obtained is contaminated with harsh chemicals.
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a pale yellow liquid extracted from castor seeds and is used as an ingredient in several beauty treatments. A major part of castor oil is composed of ricin oleic acid which is a healing agent. Castor oil has therapeutic properties because of which it is used in cosmetics, medicines and massage oils.
8 Castor Oil Side Effects
Castor oil side-effects usually arise from the source of obtaining the oil. If the castor seeds are disinfected with pesticides, the quality of oil extracted from such seeds can be damaged which can lead to side effects.
1. Nausea and Vomiting
An overdose of castor oil can cause nausea. If consumption is continued, it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Nausea caused by an overdose of castor oil is often accompanied by vomiting which aids in dehydrating the body.
2. Skin Irritation
The use of pure castor oil on the skin can lead to irritations and rashes. There are skin types that can react adversely with castor oil and cause irritation, rashes, and redness.
3. Diarrhoea
Castor oil can also cause digestive problems if you overdose on it or if it simply doesn’t suit you. Diarrhoea is one of the most common digestive ailments caused by castor oil.
4. Muscle Cramps
Castor oil is a good laxative. However, overdose of castor oil can cause cramps and weakness. The presence of ricin in castor oil is a plausible reason for cramps and muscle cramps.
5. Dizziness
Castor oil overdose can also cause dizziness. Side effects of castor oil also include shortness of breath and fainting.
6. Swelling of Tongue and Throat
Allergies to castor oil can show up in the form of swelling of tongue and throat. If such is the case, a doctor should be consulted immediately and usage of the oil should be stopped until further instructions by the doctor.
7. Liver Damage
If the source of castor oil has been disinfected with pesticides and harsh chemicals and not treated properly, the consumption of that oil can affect internal organs adversely. Liver is subjected to the most damage in this case.
8. Castor Oil Pregnancy Side-Effects
Castor oil helps in inducing labour in pregnant women. The ricin oleic acid in castor oil helps in contraction of bowels which leads to labour. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised to keep away from castor oil as it might also enter breastmilk which is harmful for the infant.
Precautions to Take
- It is advisable to apply castor oil to a small patch of skin first to see if it causes any allergies or rashes.
- A doctor should be consulted right away in case you encounter any of the listed side-effects after having consumed castor oil. Usage of the oil must be discontinued until further instructions from the doctor.
Conclusion
While castor oil is a natural boon to skin, hair, and health, it can react adversely with your body in certain conditions. The most prominent reason why side-effects may occur is that the source from which the castor oil was obtained could be contaminated with pesticides and harsh chemicals. Should you encounter any of the aforementioned side-effects from consuming castor oil in any way, the usage must be stopped immediately and medical aid should be sorted at the earliest.
Also read:
10 Best Essential Oils for Skin: Benefits, Usage & more
Tips to Use Castor Oil for Dark Circles
