Believe it or not, castor oil is a natural remedy for constipation. Since it is a stimulant laxative - that is, it increases intestinal motility - it is able to produce the desired effects in very low doses. If traditional laxatives aren't effective, castor oil can help relieve symptoms of constipation, but keep in mind that it also causes cramps and other unpleasant side reactions. While you should always see your doctor if you have prolonged constipation or severe symptoms, castor oil may offer you some relief when you're looking for a quick fix.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Castor Oil Orally
Step 1. Take a 15-60ml serving of castor oil
Go to the pharmacy and buy a bottle of castor oil. Read the label or package insert - you need to check specific dosing instructions for different age groups. In general, people over 12 years of age can take 15 to 60 ml in a single dose, while children between 2 and 11 years should not exceed 5-15 ml.
- Infants and children under 2 years of age can only be given 1-5 ml.
- If you use castor oil on the advice of your doctor, follow his dosage guidelines.
Warning:
do not take it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
Step 2. Take castor oil on an empty stomach in the morning or afternoon
Take the recommended dose before breakfast or lunch. Keep in mind that it takes 2-6 hours to stimulate bowel activity, so don't take it before going to bed.
If you prefer it to act slowly, take it with meals
Step 3. Opt for flavored castor oil or mix it with fruit juice to mask its natural flavor
Fill a glass of your favorite fruit juice, then use a measuring spoon or measuring cup to pour the recommended amount of oil into. Mix the two ingredients and swallow the solution waiting for it to take effect. If you bought flavored castor oil, take the normally recommended dose.
- You can also make the flavor more acceptable by placing it in the refrigerator about an hour before consumption.
- You can buy the flavored variant on the Internet, choosing a fruity flavor, such as lemon.
Step 4. Bowel evacuation should occur within 2-6 hours
Castor oil often works in less than 2-3 hours, but it may take up to 6 hours. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge.
If it doesn't work, contact your doctor as you may have a more serious problem, such as intestinal obstruction or coprostasis (slow fecal transit)
Warning:
use castor oil only when absolutely needed. Excessive use of stimulant laxatives is addictive.
Step 5. Store the castor oil in a cool, dry place
Find a piece of furniture or some other cool place to store it without the risk of it overheating. Before using it again, read the label to make sure it hasn't expired.
- Store it in a place below 40 ° C.
- If it smells rancid, throw it away.
Part 2 of 2: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking castor oil
Go to your doctor's office or pharmacy so you can get the advice of a healthcare professional. During the visit, explain your problem to him, point out your needs and ask him if castor oil is a suitable remedy for your condition.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. Castor oil contains some ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions
Step 2. Ask your doctor if castor oil can interact with any medications you are taking
Remind him of the drug therapies he has prescribed, especially blood thinners, antibiotics, or bone and heart medications. Depending on the clinical picture, it may not be indicated for constipation.
Step 3. See your doctor if constipation lasts longer than a week
If no faecal evacuation has occurred within seven days, it is imperative that you go to your doctor even if you are self-medicating. You could be suffering from a very serious illness and, in any case, constipation could cause serious complications. Keep in mind that your doctor may prescribe a particular diagnostic test depending on your symptoms.
For example, he may recommend that you undergo an x-ray, colonoscopy, or other tests based on his diagnostic suspicion
Step 4. Call your doctor if you have any side effects, such as vomiting, cramps and diarrhea
It is possible to take castor oil without complaining of any side effects. However, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or fatigue may occur in some cases. Fortunately, these symptoms disappear quickly when castor oil is excreted from the body.
If you experience abdominal cramps, bloating, vomiting or dizziness, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor
Advice
If you regularly suffer from constipation, consider increasing your fiber intake to improve digestive health over the long term
Warnings
- Do not use castor oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
- If you overdo it, an electrolyte imbalance may occur.
