Castor Oil And Constipation: Uses, Doses, And Cautions

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SubscribeDoes castor oil help constipation?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on July 4, 2025

• How it works
• Dosage
• Side effects
• Contacting a doctor
• Other treatments
• Preventing constipation
• Summary

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative. It may help loosen stools and ease constipation, but it can also cause nausea. Overuse may also affect the ability of the bowel muscles to work effectively.

Castor oil is the oil of the castor plant. The oil is pale yellow and available at most pharmacies and health food stores. Manufacturers sometimes use it to produce soaps, waxes and polishes, plastics, paints, and medications.

Castor oil may provide relief from occasional constipation. However, there are specific ways to use the oil safely and risks to bear in mind.

Read on to learn more about how castor oil can help relieve constipation, the dosage, possible side effects, and more.

How can castor oil help treat constipation?

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can help with constipation as they cause the bowel to move, squeeze, and contract harder than it usually would.

When a person drinks castor oil, it stimulates the bowel to move more. This increased motion encourages the stool to pass through the intestine and out of the rectum.

Using stimulant laxatives for extended periods may eventually cause the bowel muscles to stop working properly. For this reason, use castor oil sparingly as a constipation relief. A person should not use it for longer than 1 week.

How long does it take castor oil to work?

It can take around 1 to 4 hours for castor oil to produce a bowel movement, though in some cases it may take up to 12 hours.

Due to the chance of quick effects, it is best to avoid taking castor oil before bedtime.

Castor oil dosage for constipation relief

Anyone planning to take castor oil preparations for constipation should always read the label to make sure they are taking the proper dose.

A typical single daily dose for adults and children over the age of 12 years is around 1 to 4 tablespoons, or around 15 to 60 milliliters (mL).

Some people mix castor oil with another liquid or flavored drink, such as juice, to counteract the strong odor and flavor.

Side effects of castor oil

Castor oil is not appropriate for certain people, as it might pose a health risk. These include:

• pregnant people
• people who are nursing
• children under the age of 2 years

It may be safe to give children between the ages of 2 and 12 years up to 1 to 3 tablespoons, or 5 to 15 mL, or castor oil in a single daily dose. However, it is best to speak with a doctor for advice first.

People with the following symptoms should speak with a doctor before taking castor oil:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

People should only use strong laxatives, such as castor oil, as a short term treatment for constipation. Taking castor oil to assist every bowel movement can have serious complications.

In severe cases, the bowels can stop functioning, which can lead to long term constipation.

Other side effects of long-term use can include:

• dehydration
• diarrhea
• electrolyte imbalance
• problems with the body’s pH balance

People who experience any side effects should stop taking castor oil immediately and speak with a doctor.

Cautions for children and infants

Children younger than 2 years should not take castor oil.

Always talk with a pediatrician before giving castor oil to children between the ages of 2 and 12 years to make sure it is safe.

While castor oil may help reduce constipation, there are often safer and gentler methods, especially for children. Examples include adding more fiber to the diet or taking a stool softener.

Children might also have anxiety around having a bowel movement or going to the bathroom in public places. If constipation has psychological causes, treating the underlying condition becomes as important as treating the constipation symptoms.

»Learn more:Constipation in children: When to contact a doctor

When to contact a doctor

If a person is using castor oil for constipation and does not experience relief after 1 week should speak with a doctor. A doctor can help identify the possible underlying causes of constipation and recommend the best way to treat it.

Constipation can be part of a group of symptoms that signal a medical emergency, such as a blocked intestine. When this happens, stool stops moving and travels back up the intestine, which may cause a tear in the intestines.

A blocked intestine also causes some serious symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain. Symptoms that require emergency attention from a doctor include:

• bleeding from the mouth or rectum
• confusion
• severe abdominal pain
• vomiting
• nausea that does not resolve
• sudden, unexplained muscle weakness

While constipation is common, it should not be constant. Speak with a doctor if constipation occurs frequently.

Other treatments for constipation

Castor oil is one of many laxative medications for constipation. Examples of other medications that may help include:

• bulk-forming agents, such as FiberCon and Metamucil
• lubricants that make stool easier to pass
• osmotic agents, such as Milk of Magnesia and Miralax
• stool softeners, such as Colace

If constipation is severe and leads to a blocked intestine, surgery may be necessary.

»Learn more:Home remedies for constipation

Preventing constipation

There are many lifestyle changes that a person can make to help prevent constipation.

Steps that can help reduce the likelihood of constipation include:

• increasing the intake of dietary fiber
• drinking plenty of water
• getting enough regular physical activity or exercise

Summary

Castor oil is a powerful laxative that a person can use sparingly to help treat constipation. Speak with a doctor about the correct dosage and the safest castor oil preparations to use.

Pregnant people and children under the age of 2 years should avoid castor oil. Always speak with a doctor before giving castor oil to children under the age of 12 years.

 

• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
• Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Alookaran J, et al. (2024). Castor oil.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/
• Label: Castor oil liquid. (2024).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5643f2e0-93e2-4c2e-90a0-fd152150d18a
• Laxatives: OTC products for constipation. (2024).https://familydoctor.org/laxatives-otc-products-for-constipation/

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA — Updated on July 4, 2025

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