castor oil

Pressed from castor beans, Castor oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacturing of many things such as soaps, lubricants, hydraulic and brake fluids, paints, and waxes. Castor oil is also used as a laxative to treat constipation. According to Wikipedia, “Use of castor oil as a laxative is attested to in the circa 1550 BC Ebers Papyrus, and was in use several centuries earlier.” Besides, this oil is added to many modern drugs, including Miconazole, Tacrolimus, and Nelfinavir mesylate. In addition, castor oil is considered a natural emollient. In fact, a few drops of it can be used to treat dry skin, not to mention that they may also benefit hair as a treatment. This oil “may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery.” It is worth noting that consuming this oil for the purpose of treating constipation is not considered safe in pregnancies that are not at full term yet, “as it may cause contractions of the womb”. As for the other side effects, they include abdominal cramps, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.