How to Relieve Constipation With Castor Oil

Drinking Castor Oil

Take one 15 to 60 mL (1.0 to 4.1 US tbsp) dose of castor oil. Visit your local pharmacy or supermarket and pick up a bottle of castor oil. Check the side of the bottle for specific dosage instructions for different age groups. As a general rule of thumb, adults over the age of 12 can take 15 to 60 millilitres (1.0 to 4.1 US tbsp) of castor oil in 1 dose, while kids between ages 2 and 11 should only take between 5 to 15 millilitres (0.18 to 0.53 imp fl oz; 0.17 to 0.51 fl oz). Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should only take 1 to 5 millilitres (0.068 to 0.338 US tbsp). If you’re using castor oil on a doctor’s recommendation, follow their dosing instructions.Warning: Don’t use castor oil if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on your period.

Take castor oil on an empty stomach in the morning or afternoon. Find time before breakfast or lunch to take your recommended dose. Note that castor takes 2 to 6 hours to stimulate a bowel movement, so you don’t want to take any before bed. If you want the castor oil to work slowly over time, take it with a meal.

Drink flavored castor oil or mix it with juice to mask the taste. Fill a glass with your favorite juice, then use a special measuring spoon or cup to pour in the recommended dose of oil. Mix both ingredients together, and drink the entire glass to get the full effects of the oil. If you’re taking flavored castor oil, drink the traditionally recommended dosage. You can also improve the taste by refrigerating the castor oil for an hour or so beforehand. You can find flavored castor oil online. It can come in fruity flavors, like lemon.

Expect a bowel movement within 2-6 hours. Castor oil often works in as little as 2-3 hours, but it could take as long as 6 hours. Use the restroom as soon as you feel the urge to go. Call your doctor if you don't have a bowel movement at this time, as you may have a more serious problem like an intestinal blockage or impaction.Warning: Only use castor oil when you absolutely need to. If you use stimulant laxatives too much, you may not be able to pass bowel movements on your own.

Store your leftover castor oil in a cool, dry place. Find a cabinet or other cool spot where you can keep your oil without it overheating. Before using the oil again, check the label to make sure that it hasn’t expired. Keep your castor oil in a space that’s cooler than 40 °C (104 °F). If your oil smells rancid, throw it out.

Seeking Medical Care

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking castor oil. Set up an appointment or consultation so you can ask a healthcare professional for a second opinion. While at the appointment, review your history of constipation, discuss your unique needs, and figure out if is the right treatment for you. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have. Castor oil contains certain ingredients that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Ask your doctor if castor oil will interfere with any of your medications. Mention your current prescriptions, especially any blood-thinners, antibiotics, or bone and heart medications. Depending on your medical regimen, you may not want to take castor oil for your constipation.

See your doctor if your constipation lasts longer than a week. If you haven’t had a bowel movement for 7 days, you need to see your doctor even if you’re treating constipation. You may have a more serious condition, or constipation could cause serious complications. Note that your doctor may recommend a special procedure, depending on your symptoms. Your doctor may do an X-ray, colonoscopy, or other procedure, depending on what they think is causing your constipation.

Call your doctor if you have side effects like vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. You may be able to use castor oil without experiencing side effects, however, it’s possible that you will notice some abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or fatigue. Fortunately, these symptoms usually fade quickly once the castor oil is out of your system. If you experience any bad abdominal cramps, bloating, vomiting, or dizziness, stop using castor oil immediately and contact a healthcare professional.