Castor Oil Benefits, Research, Side Effects, How To Use, Dose

Castor oil is used both externally and internally in Ayurvedic treatment. Its usage in mentioned in a variety of disorders. It is also told as a rejuvenative and anti aging medicine. It is excellent in relieving Vata and Kapha disorders. It is also used in Panchakarma therapy. 

castor oil

Castor oil is best oil for purgation – Virechana Panchakarma treatment.
It is  pungent in taste, hot in potency and is heavy to digest.
it is bitter and sweet in taste.
It is hot in nature, has the capability to enter minute channels of the body.

Effect on Tridosha

Castor oil balances Vata and Kapha Dosha. But when mixed and processed with herbs possessing astringent, sweet and bitter tastes, it alleviates pitta as well.

Sanskrit synonyms

Eranda taila, Gandharvahasta taila.

Medicinal qualities

Taste – Madhuram – sweet, Kashaya Anurasa – astringent sub-taste, Satikta, Katu – bitter and pungent sub-taste
Vipaka – undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion.
Ushna – hot in potency.
Teekshna – piercing into minute body channels
Sookshma – minute
Picchila – sticky
Guru – heavy to digest
Sara – smooth mobility

Sanskrit verse

Castor oil benefits

Health benefits

Sroto Vishodhana – cleanses body channels
Tvachya – improves skin qualities
Vrushya – aphrodisiac
Vaya sthapana – anti aging, rejuvenative
Yoni Vishodhana – useful in cleansing vagina
Shukra Vishodhana – useful in cleansing semen, to improve motility and to treat sperm defects.
Arogyakara – improves health
Medhakara – improves intelligence
Kantikara – improves skin glow
Smrutikara – improves memory
Balakara – improves immunity
Adhobhaga Doshahara – expels vitiated Doshas from lower part of the body (Virechna)
Deepana – improves digestion strength
Vishamajwara – useful in intermittent fever
Hrudroga – cardiac disorders
prushta shoola, guhya shoola – useful in low backache
Vatodara – useful in gas, bloating
Gulma – abdominal tumor
Anaha – gaseous distension of abdomen
Ashtila – prostitis
Katigraha – low back stiffness
Vatashonita – gout
Vid bandha – constipation
Bradhna – prolapsed rectum
Shotha – swelling, inflammatory conditions
Ama Vidradhi – initial stages of abscess, where pus is yet to be formed.
Amavata – rheumatoid arthritis
Castor oil is sweet in taste, heavy, increases Kapha and balances  Vata, Raktagulma (a type of abdominal tumor specially in females), heart disease, indigestion and fever. – Charaka Sutrasthana 27

FDA has recognized castor oil as – generally regarded as safe and effective. 

Internal administration

It acts as tonic , laxative and helps in rejuvenation.
It is also useful in relieving worm infestation, Abdominal colic, intermittent fever,  skin diseases, Rheumatoid arthritis, hemorrhoids with hard stool problem and constipation.

External application

Castor oil helps to improve blood circulation, to increase body warmth.
It also helps to relieve pain and stiffness in joints. Hence, it is often used as the oil of preference for massage in case of rheumatoid arthritis.
In cases of prolapsed uterus and rectum, castor oil is heated, then allowed to cool down, then it is applied to the prolapsed part, the part is placed in its normal position and bandaged.

Use in Virechana

Virechana – Purgation treatment:
Purgation treatment is of two types. – Snigdha – oily and Rooksha dry.
In case of Snigdha Virechana (oil purgation), in Pitta disorders involving Vata, such as gout, skin disorders with scaling, redness, burning sensation and dryness, in case of rheumatoid arthritis, castor oil is the preferred choice.

Here, the patient is first administered with spices to improve digestion, for three days, then made to take medicated ghee orally for 3 – 7 days, then massage and sweating treatment is done for 2 – 3 days, then castor oil is given in high dose to induce loose stools. This helps to expel imbalanced Pitta Dosha out of the body.
Snigdha Virechana with Castor oil is useful in eliminating imbalanced Pitta and to regularize the direction of Vata Dosha.

For enema

In case of Ascites with Vata Dosha predominance, Castor oil, processed with sour herbs is administered as enema (reference: Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 13th chapter)

Side effects and contraindications

Because of its purgative nature, castor oil is contra indicated in Diarrhea, Amoebic dysentery.
Other common side effects with castor oil are – stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
It is contra indicated during pregnancy and can be used under strict medical supervision during lactation period, and in children.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Action on Pitta Dosha

Does Castor oil increase Pitta Dosha?
Because castor oil has hot quality, it can increase Pitta, especially when used along with spices.
But when it causes purgation, it takes away the imbalanced Pitta out of the body. So, castor oil, when used for therapeutic purgation, does not cause aggravation of Pitta Dosha.

Home remedies

Home remedies using castor oil:
For rheumatoid arthritis patients with constipation, castor oil home remedy with Haritaki is very effective.

For bloating

Castor oil for bloating:
It is administered along with Varuni manda (supernatent liquid of alcohol), if kapha is secondarily aggravated along with Vata Dosha.
It is taken with milk if  Pitta is secondarily aggravated. [92-93]

For constipation with inflammation

Castor oil for constipation associated with inflammation (Shotha):
If the patient of edema suffers from constipation and bloating, he is given castor oil along with milk or meat soup.  This recipe is given before taking food. – Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 12th chapter.

Castor oil qualities

Castor oil qualities as per Yogaratnakara:
तैलं एरण्डजं बल्यं गुरु उष्णं मधुरम् सरं।
तिक्त उष्णं पित्तलं विस्रं रक्त एरण्ड् उद्भवं भृशम्॥
एरण्ड तैलं क्रिमिनाशनं च सर्वत्र शूलघ्नम् मरुत् प्रणाशम्।
कुष्ठापहं च अपि रसायनं च पित्त प्रकोप अनिल शोधनं च॥
वर्ध्म गुल्म अनिल कफान् उदरं विषम ज्वरम्।
वात शूल गजेन्द्राणाम् एरण्ड स्नेह केशरि॥{यो.र.}

Rasa (Taste) – Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (qualities) – Guru (heavy), Ushna (hot), Sara (flowing), Visram (foul smelling), Balyam (strength promoter),
Doshic action – Alleviates morbid vata and kapha, tends to increase Pitta
It is highly beneficial in the below said conditions:

  • Krimighnam (anti-helmenthic, removes worms and parasites)
  • Shulaghnam – relieves pain (analgesic) and colic
  • Anila shodhanam – flushes out the morbid vata
  • Kushtapaha – cures skin diseases
  • Rasayana – Anti-ageing, immune modulator, rejuvenator, disease modifying
  • Vardhma hara – cures hernia
  • Gulma hara – Best in destroying abdominal tumors
  • Anila-kaphan – Destroys morbid Vata and Kapha and diseases caused by them
  • Udara – abdominal diseases
  • Vishama jwara – intermittent fevers etc

Dashamoola and castor oil

Combination of Dashamula decoction and Castor oil –
दशमूली कषायेण पिबेत् वा नागर अम्भसा।
कटिशूलेषु सर्वेषु तैलम् एरण्ड सम्भवम्॥ यो.र.वातव्याधि चिकित्सा १६४
Dashamoolee kashaayena pibet vaa naagaraambhasaa.
Kati shuleshu sarveshu tailam eranda sambhavam.
(Ref – Yoga Ratnakara, Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa chapter, verse 164)

Meaning:
In all sorts of low back pains, one should consume the Dashamoola Kashaya (decoction of 10 herbal roots) or Nagara (Musta-Cyperus rotundus) Kashaya admixed with Eranda Tailam

Dosage

Dose of castor oil:
The dose depends upon the severity of disease, patients gut health and age.
For the purpose of regular treatment (not Panchakarma), the dose is – half to one teaspoon  – 2.5 – 5 ml, once a day.
For children, maximum advised dose per day is usually 2.5 ml.
How to use?
For regular use, castor oil can be consumed readily. For those who find its odor as offensive, castor oil capsules are also available.  The dose of such capsule is 1 – 2 capsule once or twice per day.
For the purpose of purgation (Virechana treatment), Castor oil is administered in a dose ranging between 30 – 120 ml, based on doctor’s discretion. But such a high dose, without medical supervision will be very dangerous.

How long to use?
In a very minimal dose, it can be used for a period of 7 days. If you wish to continue for more than a week time, better to have a word with your doctor.

Time of intake

Time of castor oil intake:
Usually castor oil is administered on empty stomach, that is- half an hour before food or 2 hours after food

For massage

Castor oil for body massage: 
Whenever there is pain associated with stiffness, castor oil is preferred. It can be used as a daily massage oil.

For hair

Castor oil for hair –
It can be applied 30 minutes to 1 hour before hair wash / shower. After application, it is washed off with herbal hair powder mix or with a mild herbal shampoo.
Contributed by Ms Lizzie, USA –
In the USA & holistic community, we promote castor oil as a way to regrow eyebrow hair that has either been over-plucked or lost due to maturation & menopause. It is promoted instead of very costly “serums” to regrow the eyebrows. It is said to unclog the pores and allow the hair to push through. I’ve seen great results at a fraction of the cost! It seems logical that it would help the hairs on the scalp!

For eyes

Castor oil for eyes:
In some parts of India, as a traditional practice, castor oil is applied as Kajal (collyrium) over the eyes. They say, this helps to improve vision.

Researches

Research on castor oil:
Transdermal absorption (absorption through skin)
HPLC studies
Supressive effect on some tumors

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayurvedic medicines with castor oil ingredient:
Gandharvahastadi taila –
Used in abscess, splenic disorders, Abdominal bloating, Oedema and inflammatory conditions of abdomen and ascites.
Brihat Saindhavadi Taila – Saindhava means rock salt Wherever there is stiffness, usually rock salt is used for external application. Castor oil also does the same job of relieving stiffness, hence this combination. – It is used in low back ache, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal colic, Ankylosing spondylosis and such other musculo-skeletal diseases.

Hingu Triguna Taila – It is used to treat bloating, acid peptic diseases and ascites.
Vatari ras used in the treatment of neuritis, arthritis, neuralgia, paralysis, facial palsy, spondylosis, gout.
Kalyana Kshara – for hemorrhoids, constipation, bloating, difficulty in urination, cough, asthma.
Amavatari rasused in rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis
Simhanada Guggulu – used in  skin condition, abscess, gout, respiratory condition, abdominal colic, anemia.
Interestingly, castor oil is also added in many allopathic medicines such as Miconazole, Tacrolimus, Xenaderm ointment, Paclitaxel etc.

Related: Comparison between castor oil with sesame, mustard and coconut oil 

For semen and uterus cleansing

Castor oil for semen and uterus cleansing:
Q: It would be interesting to know how castor oil is used for Shukra vishodhana and Yoni vishodhana . It would be a great boon for young couples to know how to prepare for a child by cleansing themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and how to clean the sperm and ovum . Looking forward to you thoughts on this.
A: The shukra Shodhana and Yoni Vishodhana effect is brought about by undergoing Virechana Panchakarma treatment.  Before planning for conception, if the couple can visit an Ayurveda center, then they will be guided through the procedure.  If they cannot visit, I think they can safely take around 5 ml of castor oil during weekend. The next morning, they may have lose stools for 2 – 4 times, which would stop by itself.
They may repeat it for up to four weekends.
If the lose stools are not getting under control, they can take Kutaja Ghanavati tablet – 2 tablets 2 times a day, after food, till it stops. Better to have this tablet ready, well ahead. If things are not getting under control, they will have to consult a doctor immediately. So, it comes with certain amount of risk. Hence, a doctor’s direct advice is recommended.

For clogged milk ducts

Castor oil for clogged milk ducts in lactating mothers:
Sometimes, breast feeding mothers experience clogging of milk ducts leading to pain and inflammation. Castor oil having piercing qualities, helps to get rid of the clog, on external application.
Soon after you have finished breast feeding, dip a cotton swab in castor oil and apply it over the nipple for 10 minutes and then wipe off cleanly and wash with warm water.

Castor Oil Remedy For Breast Pain and Clogging

There are two uses for castor oil in mastitis.
First one is a local application of castor oil to relieve pain and swelling. It should be applied to the breasts 10 minutes before bath to relieve pain and inflammation.

Second use in case of clogged milk ducts in the nipple.

Castor oil is also explained as

तीक्ष्णोष्णं दीपनं सूक्ष्मं

tīkṣṇoṣṇaṃ dīpanaṃ sūkṣmaṃ

tīkṣṇa – strong, deep penetrating

dīpanaṃ – caminative

uṣṇaṃ – hot  and

sūkṣmaṃ – can enter minute pores.
Clogged milk duct is a common cause for breast pain. Applying castor oil and gently squeezing the nipple helps to get rid of the clogs. For this you may slightly warm the castor oil before applying. Castor oil, being hot and deep penetrating, helps to clear the clog.

But after doing this, the area needs to be washed thoroughly to avoid mixing milk with castor oil, which may cause problems for the baby. Note that this does not work in a single attempt. It needs to be done once or twice daily for a week to 10 days.



For virechana

Use of Castrol Oil for Virechana

गुल्मोदर ब्रध्नार्शःप्लीहोदावर्त योनि शुक्रगदे |
मेदःकफसंसृष्टे मारुतरक्तेऽवगाढे च||२७||
गृध्रसि पक्षवधादिषु विरेचनार्हेषु वातरोगेषु|
वाते विबद्ध मार्गे मेदःकफ पित्त रक्तेन||२८||
पयसा मांसरसैर्वा त्रिफलारस यूष मूत्र मदिराभिः|
दोषानुबन्धयोगात् प्रशस्तमेरण्डजं तैलम्||२९||
तद्वातनुत्स्वभावात् संयोगवशाद्विरेचनाच्च जयेत्|
मेदोसृक्पित्त कफोन्मिश्रानिलरोगजित्तस्मात्||३०||
बल कोष्ठ व्याधिवशादापञ्चपला भवेन्मात्रा|
मृदुकोष्ठाल्पबलानां सह भोज्यं तत्प्रयोज्यं स्यत्||३१||
इत्युदावर्तचिकित्सा|
gulmodara bradhnārśaḥplīhodāvarta yoni śukragade |
medaḥkaphasaṃsṛṣṭe mārutarakte’vagāḍhe ca||27||
gṛdhrasi pakṣavadhādiṣu virecanārheṣu vātarogeṣu|
vāte vibaddha mārge medaḥkapha pitta raktena||28||
payasā māṃsarasairvā triphalārasa yūṣa mūtra madirābhiḥ|
doṣānubandhayogāt praśastameraṇḍajaṃ tailam||29||
tadvātanutsvabhāvāt saṃyogavaśādvirecanācca jayet|
medosṛkpitta kaphonmiśrānilarogajittasmāt||30||
bala koṣṭha vyādhivaśādāpañcapalā bhavenmātrā|
mṛdukoṣṭhālpabalānāṃ saha bhojyaṃ tatprayojyaṃ syat||31|| – Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 26th chapter.
ityudāvartacikitsā|

If the course of Vata Dosha is obstructed by fat, Kapha, Pitta or Rakta (vitiated blood) in the diseases like
Gulma – phantom tumor
Udara – obstinate abdominal diseases including ascites
Bradhna – Inguinal swelling
Arsha – piles
Pliha – splenic enlargement
Udavarta – upward movement of wind in the abdomen
Yoni Roga – diseases of the female genital tract
Shukra gada – Seminal disorders
Affliction of fat by the vitiated Kapha
Gambhira vata rakta – Deep seated Vata- Rakta (gout)
Gridhrasi – Sciatica
Pakshavadha – Hemiplegia, etc., and in such other Vatika diseases which are curable by Virechana (purgation therapy), castor oil is an excellent remedy.

It is added with such other ingredients as are conducive to the treatment of the aggravated Vata Dosha, and administered along with milk, meat soup, Triphala Kashaya, vegetables soup, cow’s urine, alcoholic drink, etc.
Because of its Vata Dosha- alleviating nature, because of the addition of other appropriate drugs, and because of its purgative effects, it cures Vatika diseases associated with the vitiated fat, blood, Pitta and Kapha.
Dosage of castor oil: Up to 5 Palas depending upon the Bala (strength of the patient), the condition of Kostha (thoracic and abdominal visceras), and the nature of the disease, castor oil is administered in the dose
If the patient is of Mrdu- Kostha (laxed bowel) and is weak, then castor oil is given to him along with food.
Thus, ends the treatment of Udavarta (upward movement of wind). [27-31]

66 comments on “Castor Oil Benefits, Research, Side Effects, How To Use, Dose

  • A K Shyam

    06/10/2014 - 6:45 am

    I vividly remember my mother advocating this in our younger days and because of this, we seem to enjoy a good health even today. We used to be on fast until evening and eat light food after that.

    Reply to comment
    • Pavneet

      25/07/2020 - 10:25 pm

      What type of light food you use to eat ?

      Reply to comment
  • Ar BL SRIVASTAVA

    06/10/2014 - 7:40 am

    ???I have Taken wrongly Sirka and find unable to speak
    I aamm Trying best but find no resylt to talk with my mouth
    I have takemn, Glysrin, honey
    Chew Mulethi tulsi a. neem an giloy also choew amla no susult, Kindly advice any remedywith all the best

    Reply to comment
    • Phil

      07/11/2016 - 3:41 pm

      I have just one across your site. Fascinating. My friend had mumps as a teenager and now has difficulty having a child. Thankfully they conceived through IVF. I wondered if there were more natural methods to overcome the results of the virus ? . Are there other methods to improve the possibility of a pregnancy ? It sounds as if castor oil is a product for improved fertility ?
      Phil

      Reply to comment
  • archanawriter

    07/10/2014 - 3:07 pm

    I heard that if castor oil is massaged well on scalp it may even heal baldness and make the color of the hair black. Is this true?

    Reply to comment
    • Lizzie

      07/10/2014 - 9:36 pm

      In the USA & holistic community, we promote castor oil as a way to regrow eyebrow hair that has either been over-plucked or lost due to maturation & menopause. It is promoted instead of very costly “serums” to regrow the eyebrows. It is said to unclog the pores and allow the hair to push through. I’ve seen great results at a fraction of the cost! It seems logical that it would help the hairs on the scalp!

      Reply to comment
      • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

        07/10/2014 - 10:32 pm

        Very interesting to know! Thanks.

        Reply to comment
        • Dr.Bhagaban Choudhury.

          07/05/2019 - 12:28 am

          I’m very grateful for your kind consideration for me, that you have offered me your valuable time and tropics, which is very much appreciated.
          Thank you very much.

          Reply to comment
  • Lizzie

    07/10/2014 - 9:33 pm

    Thanks Dr. Hebbar for the info on various oils and their benefits. In the USA, in the holistic community, castor oil is esteemed and said to treat many, many ailments. Thanks for reminding us of its value and being our rock of logic!

    Reply to comment
  • Ramphul

    08/10/2014 - 10:21 am

    Some use it to massage swollen prostate because of its penetrative virtue or as a preventative mesure to avoid enlarged prostate. What’s your POV based on the samhitas. Thanks.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      20/10/2014 - 7:11 pm

      It helps to regulate Vata. and Vata is related with growth of any organ, including prostate enlargement. But it is only theoritical view point. I can say that it would help to some extent. It also helps to ease the urine out. People with BPH often suffer from difficulty in urination. But I cannot say that it completely stops / reduces its enlargement, just by external application.

      Reply to comment
  • Ranjani

    08/10/2014 - 4:32 pm

    Thanks for the information.Please clarify for cleansing Yoni Vishodhana & Shukra Vishodhana we need to consume internal or external ?

    Reply to comment
    • Ranjani

      13/10/2014 - 11:48 am

      Thanks for your prompt response

      Reply to comment
  • devi

    09/10/2014 - 5:29 pm

    does this treat in healing Fibroids

    Reply to comment
  • dr shraddha

    10/10/2014 - 10:24 pm

    very informative article sir..congrates and thanks

    Reply to comment
  • Gaurav

    13/10/2014 - 8:23 am

    Castor oil can be too ‘harsh’ for the body’s organs especially when consumed internally, so compared to castor oil cleansing, other much less harsh and more holistic ayurvedic approaches should be preferred.

    Herbs to “flush toxins out of the liver”, if taken just by themselves, can cause more harm than good if the rest of the body is not prepared to handle the toxins that get kicked out of the liver, and to safely escort them out of the body without getting stuck in the other organs, so much care is needed and especially this is not something to try without doctor’s guidance.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      01/11/2015 - 10:23 pm

      Thanks for your valuable comments sir.

      Reply to comment
  • Nissar ahmed

    13/10/2014 - 9:50 am

    Dear Dr.J V Hebbar
    Please explain how castol oil can be used for hair growth. I am having very few hairs. I am becoming bald head fast. is there any treatment for improving hair growth density.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      13/10/2014 - 12:23 pm

      Hi in a few people use of castor oil as hair oil – to apply to scalp half an hour before bath helps on hair growth.

      Reply to comment
  • arti

    13/10/2014 - 3:34 pm

    Please explain how castor oil can help in conception. I have been trying all possible ways bit in vain.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      13/10/2014 - 4:48 pm

      It is used in a panchakarma procedure called virecahana, which is used in female infertility.

      Reply to comment
  • Khooshi

    14/10/2014 - 1:38 am

    what herbs can you mix with castor oil to relieve pitta? thanks

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      14/10/2014 - 12:18 pm

      Amla, jamun, manjishta sativa etc.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    07/11/2014 - 8:32 pm

    Hi, you can sue castor oil for head and body or Tejus tailam. Choice is yours. Also observe in which oil, you kids feel more comfortable and go with that.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    05/12/2014 - 8:22 pm

    You can use Castor oil for weekly body massage.
    Patanjali Tejus tailam is also a good product.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    24/04/2015 - 7:40 pm

    Hi, it is not recommended when you have loose stools.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    08/05/2015 - 10:00 pm

    Hi, just with castor oil alone and with a single dose does not cause much improvement. Please consult your doctor for a better advice.

    Reply to comment
  • skvarada

    18/05/2015 - 7:40 pm

    sir,
    is it useful in gynaecomastia?

    Reply to comment
  • tarunidh

    21/08/2015 - 12:27 am

    I have sleep disc problem .my doctor advise me to take arandi oil 5 ml in lukewarm water. Pls assist me is it good or any side effect

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      21/09/2015 - 10:58 pm

      It is useful. Please go ahead.

      Reply to comment
  • nitisha

    18/09/2015 - 2:55 pm

    Sir how to use castor oil in hair…I have very less hair n even baldness….being a female its very tauf wen u have less hair n sir is dere ne side effects of castor oil wen used in hair. . thank you.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr Malini Bhat

      01/11/2015 - 11:08 am

      Castor oil can be used as a regular hair oil. It can be applied 30 minutes before hair wash once or twice a week

      Reply to comment
    • aryambal

      01/11/2015 - 1:16 pm

      Castor oil is one of the best known oil not only for hair growth, but also to remove excess heat and toxins from the body. However it is not used as all day hair oil as it is thick and sticky. It is mainly used for hair massage for abhyanga.. Do not leave it for very long time after massage as it may cause heaviness of the head if you are prone to cold.. There are no known side effects.
      If you have lost a lot of hair and your scalp has become smooth and shiny, it is essential to brush your scalp well with firm and brisk strokes after applying warm castor oil in order to tickle the scalp to absorb the oil and also open the pores to facilitate hair growth. Use only natural hair cleansers. You can see tiny hair growing all over the scalp and baldness gone by three months time.
      Use only pure natural UNREFINED hair oil of your choice for setting hair. Do not use mineral oil for hair.
      It is advisable to use ONLY natural castor oil which is NOT refined. Any oil when refined is useless, harmful and toxic due to the chemicals used for refining.

      Reply to comment
  • BJ Trivedi

    22/05/2016 - 11:36 am

    Lately I hear echoes of my own and other’s voices in my ears. When I tap with my finger on any part of head, I hear sound like tapping on empty Matka-Water vessel. When I lie down or when get up, there is put-put sound in ears. Is this due to Vaayu/Vaat/Air within my head? If so, can Castor oil et rid of it? If not, what should I do to cure?

    Reply to comment
  • Ankur Purecha

    28/07/2016 - 6:17 pm

    Thank You Doctor, I will look into it

    Reply to comment
  • ssamhita

    14/10/2016 - 2:22 pm

    Hello Doctor,
    Thanks for your scholarly article. I used castor oil as a laxative many years ago without knowing much of its other qualities. i don’t know why this is not prescribed by the present day doctors. I’ve a few observations:
    (i) I’ve read some other articles also on this subject and found some variations in its dose,
    (ii) You’ve not mentioned from which source can we get the pure oil/capsule.
    (iii) What to do or whom to consult in case of any emergency due to its improper use or overdose?
    Your response please.
    Thanks and regards,
    Bhuban

    Reply to comment
    • Gayathri

      04/06/2017 - 6:13 pm

      Hi Dr. Hebbar,

      I bought the soulflower castor oil. They marked it as only for external use and not for internal use.

      Please advise how to check and which castor oil to buy for ingestion.

      Thank you,
      -Gayathri

      Reply to comment
  • Shubham

    01/11/2016 - 7:03 pm

    I have high pitta type body. Can 1-2 Tsp of castor oil with evening milk can be taken regularly for long time for purgation? Any side effects?

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      02/11/2016 - 6:36 pm

      It can be taken for a maximum of 3 weeks. I do not recommend long term usage of castor oil.

      Reply to comment
  • Patient

    13/01/2017 - 12:37 am

    Hello! I did the castor oil induced purgation. While it did clear my system, it has caused a lot of gas problem. Is there any way to address this issue?

    Reply to comment
  • Mita

    16/01/2017 - 8:00 am

    Hi,
    I recently discovered your wonderful website. A few months ago I started using only natural products for personal care (shampoos, soaps, face packs, even laundry and dishwashing for that matter). There is so much confusing and sometimes contradictory information on the internet. I always visit your web pages to ascertain details of usage and safety.
    Because I stopped using commercial shampoos, my hair fall (which was pretty bad), has reduced a lot.If I use castor oil, and keep using it every week, will I have thick hair again. I am female and in my mid-forties.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      16/02/2017 - 4:06 pm

      Thanks for your kind words of appreciation. Wish you all the best with right choice of natural products. Self made is always better than market available products.

      Reply to comment
  • David Hissey

    09/05/2017 - 5:59 am

    Dr., thank you for your website. I just wanted to know if applying Castor oil to the face would cause excessive facial hair growth? Thank you, Mathura das

    Reply to comment
  • RAJIV MOHAN

    07/09/2017 - 5:45 pm

    Hai sir did castor oil helps for strengthen moustache hair??

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    20/10/2017 - 2:28 pm

    Better to go with a small dose of 10-15 ml.

    Reply to comment
  • Sarita

    23/11/2017 - 6:32 pm

    Hello doctor,

    Thank you for this informative article, I have always faced excessive body heat due to vitiated pitta. Am in early stage of pregnancy, kindly give me tips on how to keep the body heat under check. Will Applying castor oil in head or feet help?

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    28/11/2017 - 12:26 pm

    Hi, you can make a mix of 50 % of each of castor oil and sesame oil and use it for applying.

    Reply to comment
  • Neha

    29/11/2017 - 7:20 pm

    Thank you!

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    09/01/2018 - 6:12 pm

    Hi, I do not have a remedy for prolapsed uterus. Surgery seems the correct option.

    Reply to comment
  • Regu

    21/01/2018 - 12:25 pm

    Dear Sir,

    After any type of Virechana, is it not required to follow mild food like rice gruel or kichadi with only raw rice and moong dal for 1-3 days to help the stomach get back to normal form gradually?

    I have had an experience where I did the virechana in the morning and had vegetable pulao in the afternoon and the stomach was heavily bloated.

    Could you please share the food pattern to be followed after the virechana.

    Thanks
    Regu

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      07/02/2018 - 5:05 pm

      After Vamana or Virechana, the food should be introduced very gradually.
      Rice ganji – without rice – just water for 1 day, multiple times a day.
      Think rice ganji with some rice and more water for the second day
      Semisolid rice ganji with more rice and less water with spices like pepper and ginger on third day
      Normal food from 4th day onward.

      Reply to comment
  • Regu

    08/02/2018 - 10:54 pm

    Many Thanks for your valuable response Sir.

    Regu

    Reply to comment
  • Prakash

    15/03/2018 - 1:49 pm

    Can you please suggest castor oil use for psoriatic very dry and cracked skin condition.

    Reply to comment
  • Venkatesh Prasad

    16/03/2018 - 3:55 pm

    Hello sir, please tel me how much should I consume castor oil and for how many days. What is the procedure and diet after or before consuming castor oil. Thank you sir.

    Reply to comment
  • Garimaa Musaddi

    12/04/2018 - 6:03 pm

    Sir i am pitta vata. My hair is thinning very fast. If I use coconut oil my hair still falls. I applied cold pressed castor oil for a month, it did wonders. But again it started falling very much. Can you suggest something.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    25/04/2018 - 11:00 pm

    Hi, this mixture looks good. Please go ahead.

    Reply to comment
  • babli

    29/05/2018 - 12:01 am

    is castor oil pack safe for any kind of Brest lumps.
    because i read some wrong comment under the you tube video about castor oil pack.
    she say. some time castor oil pack Brest lumps convert in to cancer lumps.
    is it right or not? please anyone tell me about that ???

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      04/06/2018 - 5:50 pm

      It does not convert breast lump into cancer lump. But for any kind of breast lumps, it is always good to consult a surgeon.

      Reply to comment
  • Sumit

    30/11/2020 - 7:14 pm

    Every year during early winters I face flare up of chronic anal fissure post constipation and stool impaction. And then for few days It gets too difficult to pass stool. It feels like Anus is not opening enough to allow stool to evacuate. Or may be the hard stools don’t move due to dryness? I am male, age 35 years.
    Can I apply warm Castor oil (or any other oil? ) in Anus for massage and lubrication twice a day? Can this be used for long term?

    Reply to comment
  • Hareram

    22/12/2020 - 11:09 pm

    Sir, this is an excellent article.
    I have enlarged Prostrate Gland. I clearly notice excellent improvement in urination when I use Castor Oil.
    Please advise how long can I use, how much qty and which time (day/night) is suitable.

    Best regards.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      26/05/2021 - 5:09 pm

      It depends on your age, height and weight. Usually it is safe to use for 4 – 6 weeks time.
      Please consult a doctor directly.

      Reply to comment
  • Hareram v

    20/04/2021 - 4:37 pm

    Sir, how long we can take Castor Oil enema continuously.

    Reply to comment

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