What Is Caster Oil Used For?

Stroll along any pharmacy aisle and you'll find Castor oil on the shelf near Epsom salt and Metamucil. Famous for its unpleasant taste and gag reflex, the primary use of Castor oil is to treat gastrointestinal issues; it has other uses as well.

Oral Use

• Castor oil, taken orally, is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It works by encouraging the bowel to increase movement.

Topical Uses

• Castor oil is often used to treat skin conditions. It acts as a skin moisturizer, according to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. Castor oil can also aid in the removal warts and corns, says Gale's Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.

Considerations

• According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Castor oil works quickly. This laxative should not be used before bedtime. Pregnant women should also avoid Castor oil, as it may cause contractions, MayoClinic.com cautions.

Warning

• Castor oil can interfere with certain medications such as antibiotics, blood-thinning medications, and bone building medicines, cautions the American Academy of Family Physicians. Before taking Castor oil or any other supplement, a health care provider should be consulted to ensure that adverse reactions are avoided.