Castor oil for weight loss? Experts weigh in on benefits, risks

On social media, castor oil has become a popular trend for various uses, from hair growth to weight loss.

There have been millions of posts about the vegetable oil on TikTok, with many creators sharing how they’ve used it to improve their health.

In more controversial cases, creators have applied castor oil directly to their belly buttons — and have even taken to drinking it as a detox and weight-loss method, since the FDA has approved castor oil as a natural laxative.

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While some people on the internet have reported positive results, experts are warning that castor oil consumption could be dangerous for overall health.

Registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein told Fox News Digital she has "never heard of castor oil being used for anything other than its traditional applications." 

The Los Angeles-based expert assumed that a primary use is for short-term, mild weight loss, since castor oil acts as a laxative.

"Laxatives can dehydrate you and cause dependency," she said. "There are much safer alternatives." 

She added, "If you're having trouble in the bathroom, try increasing your water intake, adding more fiber to your diet and getting more exercise. Speak with your doctor or dietitian if you have any questions."

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Katrina Mattingly, M.D., chief medical officer at Option Medical Weight Loss in Chicago, said castor oil is a "tried-and-true, old-school laxative."

She told Fox News Digital in an email, "The first thing that comes to mind is diarrhea."

"I remember my 97-year-old grandmother giving it to us as kids, along with prune juice, when our GI systems needed help moving things along," Mattingly said.

Castor oil "hastens our bodies’ elimination of solid waste products and also rids the body of essential water," the expert noted.

While this can trigger weight loss, Mattingly said that "along with all the solid waste and essential water going down the toilet are essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and chloride" — which can lead to deficiencies.

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While castor oil can be helpful in relieving occasional constipation, overusing it as a laxative can lead to the bowels becoming dependent on laxatives, Mattingly warned, "making it difficult to go naturally on your own."

The obesity doctor emphasized that she would not recommend castor oil for weight loss in any capacity.

"Although castor oil has been in use for centuries for a variety of reasons, from body detoxification to vision problems to labor induction, there's no safety data to recommend routine use for any of these conditions, except constipation," she said.

Current scientific studies and research do not support its use solely for the purpose of weight loss, the doctor noted.

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Mattingly said she would recommend ingesting castor oil in "small amounts" only for occasional bouts of constipation if it has worked in the past.

"Just remember to hydrate to replace the fluid loss, and if you have long-term or chronic constipation, that warrants a trip to your physician."

‘Massive detox’ or health hazard?

Women’s health expert Dr. Mindy Pelz advocated for the use of castor oil packs to regulate organ function and move toxins through the body.

The California-based doctor claimed that castor oil can absorb through the skin and move into the organs "very easily."

"When it goes into our system, it creates dilation," Pelz said to Fox News Digital. "It's so simple, and so inexpensive … You could just rub it over your liver and gallbladder. You need castor oil to stay on there for two hours for it to … start to dilate these organs."

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Pelz recommended applying castor oil at night, up to three times a week, for a "massive detox that opens the whole system up."

Mattingly, however, countered that castor oil "does not show promise in having inflammatory, antimicrobial properties or antioxidant properties."

And while viral social media claims are often based on personal experiences, Mattingly noted that certain applications may not have the same effect on everyone.

"When it comes to medical weight loss, leave that to the experts to ensure you are undergoing a safe and effective plan that won't leave you miserable or taking that dreaded trip to the ER," she advised.

Other castor oil applications

There are a few traditional applications for castor oil, including applying it to the scalp or eyelashes to promote hair growth, as well as using it on the belly button for better sleep, Muhlstein said.

"Some people say it helps ease muscle tension and promotes deeper sleep," she said. "Just be cautious," she added, "because I’ve heard that using too much of it can make you feel lethargic."

Another potential use for castor oil is as a topical treatment for skin irritations or scars, Muhlstein added.

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"People have reported positive results," she said. "So, if you've got any annoying skin issues, it might be worth giving it a try, but always consult with a dermatologist for bigger issues."

Mattingly recommended rubbing castor oil on your stomach or skin as a moisturizer only — but not for weight loss.

"Also, castor oil can have an unforgettable smell," she warned. "So be prepared for this, particularly if using it on the face or hair."

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