Can I use Castor Oil during pregnancy?
Written by: Heather Tanti R.P.N (non-practicing)
Medically reviewed by: Victoria Williams R.H.N.
Est. reading time: 15 minutes
Within a mother’s heart lies hidden stories of incredible strength, shared in the lullabies sung to nurture the hopes, dreams, and the tiny life growing inside.
Pregnancy is a canvas on which life flourishes, a journey marked with unfading symbols of love and sacrifice. However, behind the soft glow and beauty of motherhood lies the unspoken toll it takes on a woman’s body. Can you relate?
On the hunt for relief and support, mothers-to-be turn to remedies like Castor Oil, seeking solace from the stretch marks, tiredness, and the telltale signs of this beautiful journey etched upon their skin.
But with this come questions of uncertainty…
Is it safe?… How can it be used? …
With so much conflicting information, where do you begin? This blog will aim to answer those pressing questions, finding ways for you to find comfort in Mother Nature’s nourishing touch.
Can I drink Castor Oil while pregnant?
In the whirlwind of advice and home remedies, the idea of drinking Castor Oil in late-stage pregnancy is sure to come up in conversation. It’s a question that’s likely to cross the minds of many expectant mothers searching for relief, as it’s thought to be a quick way to induce labor…
We get it, those last few weeks of pregnancy can feel like an eternity, right? And you might be tempted to try anything to kickstart labor… But, before you reach for that bottle of Castor Oil, let’s talk about the potential dangers.
Why drinking Castor Oil can be risky?
You’ve probably heard the rumors- some people swear by drinking Castor Oil to induce labor. The idea is that it works by irritating your bowels that causes contractions of the intestines and uterus.
But here’s the thing: It’s risky business.
Drinking Castor Oil during pregnancy puts you and your baby at risk, and it should ONLY be done under the supervision of your doctor or midwife.
Even if it’s taken in late-stage pregnancy as a support to induce labor, it can cause stomach cramps, and a one-way ticket to diarrhea town.
Not exactly the glamorous entrance into labor you had in mind, right?
Castor Oil during pregnancy may cause preterm labor
Castor Oil is known to stimulate the bowels and cause contractions in the intestines. Once released in the intestine, it binds to receptors in the smooth muscle cells of the intestinal walls, causing them to contract and move waste through the colon2.
This is why Castor Oil is often used as a natural laxative, and when used during pregnancy may lead to uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature labor and delivery, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.
It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using any natural remedies during pregnancy.
Castor Oil’s star ingredient: Ricinoleic acid
This makes it a popular choice for a variety of uses, from promoting hair growth to relieving constipation. When applied topically, it can help hydrate and moisturize dry skin, and may even help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
With its many benefits and versatile uses, it’s no wonder Castor Oil has been a staple in natural medicine for centuries, agreed?
However, to be on the safe side, since it’s unclear whether the topical use of Castor Oil could promote uterine contractions, it should be avoided during pregnancy altogether.
Can a Castor Oil Pack be worn during pregnancy?
Castor Oil Packs are a wonderful approach to natural self-care, and are ideal for supporting gentle liver detox, lymphatic drainage, balanced inflammation and deeper sleep (just to name a few!).
However, whether you’re a long time Castor Oil Pack user or you’re new to this wonderful self-care practice, you will have to put your beloved Castor Oil Pack aside for the duration of your pregnancy.
Why is this? Well, because Castor Oil is widely used by midwives to stimulate labor when consumed orally5, it is unclear if topical application has the same effect. To err on the side of caution, it is best to avoid Castor Oil Packs during pregnancy to limit any potential risks to you or your baby.
How to use Castor Oil Packs postpartum
Congratulations, Momma! You made it to the postpartum period, which is a testament to the strength and resilience of your body after 9 months of nurturing new life. It’s natural to feel a bit lost in this new chapter, especially when it comes to postpartum care.
Are you wondering how or where to get started with Castor Oil Packs now that your pregnancy is over? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place!
Postpartum is a crucial time for new mothers, and it’s important to prioritize self-care during this period.
A Castor Oil Pack worn on the pelvic area is a natural way to support your body’s recovery process, and bring you some much-deserved comfort!
Wearing a pelvic Castor Oil Pack may help your organs reset by supporting inflammation balance6 and circulation via nitric oxide promotion7. They’re also great for relaxation and stress-relief (every new momma’s dream!)
The Queen of the Thrones® Pelvis & Hips Castor Oil Pack is like a comforting warm hug for your pelvic area that deeply deserves some tender loving care.
As always, make sure to check with your healthcare provider before trying any new postpartum care routines.
Click the button below to download your FREE infographic: Castor Oil Packs Postpartum.
Conclusion
Thanks for having this heart-to-heart chat with us about navigating Castor Oil during pregnancy. While a supportive practice to enjoy daily, it’s important to remember to put your beloved Castor Oil Packs and Castor Oil aside for the duration of your pregnancy.
Thankfully, you can begin to look forward to creating a postpartum self-care routine that is natural and safe once your baby arrives with Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil Packs.
Don’t forget to download your Postpartum Guide on Castor Oil Packs!
Wishing you warmth and wellness during this special time.
Disclaimer: Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil is for topical use only. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new practice. Do not use Queen of the Thrones® Castor Oil during pregnancy or on open wounds. This is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. This is not medical advice. This is for educational purposes only. Results vary.
Click here for references
- Kozhimannil KB, Johnson PJ, Attanasio LB, Gjerdingen DK, McGovern PM. Use of nonmedical methods of labor induction and pain management among U.S. women. Birth. 2013;40(4):227–236. doi:10.1111/birt.12064 PMID: 24344703
- Sorin Tunaru,a Till F. Althoff,a Rolf M. Nüsing,b Martin Diener,c and Stefan Offermannsa,d,1 Castor oil induces laxation and uterus contraction via ricinoleic acid activating prostaglandin EP3 receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Jun 5; 109(23): 9179–9184. Published online 2012 May 21. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1201627109 PMID: 22615395
- Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362
- Al-Mamun MA, Akter Z, Uddin MJ, Ferdaus KM, Hoque KM, Ferdousi Z, Reza MA. Characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of crude protein extracts isolated from the seed of Ricinus communis in Bangladesh. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jul 12;16:211. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1185-y. PMID: 27405609; PMCID: PMC4942971.
- Moradi M, Niazi A, Mazloumi E, Lopez V. Effect of Castor Oil on Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharmacopuncture. 2022 Jun 30;25(2):71-78. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2022.25.2.71. PMID: 35837141; PMCID: PMC9240406.
- Vieira C et al. .Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2000;9(5):223-8 PMID: 11200362
- Mascolo N1, Izzo AA, Autore G, Barbato F, Capasso F.Nitric oxide and castor oil-induced diarrhea.J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1994 Jan;268(1):291-5. PMID: 8301570
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