Does Castor Oil Help You Lose Weight?

The use of castor oil for weight loss has been gaining popularity in recent times. While the oil is known to be good for your hair, it also might help you shed some extra calories. It is extracted from the Ricinus communis plant found in India. The oil boosts metabolism, reduces inflammation, supports digestion, prevents fat absorption, and acts as a laxative to help reduce fat. In fact, castor oil has been used for ages to treat many health issues. It is time to bid adieu to fad diets and weight loss pills that break the bank. Here’s how to use castor oil for weight loss and shed 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Read on!

What Is The Source Of Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a viscous and pale yellow oil obtained by pressing the seeds of Ricinus communis plant. It has a distinct taste and odor and is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (1). The yellow oil is replete with necessary nutrients like Vitamin E and minerals. It boasts of amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties (2). It is mostly used as a food preservative, additive, in candies, and in packaging (3). It is known to stimulate hair growth and act as a laxative (4), (5). Castor oil offers a wide range of health benefits, and you can use it in several ways. Many pharmaceutical companies are using it as a component to manufacture various medicines ranging from preventing fungal infections to chemotherapy.

It is also an essential ingredient to make popular cosmetics and soaps. One of the significant benefits of this oil is that it can help you shed that stubborn flab. People who have hit a plateau in terms of their weight can add castor oil to their diet. Soon, they will be inching towards being fit from fat! These therapeutic properties make it a secret natural ingredient to achieving good health and fitness. Castor oil works by stimulating your body to get rid of extra water (reduced water retention) and toxins, leaving the fat as it is (3). Hence, castor oil may be only useful for losing weight for a short period.

How To Use Castor Oil For Weight Loss?

Orally consuming three teaspoons or one tablespoon of castor oil may help lose weight. It may act by suppressing your appetite, thereby reducing your food intake. However, there is limited research in this regard. It may also boost fat metabolism by improving bowel movement (6). It can alleviate the problem of water retention in your body and help you lose weight – at least a few pounds (3). However, castor oil alone cannot help you reach your ideal weight. If you decide to use it, ensure to do so as a part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. Also, keep in mind that castor oil is a potent laxative, and hence, you should not use it over a long period. Excessive consumption of castor oil can lead to an electrolyte and fluid imbalance in the body (4), (7). It also can irritate your gastrointestinal tract (3). So, here’s how to use castor oil for weight loss. Taking an expert’s advice can be beneficial here.

1. Oral Consumption

Take two to three teaspoons of castor oil before breakfast. Many people do not like its taste. So, you can mix it with some juice. Soon after consumption, you will find yourself rushing to the toilet, as it will facilitate your bowel movement. You can continue this regimen for a week and check your weight. You will surely be successful in losing weight with castor oil. Do not prolong the intake of castor oil, as it can cause serious health problems like weakening of the colon and chronic constipation.

Quick Tip

Avoid using castor oil if you have abdominal issues like stomach pain as it may otherwise cause cramping or diarrhea (just like other laxatives).

2. Topical Application

Warm a tablespoon of castor oil over medium flame. When the oil is warm, but not hot, massage it on your abdomen. The topical application may help you burn excess fat in the belly region. Also, indulge in some form of physical activity for effective weight management. However, there is insufficient evidence to prove that castor helps burn belly fat.

The application of castor oil may also help tighten and rejuvenate your sagging skin, be it post-pregnancy or otherwise.

Now, let us come to the burning problem that many of us face. Belly fat! Nothing is as stubborn as tummy fat, and you must get rid of it as it is the mother of a host of other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc (8). Here’s how you can use castor oil to get rid of belly fat.

How To Use Castor Oil To Lose Belly Fat?

You can use castor oil topically to burn the stubborn fat in the abdominal region. Be it post pregnancy, binge eating or lack of exercise, belly fat is unflattering. Here is what you need to do to get rid of belly fat and chisel your tummy.

1. Castor Oil Wrap To Lose Belly Fat

What You Need

• 3 tablespoons castor oil
• Plastic wrap
• Hot water bag
• A piece of flannel to cover your belly
• A rolled towel

How To Use

1. Lie down comfortably and support your back with the rolled towel.
2. Take castor oil in your fingertips and apply it on your tummy in a circular motion. Massage the area for 10 minutes.
3. Now, cover your tummy with the flannel and cover the belly area with the plastic wrap.
4. Finally, keep the hot water bag on top of the plastic wrap.
5. Relax and wait for 10 minutes before removing the wrap and flannel.
6. Do this on a regular basis to see the desired results.

Quick Tip

If you want to use pure castor oil, pick an organic version and follow the instructions on the product label to avoid the side effects of overconsumption.

2. Castor Oil & Cranberry Juice To Lose Belly Fat

What You Need

• 15 ml castor oil
• 1 cup cranberry juice

How To Prepare

1. Put castor oil in a cup of cranberry juice.
2. Stir and drink on an empty stomach.

Tips 

You can consume castor oil to lose tummy fat.

3. Castor Oil & Ginger Tea To Lose Belly Fat 

What You Need

• 1-inch ginger root, crushed
• 1 green tea bag
• 1 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 cup water

How To Prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Toss in the crushed ginger root and boil for 3 minutes.
3. Remove from flame and strain it into a cup.
4. Steep the green tea bag for 1 minute.
5. Squeeze the tea bag, add castor oil, and stir well before drinking.

Tressey Adams, a YouTuber, spoke about her weight loss journey. She said, “Being 60 pounds over normal body weight, for me, that was a threat, that my body signaled as oops, inflammation and then BAM! Belly fat (i).” She further demonstrated how she used a castor oil wrap pack and consumed two teaspoons of castor oil with lemon ginger tea to reduce belly fat.

Apply these natural remedies to lose weight and to lose stubborn tummy fat. Castor oil has other benefits as well. Let’s find out what they are.

Other Amazing Benefits Of Castor Oil

1. Detoxification

Consumption of castor oil can help in the detoxification of the body besides weight loss.

When you ingest castor oil, it starts stimulating the digestive organs responsible for the waste removal. Purging the toxins from the body helps keep the body healthy.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

When you add a dash of castor oil to your diet to lose weight, you can also enjoy its antimicrobial properties (2). It will help keep fungal infections at bay. You may also experience a remarkable decrease in pain (analgesic properties) and itching (9), (10). The oil may also reduce blockages like abnormal masses and lymph.

3. Helps Reduce Acne

Castor oil is rich in vitamin E, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Since acne is caused due to inflammation caused by bacterial infection, consuming or applying castor oil may reduce acne (11), (12).

4. Prevents Constipation

Castor is a laxative and can help improve bowel movement and flush out toxins. It is great for those who suffer from constipation on a regular basis. Consume castor oil with apple juice in the morning (13).

5. Boosts Immunity

When applied topically, castor oil boosts the immune cells or the T-11 cells. These promote the formation of antibodies that fight against foreign pathogens (14).

6. Prevents Hair Loss

Castor oil, when applied on hair, may prevent dandruff, dry scalp, patches, etc. which are the leading causes of hair loss. Also, massaging the scalp with castor oil promotes thicker and longer hair.

A total of 340 participants in this study completed a survey, and 327 of them reported trying self-scalp massages (SSMs). The participants informed spending an average of 11 to 20 minutes per day on their massage. They continued the routine for an average of 7.4 ± 6.6 months, and 68.9% of SSM participants said their hair loss had stabilized or even started to grow back.

You can also mix castor oil with coconut oil, apply on the scalp and leave it on overnight. Use castor oil two to three times a week for better results. However, more studies are warranted in this regard owing to limited research.

7. May Delay Skin Aging

Castor oil, when applied topically, stimulates collagen and elastin production. However, there is insufficient evidence to back these claims. It also moisturizes the skin, thereby preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants in castor oil help scavenge free oxygen radicals, which, in turn, help to keep the skin young and healthy (2).

It is clear that castor oil is of great help. Check out the next section for the different types of castor oil.

Types Of Castor Oil

Castor oil is primarily of two types:

• Clear Or Yellow Castor Oil

It is extracted from castor seeds at a temperature not exceeding 49 °C (120 °F). There is no use of heat or chemicals during the refining process. The low heat helps the oil retain most of its natural properties and nutrients. This oil has a mild, nutty aroma.

• Jamaican Black Castor Oil

It is extracted by pressing roasted castor seeds, which gives it a dark brown or black color and a distinctive roasted scent. The roasting process helps enhance the oil’s effectiveness. It is popularly used for hair and scalp care.

You may use any of these types, depending on your personal preference and needs. But where can you find the best castor oil that’s pocket-friendly as well? Find out next.

Where To Buy Castor Oil?

You can buy castor oil online or at any of the local Ayurveda stores. Check the label for directions of usage. If it says you should not consume it, then you must look for good brands that sell edible castor oil.

What Are The Best Brands Of Castor Oil?

• Dabur Erand Tail (Castor Oil)
• Humdard Castor Oil
• Pure Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil USDA Certified
• Majestic Pure Castor Oil
• Organic Castor Oil 100% USDA Certified Pure
• Now Foods Castor Oil

As with most ingredients, there are a few side effects of castor oil you should know. Scroll down to know more.

Castor Oil Side Effects

Consuming more than the recommended dosage of castor oil can be dangerous. Here’s what it can cause (3), (4), (15), (16).

• Diarrhea
• Muscle cramp
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Skin rashes
• Ricin toxicity

Safety Precautions

• Consult your doctor before consuming castor oil for weight loss.
• To consume castor oil, buy edible-grade castor oil.
• Do not consume castor oil for more than 7 consecutive days.

Infographic: Top 3 Ways To Use Castor Oil For Weight Loss

Castor oil is a versatile ingredient that is not only nutritious and healthy but also used extensively as a preservative and in cooking. However, the most exciting of its benefits is its role in aiding weight loss. In the infographic below, we have listed the top 3 ways in which you can introduce castor oil into your weight loss diet to shed some stubborn pounds. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proper storage and shelf life of castor oil for weight loss purposes?

Store castor oil in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark, tightly sealed glass bottle. It can last up to 2 years; however, keep checking the oil for signs of deterioration and rancidity.

Are there any potential interactions between castor oil and other medications?

Possibly yes. Studies indicate that castor oil’s strong laxative effects may significantly hamper the absorption of oral medications (4).

What happens if you consume castor oil every day?

Castor oil is a powerful laxative and may cause diarrhea and nausea-like symptoms if consumed in excess.

Does castor oil remove cellulite?

Regular castor oil massages may treat inflammation and help boost subcutaneous blood circulation. This can gradually help reduce the appearance of cellulite on your skin. However, such claims are based on anecdotal evidence as there is no scientific research backing the efficacy of castor oil in the treatment of cellulite.

Does castor oil cleanse the liver?

Yes, it helps remove toxins from the body. You may also prevent or treat constipation using castor oil due to its detoxing and laxative properties.

Does castor oil reduce bloating?

Yes. When consumed in moderation, it can help reduce bloating caused by chronic constipation.

Can castor oil raise cholesterol?

No. According to medical research, a diet of castor oil significantly reduced cholesterol levels in weanling rats (1). Hence, consuming castor oil in moderation can help regulate cholesterol levels in the body.

Is castor oil good for your eyes?

Yes, castor oil benefits dry eyes by enhancing the thickness of the lipid layer of the tear film. It is also used to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a common eye condition that often leads to dry eyes (2, 3).

Illustration: Does Castor Oil Help You Lose Weight?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to use castor oil for weight loss with these easy fitness tips. Check out this video to discover the benefits of this natural remedy and start your journey to a healthier you.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Merlin Annie RajRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist

   

Merlin Annie Raj is a Registered Dietitian based out of Hyderabad, India. She has 14 years of experience in Clinical Nutrition as well as teaching Nutrition and Dietetics to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She was awarded the ‘President’s Award’ at the 47th Annual National Conference of the Indian Dietetic Association, 2014.

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Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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