why is castor oil such a good laxative compared to other oils?

Answer 1

CASTOR OIL - Pressed from the seeds of a member of the spurge family, this oil tastes awful so you don't want to use if for cooking. Traditionally, Castor oil was used as a gentle laxative and to induce vomiting. Today it is used in a large number of industrial products and processes, but not in food. The beans from which it is squeezed also contain ricin, one of the most toxic substances known, but it is not in the oil.

CASTOR OIL is a herbal product and it is used for ages in India for treating constipation from new born children, adults, Old alike for its harmless values and it is know to perfect the digestive system without any side effects. For this reason castor is used in Ayrvedic and herbal medicines to treat various diseases caused in digestive system. Virgin olive oil has an acidity and hence it is not advised for use as a laxtive..

CASTOR oil also known as eranda taila , it has been traditionally used as a purgative. All ayurvedic texts have eulogised it as a panacea for acute and chronic cases of rheumatoid arthritis and there are many classic decoctions and guggul preparations where castor oil is an additive. As a household remedy for such cases, castor oil can be safely taken in a dose of 10 to 20 ml at bed-time with hot milk or used simply by adding it into the wheat flour while making the chapatti. -

Answer 2

Castor oil is very irritant, especially to the lining of the intestine. This irritation increases movement of waste along the intestinal track as the body tries to rid itself of the irritant and thus castor oil acts as a laxative. Be careful not to use too much otherwise you end up with diarrhoea.

Answer 3

Ricnoleic acid, the product of castor oil being acted upon by stomach and intestinal juices is a very poweful irritant. This causes diarrhea. Maximum laxative effect that is.