Castor oil, in the common people just castor oil, is used for a variety of problems. It also has a beneficial effect on the intestines, so it can be used for constipation. However, before use, it is important to familiarize yourself with the drug, its possible forms of release, the features of the product, learn how to drink castor oil for constipation and what are the contraindications.
Features of the composition
Castor oil is made from the castor bean, a plant with poisonous leaves and stems. As a substance that improves intestinal motility, the substance has long been used in traditional medicine. Its unique composition contributes to this:
- ricinoleic acid;
- palmitic acid;
- stearic acid;
- linoleic acid;
- oleic acid;
- tocopherol.
As you can see, the composition is completely natural, somany prefer to use the drug as opposed to other medications.
The action of the components on the body
How to drink castor oil for constipation is indicated in the instructions for use of the remedy. A complex of substances that act on the intestines stimulatingly has a beneficial effect on the body, provoking increased peristalsis.
Ricinoleic acid in the small intestine is affected by water-soluble enzymes and broken down. The following effect occurs:
- irritated intestinal walls;
- reflex movements of the intestinal mucosa increase.
The laxative effect is obtained as a result of frequent contraction of the small and large intestines. At the same time, castor oil has a softening effect on hardened feces.
Often, the remedy is used in conjunction with lemon juice. As a result of this technique, you can get rid of toxins. If you combine the oil with pumpkin seeds, then an antiparasitic effect is found.
Speed of action of the drug
Castor oil is of great use for constipation. Reviews using this tool show that the result can be observed sometimes after two hours. In any case, the effectiveness of the reception occurs no later than six hours later. However, it is worth remembering that the urge to go to the toilet sometimes occurs abruptly, so it is better to stay at home after taking the oil.
As the practice of use shows, the effectiveness and strength of the drug mainly depend onthe individual condition of the patient's body, his weight, age, degree of fullness of the intestines with feces and the amount of food in the stomach.
Castor oil for constipation: how to take
Before using the remedy to eliminate intestinal problems, it is important to study the rules for its use:
- You should try to eat light meals during castor oil treatment, three days before and after treatment.
- Before ingestion, warm the oil in a water bath.
- When used, vomiting may be disturbing, because the product has a pungent odor and a specific taste. It is recommended to drink it in small portions.
- Do not use this medicine for constipation for more than three consecutive days.
- Colon cleansing is best done on weekends or when you can stay at home.
- Recommended before taking to find out the causes of constipation from a doctor and follow his instructions. Castor oil can be used as a supplement.
If the doctor gave the go-ahead for the use of oil, then you must strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage and not violate the regimen.
Instructions
How to take castor oil for constipation in adults and children depends entirely on the form of release of the drug, the age of the patient, his weight and the severity of the problem. Released:
- in the form of oil in glass bottles;
- capsules.
Any of the drugs are notsuitable for the treatment of constipation and can only be used as a first aid to eliminate unpleasant phenomena. In chronic bowel diseases, castor oil is categorically contraindicated.
To speed up the effect on the body of the remedy, it is better to use it:
- in the morning before breakfast;
- before bed, three hours after dinner.
In any case, it is important to follow the recommended dosage exactly.
Methods of taking oil inside
It is possible to use castor oil for constipation. How to take it, tell the doctor or instructions for the drug. The dosage is calculated based on the patient's age and weight.
So, for one kilogram of weight, you need to take one gram of oil. You can drink the drug only once a day. At the same time, the duration of the course cannot exceed three days.
If constipation is temporary and is the result of a malnutrition, you can drink one tablespoon of castor oil once to eliminate the problem.
Instructions for taking capsules
The safest way is to use castor oil capsules for constipation. The instruction suggests that the dosage is also calculated based on the weight of the patient. If an adult has signs of only a short-term absence of stool, then up to 30 capsules can be ingested. Reception should not last more than three days. The pills should be taken at night.
Use in childhood
It is possible to prescribe castor oil to children with constipation. However, patients under 12 years of age such treatment is contraindicated. At an older age, therapy is possible, but only on the recommendation of a doctor. Castor oil for constipation can be offered to a child in the amount of one teaspoon once.
However, doctors warn that the drug can be used in pediatric practice only if there are no more suitable drugs at hand.
Elimination of constipation in the elderly
Castor oil is sometimes prescribed for the elderly with constipation. The fact is that with age, natural changes occur in the intestines and natural peristalsis worsens. But castor oil is considered to be quite strong and effective drugs, so experts advise using it with great care.
If there was no softer remedy at hand, then you can use castor oil. The dosage for constipation in the elderly is only one teaspoon per day. It is better to take the medicine before bed. The allowable course is only three days. If constipation bothers you frequently or does not go away for a long time, it is better to consult a doctor to find out the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Strict contraindications
Castor oil is not always allowed for constipation. The instructions for use also contain information about the prohibition of the use of this tool:
- with individual sensitivity to castor oil and itscomponents;
- if an allergic reaction is recorded;
- during pregnancy (there may be a threat of miscarriage or premature birth);
- during lactation;
- for chronic constipation;
- if there are ulcerative inflammation or erosion;
- in the presence of obstruction of the intestinal tract;
- if there were cases of gastrointestinal bleeding;
- if there is a history of glomerular nephritis;
- under 12 years old.
If you have any doubts about the validity of taking castor oil, it is better to seek the advice of a specialist. In any case, constipation can be eliminated with the help of a well-established diet, and unreasonable use of any drugs can lead to serious consequences.
What are the possible side effects
It seems quite simple and affordable to use castor oil for constipation. Reviews on the Internet confirm this fact, but sometimes use can lead to unpleasant phenomena:
- nausea and vomiting when trying to ingest oil;
- pain in the lower abdomen, which occurs due to increased intestinal motility;
- urging to the toilet, which can be too painful and frequent;
- appearance of bloating and flatulence;
- possible addiction, when the intestines are no longer able to cleanse themselves;
- pregnant women are at risk of increased uterine tone.
Of course, such symptoms may not always disturb the patient. In many cases, therapy passes without negative consequences. HoweverIt is always important to remember that side effects are possible. You should not get involved in such treatment.
Castor oil enema
How to use castor oil for constipation? You can not only use it inside. It is permissible to do a cleansing enema. The procedure is recommended in an emergency, when stool remains in the intestines for too long, or before a planned medical procedure.
To administer the product, you need to mix just a few drops of oil with water prepared for an enema. The procedure is one time. Often experts do not recommend using this method of purification. If you neglect this rule, you can significantly change the intestinal microflora for the worse.
How to drink castor oil for constipation
There are several recipes for constipation using castor oil. With it, you can remove the accumulated feces from the intestines, as well as parasites and toxins. Of course, the above recipes should be discussed with a doctor if there is any doubt about their appropriateness.
Castor oil and lemon
The procedure is performed once. It is better to use the remedy in the evening before going to bed. For purification, it is worth preparing only two products:
- castor oil;
- lemon or grapefruit juice.
The dosage of oil is taken at the rate of one gram per kilogram of weight. Add exactly twice as much lemon juice to it. Before this, the oil should be heated in a water bath.
The way to drinkcastor oil for constipation with lemon juice, in principle, does not differ from the standard. It is better to use the prepared mixture quickly and in large sips. The taste, judging by the reviews, is rather unpleasant, so it is allowed to eat a handful of dried fruits later.
Such cleansing is recommended no more than once a month. Do not get carried away, because castor oil and lemon can provoke digestive problems and disrupt the microflora.
Castor oil and pumpkin seeds
You can use the following recipe and get rid of not only constipation, but also existing parasites. The whole procedure is carried out within three days. At this time, it is important to eat only light foods. For manipulation, you need to prepare:
- castor oil - 1 tbsp. spoon;
- pumpkin seeds - 100 pieces.
Seeds must be cleaned and divided into several portions. During the day, you should eat them in prepared handfuls, and before going to bed you need to drink oil.
More than once a month, such a procedure is prohibited. If symptoms of parasites are present, it is important to be tested before and after therapy to ensure complete elimination.
What doctors say
The pharmaceutical industry today offers a lot of effective and safe drugs against constipation. Castor oil is one of the remedies used in traditional medicine, so it is not usually prescribed by doctors.
Of course, the action of the oil has been tested by the practice of use, but castor oil cannot be considered completely safe. At the same time, expertswarn that constipation can be disturbing for various reasons that are important to find out. It is this circumstance that dictates the prescription of drugs. Only on the basis of an accurate diagnosis can it be correctly eliminated, and castor oil is not always suitable for improving intestinal motility.
Important warning
Castor oil can be used at home for isolated cases of constipation. However, you need to remember that the tool is not allowed to be combined:
- with alcohol;
- with other laxatives.
In the presence of poisoning with fat-soluble poisons, the situation will only get worse.
It must also be remembered that if oil is taken uncontrollably and the recommended dosage is not followed, then complications may arise in the form of:
- prolonged diarrhea (even after drug withdrawal);
- failures in the process of digestion;
- violations in water-s alt metabolism;
- dehydration;
- disturbances in the urinary system.
If oil is used during pregnancy, there is a greater risk of miscarriage or premature birth due to increased uterine tone.
Conclusion
Castor oil can be used at home to relieve constipation. However, you should always be careful not to forget that side effects and addiction are possible. Therefore, in no case should you exceed the dosage and use the oil for more than three days in a row. If the constipation is persistent or does not go away,you need to contact a specialist to find out the cause.
Prohibited constipation therapy with castor oil in children under 12 years of age. But even the treatment of adolescents is better to be carried out with more suitable drugs and offer them oil only for the lack of safe means at the moment. Castor oil is good for short-term constipation and will not cause harm if used only occasionally and with the permission of a doctor.