Health experts weigh in on TikTok’s new castor oil trend with warnings of ‘dangerous complications’

The TikTok frenzy surrounding the health benefits of castor oil has attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers and a number of well-known influencers on the platform. Creators have hailed its variety of uses, from consuming the oil to “detoxify” the body to the benefits of using it as skin care, but experts say otherwise.

Consuming castor oil has been praised for “cleansing the bowels,” aiding overall well-being and aiding weight loss, according to the influencers. According to health professionals, the oil has a definite internal purpose: “Castor oil is known to be a natural laxative.”

Dr. Munir Somji, who boasts a huge following on the platform, noted that the oil is FDA-approved for its laxative effect, as it stimulates muscle movement in the intestines and can help temporarily relieve constipation. This effect may be the inspiration behind the “detox” claims.

However, the doctor warned that it should only be consumed in cases of constipation, noting that excessive consumption can cause negative side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloating and dizziness. He added: “For this reason, it is not used as a first-line remedy for constipation and should only be used under medical supervision.”

He slammed claims that castor oil “detoxifies” the body or helps with weight loss, saying that using it for these purposes over long periods of time “can lead to dangerous complications.” As for the purported skincare benefits behind the thick oil, Dr. Somji noted that the trend might not be too far from the truth.

He shared in a clip, “Castor oil has some essential fatty acids that are good for the skin barrier.” However, despite some influential claims, the doctor clarified that it has no effect on the collagen in the skin and is only recommended for dry skin types.

Jane Clarke, an incontinence nurse at the Confidence Club in Australia, agreed with Dr Somji, telling Newsweek that castor oil is “an excellent moisturiser”. She also doubled down on her criticism of its consumption, despite claims that ancient civilizations used it for this purpose: “It is advisable to avoid ingesting castor oil altogether. The truth is that in 2024 we don’t have to rely on the same laxatives that the ancient Egyptians needed, medicine has moved on and now we have safer options.”