Castor oil has been trending on social media recently, with people praising its many uses.
Many pregnant women on TikTok claim to have taken castor oil to stimulate labor, with mixed results.
But some experts warn this may not be safe.
Expert Discusses Benefits and Risks of Using Castor Oil for Weight Loss
In response to the trend, Liesel Teen, a labor and delivery nurse in North Carolina, posted a video on TikTok in August 2023, emphasizing that all pregnant women should consult with their doctor before relying on castor oil.
Teen acknowledged that in some cases, castor oil can be “very effective in inducing labor in certain circumstances.”
A birth nurse shared a warning on TikTok that using castor oil to induce pregnancy isn’t suitable for everyone. (iStock)
These situations include women who are past their due date, have a Bishop score above 6, or have given birth before. (The Bishop score is a tool health care providers use to determine whether or not induction of labor is necessary.)
Experts warned that not only is castor oil “unpalatable”, it also acts “as a very powerful laxative”.
Does sunscreen cause cancer? Doctor denies claims circulating on social media
“If you’re a first-time mom and you’re around 37, 38, or 39 weeks pregnant, [along] “If you take castor oil to try to induce labour when your cervix isn’t contracting or dilating, all you’ll get is severe diarrhoea,” Teen says.
“But if you’re already in labour or your body is feeling like, ‘OK, push a bit more,’ and you’ve spoken to your healthcare provider and are OK with taking castor oil, then castor oil might be right for you,” she says.
One doctor warned that there is “limited scientific evidence” supporting the effectiveness of castor oil to induce pregnancy. (iStock)
“Scientific evidence is limited”
Castor oil has been suggested as a natural way to induce labor, but “there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness,” advises Dr. Melane Chuang, an obstetrician-gynecologist at NYU Langone.
“It’s something that midwives use a lot, so it shouldn’t hurt to try it once,” she told Fox News Digital.
FDA approves first at-home sterile insemination kit to help with fertility treatment: ‘It gives me goosebumps’
“Castor oil helps promote bowel movements, [so it] It may be effective in cases of constipation.”
Chuang recommended consulting an obstetrician-gynaecologist before trying any methods to induce pregnancy, as medical professionals can offer advice based on a woman’s specific situation and medical history.
For more health stories, visit www.foxnews/health
There are alternative, holistic methods to ease labour pains, including acupuncture, breathing exercises and relaxation, she noted.
Chuang says taking a warm bath or shower can also help relieve discomfort, as can massage and aromatherapy.
According to the NIH, castor oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant, which is commonly found in eastern regions of the world. (iStock)
“Gentle massage and the use of essential oils can help relieve tension and relax you during labour,” she adds.
Natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola also says that these relaxation techniques may help with overall pain relief.
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
“These natural methods can promote a more relaxing and calming birth experience,” the Florida-based doctor told Fox News Digital.
“While these alternative approaches may offer benefits, [that women] I will consult with [their] Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments, especially if you’re pregnant.”
Experts recommend using relaxation techniques and certain foods to aid in labor. (iStock)
Eating certain foods high in fiber, such as pineapple, dates and prunes, may also aid in labor, Chuang added.
Click here to get the FOX News app
Castor oil can also be used in other ways to promote health, Mercola said.
These include moisturizing skin and hair, calming digestive problems, relieving menstrual discomfort, and supporting the immune system.
