Evidence supporting the use of: Castor oil
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Castor oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in various cultures for women's health issues, including labor induction and postpartum care. In some folk practices, castor oil is used after childbirth, sometimes topically or orally, with the belief that it can help expel lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge), speed uterine involution, and relieve afterbirth pains (the cramping as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size). However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence to specifically support the use of castor oil for afterbirth pain. Most of the available scientific literature on castor oil focuses on its use as a laxative or as a labor inducer, not for postpartum uterine pain. The mechanism of action that is sometimes cited—stimulation of smooth muscle contraction via ricinoleic acid—relates more to its laxative effect than targeted relief of uterine cramping. In summary, the use of castor oil for afterbirth pain is rooted in tradition, but there is minimal scientific validation for this particular indication.

More about castor oil
More about Afterbirth Pain

Products containing castor oil

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.