CASTOR OIL LAXATIVE

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the castor bean. Castor oil is not only a laxative. The medical use of castor oil was originally discovered by the Ancient Egyptians possibly as early as 4000 BC. Currently, about 1 % of global castor oil production goes into medical or health store products. It is used to ease constipation and as an emetic to induce vomiting. Consumption of large amounts of castor oil (below lethal doses, such as one bottle) can induce labor in near-term pregnant women. Castor oil, in early American times, was often administered to children as a disciplinary measure. It has also been regarded as beneficial to the eyes, if used as eyedrops.