A concerning TikTok trend involving castor oil has gained significant traction, with over 60,000 posts tagged with “#Castoroil” circulating on the platform. The oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is being touted by creators as a miracle solution for hair growth, complexion improvement, and body detoxification. However, experts are raising alarms about the severe health risks associated with ingesting castor oil.
Jane Clarke, an incontinence nurse at ConfidenceClub, has spoken out against the misinformation spreading on TikTok. “The most dangerous myths we see, time and again on platforms such as TikTok, not just from creators themselves but especially in the comments, are that 1) castor oil is a cure-all for everything, including cancer, and that 2) castor oil is a miracle for weight loss,” Clarke told Newsweek. “There is no scientific evidence that castor oil will have any impact whatsoever on serious illnesses such as cancer. This is simply untrue and these myths are harmful.”
Ingesting castor oil, which is a potent laxative, can lead to serious health issues such as malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Clarke explained that castor oil activates prostaglandin receptors in the body, causing rapid intestinal contractions that prevent proper digestion and solid stool formation. This can result in “explosive diarrhea,” as well as nausea and vomiting. The oil also inhibits fluid absorption in the gut, compounding the risk of dehydration.
Despite claims on TikTok, Clarke emphasized that ingesting castor oil is unsafe. Historically used as a laxative and labor inducer, it is no longer recommended due to the availability of safer medical alternatives. Clarke also dismissed the notion that applying castor oil to the belly button can cure diseases, warning it could simply ruin clothing instead.
The rising popularity of the #Castoroil TikTok trend underscores the need for better public awareness about the potential dangers of following unverified health advice on social media. Experts like Clarke continue to advocate for the use of castor oil only in external applications, where it is considered safe, and caution against internal use due to the severe risks involved.