The so-called "This Oil" that's causing a fuss for weight loss... Just one teaspoon? Actually,

Recently, there is a boom of 'castor oil' on TikTok. People are using castor oil in various ways, such as rubbing it on the abdomen or navel to reduce bloating, or applying it to the face before bed to wake up with moist skin. Among these, there seems to be an increasing number of people drinking it for weight loss.

Recently, the UK daily Mirror introduced a boom in castor oil and pointed out that the diet tips using this oil are spreading indiscriminately on TikTok. Over 100,000 posts have been uploaded on TikTok alone, with many people participating in the castor oil trend and attempting weight loss. Experts have expressed concern about this trend.

Odorless, rich castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the castor bean plant, which is a flowering plant commonly found in the eastern region. The seeds of the castor bean plant are cold-pressed to produce the oil, which has been used as a natural medicine since ancient times. According to reports, it has been used as a laxative for constipation for hundreds of years, and additionally, it has effects such as wound healing, hair health, pain relief, and acne reduction.

Generally, castor oil is known not only for its soothing properties but also for its rich fatty acid content, which provides excellent moisturizing effects. It helps trap moisture, keeping the skin soft and smooth. It is used in many cosmetics such as lotions, lip balms, and makeup, making it effective in promoting hydration.

A study examining the benefits of castor oil also found that ricinoleic acid, a major fatty acid in castor oil, helps stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles. This effect has the same impact on the female uterus and can be used to induce labor.

There is no proven effect on weight loss; be cautious of side effects.

However, there is no proven effect on weight loss. Experts say, "While some people claim that the laxative effect of castor oil may help with weight loss, there are no specific studies investigating this, and theoretically, relieving constipation could lead to weight reduction by eliminating waste from the digestive system." However, weight loss resulting from relief of constipation may be due to the removal of body waste from the digestive tract.

In conclusion, there is no evidence that castor oil directly or indirectly aids weight loss by increasing metabolism or reducing hunger, apart from relieving constipation.

Jane Clark, a specialist nurse in incontinence at Confidence Club, warns that even a small amount of castor oil can cause severe diarrhea, and she mentioned that castor oil has historically been used medically as a laxative to treat constipation and to induce labor in full-term pregnant women.

Jane said, "Selling health products or supplements based on castor oil as outdated advice, a combination of folk remedies and influencers, may be a way to make money on the platform." She added, "If you believe this and follow it exactly, you won't see any weight loss effects."

Actually, consuming castor oil can cause severe diarrhea even in small amounts. Large doses may lead to abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration from prolonged diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Contrary to what TikTok influencers say, Jane advises that it is best to avoid taking castor oil altogether.

The side effects of castor oil are as follows.

Castor oil can induce uterine contractions in pregnant women.

Regular use should be avoided for children under 12 years old.

Avoid intake if you have certain health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or appendicitis.

It can worsen intestinal diseases in adults aged 60 and over.