Last updated: July 2025
Pregnancy and Getting Impatient? You’re Not Alone, Mama.
If your due date has come and gone, or you’re just so done with being pregnant, you’re probably hearing about all kinds of natural ways to get labor going.
One of the most talked-about (and controversial) methods? Castor oil. But … Is it safe? Does it actually work? And most importantly, is it worth trying?
Let’s take a closer look at what the science (and real moms!) have to say.
What Is Castor Oil?
Castor oil is a thick, pale yellow vegetable oil made by pressing the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, also known as castor beans. Despite their toxic compound (ricin), the oil is processed in a way that removes the toxin, making it safe for topical and some internal uses in non-pregnant adults.
Castor oil has been used for centuries as a powerful laxative, a natural moisturizer for skin and hair, and as an anti-inflammatory remedy. More recently, they began to associate it with one of the natural ways to induce labor.
Can Castor Oil Induce Labor — and Is It Safe?
When taken orally, castor oil stimulates the bowels. This can cause spasms in the intestines, which may also trigger uterine contractions. That’s why some believe it can kickstart labor, especially in full-term pregnancies.
What the Research Says: Promising, but Not Risk-Free
Recent studies, including a 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, have shown that castor oil use can significantly increase the likelihood of labor starting within 24 hours, especially in full-term pregnancies. In fact, 81% of women who took castor oil went into labor, compared to 69% in the control group.
Similarly, a randomized controlled trial published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that 70% of participants who took castor oil went into labor within 24 hours, compared to just 16% in the placebo group.
So why isn’t it routinely recommended by doctors and midwives?
Despite those promising numbers, most healthcare providers do not recommend castor oil as a method for inducing labor. They believe that the associated risks (find them below) outweigh any potential benefits. Given that there are safer, medically supervised methods for labor induction available, it is advisable to avoid using castor oil.
Additionally, the studies supporting castor oil’s effectiveness were small, lacked consistent dosing, and did not track long-term outcomes.
As UT Southwestern Medical Center explains:
“Castor oil causes uterine contractions by irritating the intestines, but it doesn’t reliably lead to effective labor. We don’t recommend it as a method of labor induction.”
Typical Dosage Used in Studies (not a recommendation!)
Most anecdotal and clinical uses involved:
- 30–60 ml (1–2 oz) of castor oil mixed with juice or tea to mask the taste
- Maximum is 3 doses in one day (if no effect after the first)
⚠️ Important: This dosage is not universally recommended and should never be used without your doctor or midwife’s guidance.
Quick Comparison: Castor Oil for Labor
| Aspect | Castor Oil Use | Medical Induction |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | ~50–80% may go into labor within 24 hours (if overdue) | Highly effective (under supervision) |
| Timeframe | Often 6–24 hours after use | Immediate to 24 hours (depending on method) |
| Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fetal distress | Possible, but closely monitored in the hospital |
| Safety | Not recommended without doctor approval | Safe under medical supervision |
| Dose Control | Difficult to dose safely at home | Precise and tailored |
Risks & Side Effects of Drinking Castor Oil During Pregnancy
Let’s be real, castor oil is not a gentle option. If you take it, you might face:
🔴 Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe diarrhea
- Painful or irregular contractions
- Cramps
- Dehydration and exhaustion
- Fetal stress, including meconium release (baby passes stool in the womb, which is a sign of distress)
⚠️ Rare but serious concerns:
- Preterm labor (if taken too early)
- Risk of uterine rupture, especially in women with previous C-sections
- Baby swallowing meconium, which can lead to breathing issues after birth
Is It Safe to Use Castor Oil on the Skin During Pregnancy?
Yes, and this is where castor oil can shine for pregnant mamas! Castor oil is a great natural moisturizer and can help with:
- Dry skin and stretch marks
- Itchiness on the belly
- Boosting skin elasticity (thanks to its fatty acids and vitamin E)
How to Use Topically:
- Warm a few drops of castor oil in your palms
- Massage gently into the belly, hips, or breasts
- Do a patch test first to rule out allergic reactions
💡 A Note on Skin Sensitivities:
While castor oil is considered safe for external use during pregnancy, some women may experience:
- Mild allergic reactions (like redness or itching — patch testing helps prevent this)
- Clogged pores, especially on the chest or shoulders, if you’re prone to breakouts
If you notice irritation, switch to a lighter oil like sweet almond or jojoba.
⚠️ Avoid applying castor oil to the nipple area if breastfeeding because the baby can ingest it!
Safer, Natural Ways to Help Labor Along
I totally get it, mama — those last days can feel like forever.
If you’re eager to meet your baby but want something gentler than castor oil, here are some natural, low-risk ideas you can discuss with your care provider:
- Red raspberry leaf tea (from ~32 weeks)
- Prenatal yoga and walking
- Acupressure or acupuncture
- Eating dates (shown to help with cervical ripening)
- Nipple stimulation
- Membrane sweep (done by your midwife or OB)
Should You Try to Induce Labor at Home?
Unless your doctor has a medical reason to intervene, it’s usually best to let labor begin naturally.
Your baby may need just a few more days, and your body is doing important prep work you can’t see yet. Trying to “force” labor when your body isn’t ready can actually backfire.
⚠️ Always talk to your OB or midwife before trying any labor-inducing method.
FAQ: Castor Oil and Labor – Quick Answers
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Castor Oil to Induce Labor?
I know how tempting it is when you’re 40+ weeks and beyond tired. I’ve been there too, counting the hours, googling everything under the sun, and thinking “What if this could help?”
But honestly? Castor oil just isn’t worth the risk! It might work, sure. But it also might leave you on the toilet, cramping, nauseous, and still very much pregnant.
➡️ Topical use? Totally safe and soothing.
➡️ Drinking it? Better to skip and let nature — or your OB — lead the way.
Take a deep breath, trust your body, and know that your baby will be in your arms very, very soon.