What Kind of Castor Oil Can You Drink?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has been officially recognized by the FDA as a safe and effective stimulant laxative for temporary constipation. Understanding what kind of castor oil you can drink is crucial to avoid potentially harmful types not meant for ingestion.

Quick Summary

Only specific grades of castor oil are suitable for oral consumption. Consumers must select products clearly labeled as USP Grade or Food Grade, which are processed to remove the toxic compound ricin and are free from industrial solvents.

Key Points

Select Specific Grades: Only drink castor oil labeled as "USP Grade" or "Food Grade" to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Avoid Industrial Types: Never ingest castor oil not explicitly labeled for internal use, as it may contain harmful solvents and impurities.
Verify Processing: Opt for cold-pressed castor oil labeled for internal use, as it retains purity and avoids chemical extraction residues.
Primary Use: Castor oil is FDA-approved only as a stimulant laxative for temporary constipation relief.
Follow Usage Guidelines: Adhere strictly to recommended usage guidelines and do not use long-term to prevent side effects like dehydration.
Consult a Professional: Pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid castor oil unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Not all castor oil is created equal, especially when it comes to internal use. While commonly used in cosmetics and industrial applications, only certain types are manufactured to the purity standards required for safe drinking. The key difference lies in the processing method and the resulting grade of the oil.

The Crucial Requirement: Food Grade or USP Grade

The most important factor when choosing castor oil to drink is the labeling. You must select an oil specifically designated as "Food Grade" or "USP Grade" (United States Pharmacopeia).

USP Grade Castor Oil: This pharmaceutical grade oil meets strict purity and quality standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia. It is refined to ensure high purity and is appropriate for medicinal applications, including oral consumption.
Food Grade Castor Oil: This oil is processed under sanitary conditions and is deemed safe for consumption, typically free of solvents like hexane.

These grades guarantee that the oil does not contain ricin, a deadly toxin present in raw castor beans. The manufacturing process for edible castor oil deactivates and removes this toxin, making the final oil safe for ingestion in recommended amounts.

Types of Castor Oil and Their Suitability for Drinking

Cold-Pressed Castor Oil

Cold-pressed castor oil is extracted using mechanical pressure at low temperatures, which helps preserve its natural chemical composition, including beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. If a castor oil is labeled both cold-pressed and food/USP grade, it is an excellent choice for internal use due to its purity and minimal processing.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)

Jamaican Black Castor Oil is made by first roasting the castor beans, which gives it a dark color and a distinct smoky smell due to the presence of ash. While JBCO is popular for hair and skin care and is considered safe for topical use, it is generally not the preferred type for internal consumption. While some sources suggest it can be ingested, cold-pressed, pale yellow castor oil that is specifically USP grade is more commonly recommended and regulated for internal medicinal use as a laxative.

Industrial Grade Castor Oil (PROHIBITED)

Never drink castor oil that is not explicitly labeled for internal use. Industrial-grade castor oil is used in lubricants, paints, and plastics and may contain chemical solvents and impurities unsuitable for the human body.

Comparison Table: Castor Oil Types


Feature	USP/Food Grade (Typically Cold-Pressed)	Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO)	Industrial Grade
Extraction	Mechanical (cold or expeller-pressed), refined.	Roasted beans, then pressed (contains ash).	Often chemically extracted/highly refined.
Color	Colorless to pale yellow.	Dark brown or black.	Varies, can be darker.
Internal Use?	Yes, if labeled for internal/oral use.	Possible, but less common; consult a doctor.	Absolutely Not.
Main Use	Laxative, pharmaceutical base.	Hair growth, skin care.	Lubricants, paints, plastics.
Ricin Content	Processed to be ricin-free.	Processed to be ricin-free.	Processed to be ricin-free, but may contain other toxins.

How to Safely Drink Castor Oil

The only FDA-approved reason to drink castor oil is for the short-term relief of occasional constipation.

Usage and Administration

It is vital to follow recommended usage guidelines and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Castor oil has a strong, often unpleasant taste. To make it more palatable, you can:

Refrigerate the oil for at least an hour before consumption.
Mix it thoroughly with a glass of fruit juice (like orange or prune juice), water, or milk.

Important Precautions

Castor oil usually produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Because of this rapid effect, it should not be taken before bedtime.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Castor Oil?

Pregnant Women: Castor oil can induce uterine contractions and should not be used during pregnancy unless specifically directed and supervised by a doctor, as it can pose risks.
Individuals with Digestive Issues: Avoid if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than two weeks.
Long-Term Use: Do not use for more than a week, as it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and loss of normal bowel function (dependency).

For more detailed clinical information, refer to authoritative sources like the NIH on Castor Oil as a Laxative.

Conclusion

Only select USP Grade or Food Grade castor oil that is clearly labeled for internal consumption if you intend to drink it, typically as a short-term solution for constipation. Always avoid industrial or cosmetic-grade oils and consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure it is appropriate for your health needs and to understand proper usage. Safety and purity are paramount when consuming any castor oil product.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally not recommended to drink castor oil marketed primarily for hair and skin, as it may not be certified Food Grade or USP Grade and could contain additives or lack the necessary purity standards for internal consumption. Always check the label for explicit 'for internal use' directions.

Cold-pressed castor oil is extracted without heat or chemicals, preserving more natural compounds. Refined castor oil is processed using solvents and heat for higher yield and purity but may lose some nutrients. For drinking, both can be acceptable if they are USP or Food Grade, but cold-pressed is often preferred for its more natural state.

While some traditional uses involve ingestion, Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is made from roasted beans and contains ash, giving it a higher pH. It is primarily used topically. For internal use, pale, cold-pressed, USP Grade castor oil is typically recommended over JBCO.

Castor oil is used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation. It is vital to follow recommended usage guidelines and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Drinking non-edible (industrial or cosmetic grade) castor oil can be dangerous. These products may contain solvents, heavy metals, or other impurities that are toxic if ingested, potentially leading to severe digestive issues or poisoning. Always check for a Food Grade or USP label.

No, pregnant women should not drink castor oil to induce labor unless specifically instructed and monitored by a healthcare professional, as it can cause strong uterine contractions and potentially lead to complications like meconium aspiration in the baby.

When taken orally, castor oil typically works quickly, usually producing a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. It is not recommended to take it before bedtime due to its rapid effect.