10 Natural Laxatives
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Laxative #3: Castor Oil
Castor oil is produced from castor beans. It has a long history of being used as a natural laxative. After the consumption of castor oil, it leads to the release of ricinoleic acid, which is a type of unsaturated fatty acid that gives it the properties of a laxative. Ricinoleic acid activates a specific receptor present in the digestive tract that improves intestinal muscle movement and induces a bowel movement.
A study found that castor oil helps to alleviate the symptoms of constipation by decreasing the feeling of incomplete evacuation, reducing straining during a bowel movement, and softening the consistency of the stool.
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