Castor oil is a popular home remedy that’s approved for the short-term relief of constipation. However, people have used castor oil for hundreds of years for everything from arthritis to wounds, headaches, menstrual cramps, and childbirth.

If you’re wondering, “How does castor oil help the liver?” you’re not the only one. Castor oil has become a hot topic on social media. People have said it offers various health benefits, including “detoxifying” the liver.

However, these claims aren’t proved by science — especially considering the body already has its own natural detoxification system, including the liver and kidneys. People with liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) should be cautious before turning to home remedies that aren’t likely to help them. Here’s what castor oil is and what it can and can’t do for your body.

How Does Castor Oil Work?

Castor oil is a natural vegetable oil. It comes from the Ricinus communis plant. Castor oil gets broken down to ricinoleic acid in the intestines, where it stimulates bowel movements. It’s also believed to activate receptors in the uterus, but this effect is somewhat controversial.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved castor oil for use as a laxative, it’s not the best option for constipation. Castor oil has side effects such as vomiting, bloating, and dizziness and isn’t a sustainable way to promote better bowel movements. There’s also no strong evidence that castor oil is good for liver disease or any other health problems.

How Do People Use Castor Oil?

Castor oil only works as a laxative when taken by mouth. It’s sold as a 100 percent solution and can be taken straight or mixed with juice before drinking. According to StatPearls, the dose for an adult male is 15 to 60 milliliters daily for use as a laxative.

Some people also apply castor oil directly to the skin or pour it onto cloth packs that they strap to their bodies.

“I’ve heard that castor oil is good for lots of things and also a great moisturizer,” said a myPBCteam member. “I put it on my feet before bed and add magnesium lotion. Your feet absorb things faster into the bloodstream than orally. It’s really thick, so a little goes a long way.”

This is an anecdotal report, and while some people use castor oil and magnesium lotion topically, there’s little scientific evidence that the feet absorb substances into the bloodstream efficiently.

While it’s possible that castor oil will moisturize your skin, it won’t penetrate your skin and affect your liver. In addition, applying castor oil topically (to the skin) can cause more harm than good. In some cases, people develop an allergic reaction or skin irritation from castor oil.

Should I Try Castor Oil for PBC?

PBC is a progressive disease. Liver function usually gets worse over time. That’s why it’s critical to focus on therapies that are shown to work. Castor oil is not one of those therapies.

Most people with PBC are advised to take ursodiol — also known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) — every day for life. This bile acid sequestrant protects the liver from damage and may postpone the need for a liver transplant. This condition is also managed by treating the symptoms and complications, which may include PBC itching, dry eyes, vitamin deficiencies, and osteoporosis.

Instead of falling for unvetted advice on social media, focus on the basics. Lifestyle changes like drinking plenty of water, consuming a PBC-friendly diet, avoiding alcohol, exercising, and managing stress can help you feel your best with PBC.

If you want to try natural remedies or supplements like castor oil, ask your healthcare provider for medical advice first. It’s essential to make sure these products won’t affect your treatment plan or put you at risk for other health problems.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myPBCteam, members come together to find support and information about primary biliary cholangitis. This social network connects you with others who understand what it’s like to live with PBC.

Have you heard of people using castor oil packs in an attempt to “detox” their livers? Do you have any wellness tips for liver health? Share your take in the comments section or on your Activities page.