Plant Family: 

Asteraceae

 

Habitat & Cultivation: 

Increases the prostaglandin receptors of the uterus to increase the binding of prostaglandins; PG3 receptors.

 

Parts Used/Collection: 

Seed oil, extract from castor bean

 

Herbal Actions: 

• stimulant laxative

• anti-inflammatory

• cathartic

• demulcent

• analgesic

• nervine

• topical

 

Indications: 

Induction of labor, Stimulant laxative

 

Contraindications: 

 

• avoid use if intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, inflammatory conditions of the intestines (colitis, appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, IBS, melanosis co

• Use may result in precipitous labor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic, flatulence, disturbances of electrolyte balance, dehydration, hemorrhagic gastritis.

• Long term use with antiarrhythmic drugs and botanicals containing cardiac glycosides can result in potassium loss and increased drug toxicity.

• Increase in meconium stained fluids

Plant Constituents: 

ricinoleic acid, fixed oils

 

System Affinities:

Gastrointestinal

 

 

Energetics: 

pungent, sweet, heating. V-PK+, heavy subtle, oily

Safety: 

2b, 2d

 

Dosage: 

• Standard dose: 5-20ml, not to exceed 60ml per day

• Labor Induction: 60ml dose

• Repeated dose x 2, minimum 4 hrs apart

  • With protein (eggs, nut butter, etc)

  • With sugar (frozen juice concentrate, ice cream, etc)

• Recipe

  • 2 TBS castor oil

  • 2 TBS almond butter

  • 6oz Mango or apricot nectar
     

 

Personal Experience:

 

 

Research: 

Riccio, L. & Zollinger, R. (2018). Uterine stimulants. Week 3 PowerPoint. Botanical Medicine for Midwifery Care 4.