How to Use Castor Oil to Bring on Labor

If you're a pregnant women trying to induce labor naturally, consider drinking castor oil. While not the most enjoyable thing to digest, studies have shown castor oil to be helpful in inducing labor in some, according Dr. Jonathan Schaffir of Ohio State University. According to Dr.Spock.com, it is believed that the irritation of the intestines from the castor oil will in turn trigger the uterine to begin to contract. The proper dose needed to induce labor is disputed among experts, midwives and mothers. Consult with your own doctor before using castor oil.

Things You'll Need

  • Castor oil
  • Hot apple juice
  • Ice cream
  • Orange juice
  • Eggs

Instructions

    • 1

      Drink the castor oil straight with a chaser. Castor oil is not easy to drink on its own due to its unappealing taste. However, if you just want to get it over with, the website Giving Birth Naturally suggests quickly swallowing two tablespoons of castor oil followed immediately with a cup of hot apple juice to quickly remove the taste in your mouth.

    • 2

      Add castor oil to a milkshake. This will help minimize the taste of the castor oil. Giving Birth Naturally also suggests placing two scoops of ice cream with the two tablespoons of castor oil and a couple of splashes of orange juice in a blender. Blend until all ingredients are combined and drink the entire shake.

    • 3

      Add castor oil to your scrambled eggs, according to Giving Birth Naturally. You'll hardly taste the castor oil if you add it to the egg mixture you are beating for the scrambled eggs. You can also add cheese, vegetables or bacon to the scrambled eggs to further disguise the castor oil taste.

    • 4

      Take it as a gelcap. You can avoid the taste all together if you take castor oil gelcaps. They may be a little harder to find than the oil in the bottle but they are available. Check your local health food store.

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