There’s a lot of chatter among moms-to-be about natural ways to jumpstart labor, and if you’ve been around long enough, you’ve likely heard your own mama — or someone else (or me!) — mention castor oil and labor in the same sentence. For many, the idea sounds as daunting as it does intriguing. And I get it – castor oil has quite the reputation: it’s a powerful laxative that some believe can stimulate your uterus into action. But does it really work? And if so, how do you navigate its benefits and downsides without getting more than you bargained for?

Let’s talk about castor oil and labor induction. We’ll explore what castor oil is, the theory behind its use as a labor induction tool, the evidence (or lack thereof) that supports its use, and some practical insights on how — and if — you might consider it as you near your due date. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to consider before you decide to add this one to your birthing toolbox.

Before we go much deeper into castor oil and labor – Who is The Labor Mama and Why Am I Here? 

Hey friend! I’m Lo – also known around here and social media as The Labor Mama. I’ve spent my nursing career in labor, delivery, and postpartum, have birthed 4 of my own babies, have labored thousands of mamas at the bedside, have taught thousands of students online, and have even delivered a few speedy little babies with my bare hands (oops).

Here at TLM, I offer online classes about birth, postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding to empower you the way everyone should be. The education + support I offer gives you experience, evidence, and empathy; you’re getting all of my years of “clinical” RN knowledge, honestly combined with my real experiences as a mama and a nurse. These are not your average hospital classes (those won’t do it, I promise), and honestly, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding don’t follow a textbook or protocol anyway. You need to know so much more than that!

If you want to connect with me further, head to Instagram. There are hundreds of thousands of us over there learning together daily.

A note: This post may include affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission (thank you)! Rest assured, this comes at no additional cost to you. You can read TLM’s full disclosure here.

Alright, let’s dive in, shall we?

What Is Castor Oil, Anyway?

Castor oil isn’t exactly a new discovery. It’s been around for ages and pops up in countless folk remedies. If you’re pregnant, chances are someone has mentioned it to you—often with a mix of advice, cautionary tales, and maybe even a dash of humor. I’ll be honest: castor oil has never been my go-to. The idea of a natural remedy that doubles as a potent laxative has always left me with more questions than answers (it’s just not something I want to sign up for, you know what I mean)? Yet, I know many women have either tried it or are curious enough to consider it, so we’ve got to be talking about it. 

The Basics

At its core, castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor bean. Traditionally, it’s been used for its laxative properties, which is exactly why many moms associate it with “getting things moving” when labor feels like it’s taking its sweet time. The theory goes that by stimulating the bowels, castor oil might also stimulate the uterus, prompting contractions that could lead to labor. It’s definitely an interesting concept—using one part of your body’s natural process (digestion) to help kickstart another (labor).

The Theory Behind Castor Oil and Labor

So, why do some believe that castor oil can trigger labor? The premise is both simple and complex. On one hand, castor oil’s powerful laxative effect can cause the bowels to contract. But, these contractions might have an extra effect on the uterus, nudging it into action. It’s a bit like a domino effect — get the bowels moving, and the uterus might just follow suit.

How It’s Supposed to Work

• Bowel Stimulation: The primary effect of castor oil is to stimulate bowel movements. This isn’t just about clearing your system — it’s a physical process that involves a lot of muscle contractions.
• Uterine Response: The uterus, nestled close to the bowels, may respond to these contractions. The theory is that the mechanical stimulation could help trigger uterine contractions, pushing your body a step closer to labor.
• Hormonal Influence: There’s also some discussion about the release of certain hormones during the process. While the hormonal response isn’t fully understood, it’s thought that the cascade of reactions might play a role in nudging the body toward labor.

It sounds promising in theory, doesn’t it? But as with many things in natural health and birth, the gap between theory and practice can be significant.

What Does the Evidence Say About Castor Oil and Labor?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty: does castor oil actually work to induce labor? The short answer is — maybe. The evidence on castor oil as a labor induction tool is mixed, and while some research offers hints of effectiveness, it’s far from a guaranteed method.

The Research at a Glance

• Timing Is Everything: Studies suggest that castor oil might increase the chances of labor beginning within 24 hours—but only if you’re 40+ weeks pregnant. That’s a pretty narrow window, which means it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
• Prior Births Matter: The evidence also indicates that castor oil may be more effective for women who have had a prior vaginal birth. For first-time moms, the results are less convincing.
• Side Effects: Perhaps the most notable—and concerning—side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The very qualities that make castor oil a powerful laxative are the same ones that can leave you feeling worse than you did before. And let’s be honest, if you’re already feeling the physical strain of pregnancy, adding an onslaught of uncomfortable side effects might not be the best idea.
• Controversial Risks: There’s ongoing debate about the risk of meconium—a baby’s first stool—being passed into the amniotic fluid when castor oil is used. The thought there is that the baby might get stressed with those contractions and then pass that stool as a response. While not definitively proven, it remains a point of caution for many practitioners.

The takeaway? Castor oil might help some moms, but it’s not a silver bullet. It’s a tool that comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties.

How to Incorporate Castor Oil for Labor (If You Choose To)

For those of you who are intrigued by the idea of using castor oil as a natural induction method, there are a few ways to go about it—but none of them are without potential pitfalls.

Dosage Dilemmas

One of the biggest challenges with castor oil is that there’s no standardized dosage. Different sources recommend different amounts, and what works for one person might not work for another. The lack of clear guidelines means you’re often left to navigate a grayish area of trial and error, which isn’t something some mamas feel good about.

The Laxative Effect

Remember, castor oil is a potent laxative. That means it doesn’t just stimulate labor—it also stimulates your bowels, sometimes quite aggressively. Here’s what you might expect:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Many women report feeling queasy after taking castor oil. The body isn’t always kind when it’s hit with such a strong substance.
• Diarrhea: Along with nausea, diarrhea is a common side effect. While it might clear your system, it can also lead to dehydration—a state that can cause irritating contractions that don’t necessarily help progress labor (keep drinking if you try it)!
• Unpredictable Contractions: Some women experience contractions that are more uncomfortable than productive. They may feel like your body is “practicing” without really making any progress on cervical dilation.

Midwives Brew and the German Labor Cocktail

If plain castor oil isn’t your style, you might have heard of something called Midwives Brew ( I have a blog post on it here if you’re curious), or as some call it, the German Labor Cocktail. This concoction typically includes:

• Castor Oil
• Apricot Juice
• Almond Butter
• Lemon Tea

The idea behind this brew is to mask the taste and even enhance the overall effectiveness. Anecdotally, some claim an 85% effectiveness rate when using this method!. It’s important to note that this number isn’t evidence-based, and many moms who are using castor oil are combining several natural methods at once, so you can’t really pinpoint what worked or what didn’t.

Guidelines for Use

If you decide to experiment with castor oil, here are a few guidelines to consider:

• Consult Your Provider: Absolutely. Before trying castor oil—or any natural induction method—talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance tailored to your unique situation.
• Wait Until After Your Due Date: Most practitioners recommend not trying castor oil until you’ve passed your due date. Your body is usually best at knowing when it’s ready.
• Have a Plan: Whether you’re going it alone or with a midwife or doula, make sure you have a clear plan in place. Know what to expect, and have strategies for managing any unpleasant side effects. Your care provider can also help you navigate that “dosage” gray area we talked about above. 

Remember, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to labor induction. What might work for one mom could lead to an uncomfortable, even distressing, experience for another. That’s why these “what to try” decisions really are so, so personal.

A Note for You: Trust Your Body

Navigating the world of natural labor induction can feel overwhelming. With so many methods being touted—castor oil, nipple stimulation, or even sex—the pressure to “do something” can be immense. But here’s the thing: your body knows what it’s doing. In many cases, labor will start when it’s truly ready.

Castor oil, like many natural methods, is just one tool in a much larger toolbox. It might offer a slight nudge if you’re at 40+ weeks, but it’s not a magic wand. And while the idea of taking control of your labor can be empowering, it’s equally important to recognize that sometimes, waiting is exactly what your body needs.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the barrage of advice, remember that every birthing journey is unique. What works for one mom may not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. Your experience is your own, and trusting your instincts—while also leaning on professional guidance—can be the key to a positive birth experience.

More Than Just Castor Oil

While this blog post talks all about castor oil and its potential role in inducing labor, it’s just one part of a much larger conversation about natural induction methods. From nipple stimulation to other age-old practices, there’s a wealth of information out there. Yet, there’s always more to learn than what a single blog post can cover.

This is where Your Body, Your Birth Course comes in. Designed for moms who are eager to understand the full spectrum of natural labor induction techniques, the course offers a deep dive into each of these methods. 

By digging into these topics in detail, you can feel more confident and empowered as you approach your due date. After all, knowledge is power—and when it comes to birth, every bit of insight helps you trust your body’s natural rhythm.

Final Thoughts on Castor Oil for Labor

The idea of using castor oil to jumpstart labor is as intriguing as it is controversial. On paper, it offers a natural, accessible method to help get your body moving when it seems like time has stalled. But the real-world application is far from straightforward. From mixed evidence to potential side effects, there’s a lot to weigh before deciding if it’s right for you.

Ultimately, castor oil may provide that extra push for some moms—especially if you’re 40+ weeks along and have experienced a prior vaginal birth. However, it’s crucial to approach it with caution, guided by expert advice and a clear plan. Remember, your birthing journey is personal, and what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and know that there’s a community of knowledgeable professionals ready to support you.

If you’ve used castor oil for labor induction, I would love to hear in the comments how your experience went! 

If you’re here reading this because you’re trying to kickstart labor…I’m here with you hoping that it happens soon (and when your body is ready)!

Xx- Lo

Looking for some other ways to get labor started? Here’s some other posts you’ll probably like:

• Eating Dates Might Help Your Labor: Here’s Why
• Midwives Brew: Should You Try This Natural Induction Method
• What is a Membrane Sweep and Should You Try One?
• The Miles Circuit: Can It Induce Labor?
• What Actually Makes Labor Start?
• Sex and Labor Induction: Does It Work? Can Nipple Stimulation Help Start Labor?

More resources (and freebies!) for you to take a peek at:

• Comprehensive Birth Plan and Birth Priorities templates
• A complete Third Trimester Checklist
• The RN + mama of 4 Ultimate Packing List
• The Labor Mama online birth, baby and breastfeeding classes for every family\

Loved this post? Don’t forget to Pin it for later!