Reported Side Effects Of Castor Seed When Used As A Contraceptive

Some individuals report experiencing different side effects when they use castor seed as a contraceptive.

Despite these reported side effects, castor seed is increasingly becoming a household seed in some communities, as many believe it helps families plan and space their children naturally.

Castor seed (also known as castor bean) comes from the castor oil plant, a perennial flowering plant in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

Traditionally, castor seeds were mainly known for their culinary use, especially for adding aroma to soups and other meals. However, in recent years, increased studies and shared experiences have brought attention to other claimed benefits of the seed — one of which is its use as a natural contraceptive.

Effectiveness and Individual Reactions

There are several positive testimonies from users who believe castor seed works effectively as a contraceptive. Unfortunately, there are also reports of adverse reactions, as people respond differently to the seed when ingested.

Many of these reactions are consistent with scientific findings on the toxicity of castor seed, which contains ricin, a substance known to be toxic.

It is important to note that:

• The white inner seed (pulp) is the part often taken

• The outer shell (hull), sometimes described as a brown or camouflage-like coating, should be removed before use

From feedback gathered from our readers and followers, it is clear that responses to castor seed vary from person to person.

Reported Side Effects from Users

Case 1: Overdose Symptoms
One user reported that after taking three castor seeds as a contraceptive, she experienced:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• General weakness

Also, this side effect of castor seed is in line with the report of a study that highlights some negative effects to expect after taking the seed (1).

Also, this reaction may be due to overdose, as some research sources caution against ingesting more than two hulled seeds. Such symptoms can also occur when the seed is taken without removing the hull.

Case 2: Stomach Discomfort
Another user shared:

“I took two seeds and I have been experiencing stomach discomfort. What should I do?”

This complaint aligns with findings from studies that highlight gastrointestinal irritation as a possible side effect of castor seed ingestion.

Case 3: Menstrual Irregularities
One user reported:

“It works perfectly, but the side effect I have is menstruating at least three times a month.”

If this occurs, it is strongly advised to:

1. Discontinue the use of castor seed immediately

2. Observe whether symptoms improve

3. Consider other natural contraceptive options, such as neem

4. Consult a doctor if irregular bleeding continues

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Side Effects of Castor Seed in Nursing Mothers

A nursing mother shared the following experience:

“After taking castor seed, I had mild diarrhoea, and since I am breastfeeding, my baby also started having diarrhoea. What should I do?”

Research indicates that diarrhoea can occur as a side effect of castor seed ingestion. In many cases, this may resolve within a few days. However, if symptoms persist beyond three days, medical attention is strongly advised.

⚠️ Important Note:
We do not recommend that nursing mothers ingest castor seed as a contraceptive, due to limited scientific studies on its effects on infants.

As a safer alternative, some people use castor oil or neem oil externally as a lubricant during intercourse, which may reduce risk to the baby.

For managing diarrhoea, kindly refer to our article on What To Do If You Are Purging or Having Stomach Upset (Diarrhoea).

How to Use Castor Seeds: What Research Says

There is no universally approved guideline for using castor seeds as a contraceptive.

However, WebMD reports that:

“There is some evidence that a single dose of castor seeds with the outer coat removed (hulled) may work as a contraceptive for up to 8–12 months (2).”

When used, the seeds must be hulled, as the shell is considered toxic.

Scientific studies also confirm that castor seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances (3).

Dose-Related Toxicity (Poisoning)

Castor seed toxicity is dose-dependent and may result in:

• Acute gastroenteritis

• Severe diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

In rare cases, delayed internal organ damage has been reported.

The severity of toxicity depends on:

• The number of seeds ingested

• Whether the seeds were hulled

• Individual body response

Other Practices Reported by Users

Some women have reported inserting natural castor oil vaginally in an attempt to reduce fertilisation by semen. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of this method.

 

To stop diarrhea, kindly see our article on: What To Do If You Are Purging Or Having Stomach Upset [Diarrhea].

Find more of these experiences by users here.

How To Use Castor Seeds

There are no general recommendation on how to use castor seeds as contraceptive.

However, WebMD reported that “there is some evidence that a single dose of castor seeds with the outer coat removed (hulled) can work as a contraceptive for up to 8-12 months” (2).

To use castor seeds, they must be hulled, as the shell is said to be poisonous.

 

Dose-Related Toxicity (Poisoning)

The seed may cause an acute and potentially fatal gastroenteritis. Delayed visceral damage is another serious complication; however, the latter is quite rare.

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Related Posts

• Castor Seed For Family Planning | What Women Should Know
• Does Castor Seed Lower Blood Pressure? What We Found

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Also, this toxicity may cause diarrhea, and we have received comment about this side effect.

The toxicity is dose related and depends on the amount of castor beans ingested or swallowed.

WATCH: HOW TO USE CASTOR SEED AS CONTRACEPTIVE