Castor seed is increasingly gaining popularity among couples who want a natural family planning option.
However, there is this fear that comes from using castor seed.
These fear is basically hinged on the side-effects of using castor seed for family planning.
But these are mild side effects that could go away in few days. One thing we know for sure is that the seed has helped women achieve their family planning goals without having to use implants.
Castor Seed
Castor seed (castor bean) or castor oil plant, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae.
Prior to this age, the seeds are known for their unique way of bringing aroma to soup and other meals.
Fortunately, more studies on the seed now come with new awareness on the other benefits of castor seed.
One of them being that it serves as contraceptive for natural family planning.
There are different positive attestations to the effectiveness of castor seed as contraceptive.
Unfortunately, also, different people experience different side effects of castor seed when they swallow it.
Most of them are in line with results of studies on the toxicity of the seed.
Indeed, the seed contains ricin, a substance considered toxic.
From our findings and the feedbacks that we get from our followers and readers, we can say that people react differently to castor seed when they take it.
Some Side Effects Of Castor Seed For Family Planning
Basically, most times, the side effect comes from abusing the use of this seed for family planning. When studies say two seeds (one dose) could last for 6 months, people go to the extent of taking up 7 at a go.
If you want to make sure that it prevents pregnancy, just take it at the right time.
For instance, one person, who took 3 castor seeds for family planning reported that she was vomiting, stooling and getting weak afterwards.
One of the very things that could cause this is overdose of castor seed. Ingesting more than the amount research recommends – 2 seeds – would result in a negative result.
This side effect of castor seed can also occur when you take the seed without hulling it; that is removing the shell.
Also, another person reported stomach discomfort after ingesting 2 castor seeds.
“I took two seeds and I have been experiencing stomach discomfort. What should I do?”, the individual wrote.
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).
For another user, “it works perfectly but the side effect I have is menstruating at least 3 times a month”.
When you experience this kind of side effect, it is advisable that you, first, discontinue the use of castor seeds to be sure it is the cause.
Have You Read: Ricin In Castor Seed And Cancer Fears: Does Castor Seed Cause Cancer?
Also make sure that you have followed the recommendation of 2 seeds for six months.
Alternatively, you also try other natural contraceptives for family planning that are available to you; like neem.
You may also need to see a doctor if you discontinue use of castor seed, but are still experiencing this multiple monthly menstruation.
Side Effect Of Castor Seed On Nursing Mother
Indeed, we know that the people who use this seeds for family planning most are nursing mothers.
They cannot afford to get pregnant again after just 3 months of putting to bed.
For nursing mothers who want to use this seed, here is what another user, who is a nursing mother reported to us as is side effect of castor seed.
“After talking castor seed I was having a mild diarrhea and am a nursing mother and my baby is having diarrhea also. Please, what should do to stop the diarrhea?”
Also, this is one of the side effects of castor seed that research says could happen. It should go away after few days. But if it continues after 3 days, kindly see a physician.
Furthermore, we do not recommend that a nursing mother should ingest castor seed as contraceptive, since there are limited studies on the effect this could have on an infant.
Instead, use castor oil or neem oil as a lubricant during intercourse. This helps keep the baby safe.
However, 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 for family planning.
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.
Also, a study indicated that castor seeds contain ricin, one of the most toxic substances known (3).
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.
Also, this toxicity may cause diarrhea, and we have received comment about this side effect.
Furthermore, the toxicity is dose related and depends on the amount of castor seeds ingested or swallowed.
Please, Read More About The Toxicity Of Castor Seed As Contraceptive
Some women have also inserted natural castor oil into their vagina to reduce fertilisation of the egg by the semen.
This gives less side effects.