Figs Herb vs Ricinus communis

Ancient fruit cultivated since before recorded history and used medicinally across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Ayurvedic traditions for digestive health, skin warts, and constipation.

Tropical shrub whose seeds yield castor oil (laxative) and deadly ricin toxin; wide traditional use.

ficin, polyphenols, psoralen, ficusin

ricinoleic acid, ricin (toxic in seeds), ricinine, fatty acids

Laxative for constipation, Digestive tonic, Wart removal (latex), Ancient sacred fruit medicine

constipation, skin conditions, hair growth, labor induction, inflammation

Laxative, Prebiotic, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal

castor oil laxative, skin moisturizer, hair growth stimulation, anti-inflammatory

3-5 dried figs daily as food; latex topically for warts

Castor oil: 15-60ml as laxative; topical for skin/hair

Latex phototoxic (bergapten), Avoid exposing to sun after latex application

bowel obstruction, pregnancy (avoid as laxative), seeds ingestion

Loose stools, Phototoxic skin burns from latex

GI cramping, diarrhea, seed ingestion causes ricin poisoning