Juglans cinerea vs Ricinus communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Juglans cinerea

Digestive

Digestive

Juglans cinerea

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A North American walnut used by Native Americans as a laxative, skin tonic, and anthelmintic.

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

Active Compounds

juglone, tannins, flavonoids

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

Traditional Uses

Laxative use, Skin tonic, Anthelmintic herb

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

Modern Uses

Laxative activity, Antiparasitic research

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

Adult Dosage

1-2ml tincture two times daily

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

Contraindications

Nut allergy, Pregnancy caution

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

Side Effects

GI irritation

GI cramping, diarrhea, seed ingestion causes ricin poisoning

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E