Ludwigia octovalvis vs Ricinus communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ludwigia octovalvis

Digestive

Digestive

Ludwigia octovalvis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A tropical aquatic herb used in folk medicine for diarrhea, skin conditions, and as an anti-inflammatory.

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

Active Compounds

flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids

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

Traditional Uses

Diarrhea treatment, Skin conditions, Anti-inflammatory use

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

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory research

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

Adult Dosage

2-3g dried herb as tea

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

Contraindications

Pregnancy caution

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

Side Effects

Mild reactions

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