Malus Domestica Herb vs Ricinus communis

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Malus Domestica Herb

Malus domestica

Digestive

Digestive

Malus Domestica Herb

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Universal fruit tree with medicinally used leaves, bark, and fruit used across all cultures for digestive and antioxidant health.

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

Active Compounds

quercetin, chlorogenic acid, pectin, malic acid

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

Traditional Uses

digestive health in universal folk medicine, diarrhea and constipation dual remedy, nutritional antioxidant food

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

Modern Uses

prebiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

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

Adult Dosage

1-2 apples daily; bark 2-4g as tea

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

Contraindications

fructose intolerance, IBS - high FODMAP

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

Side Effects

bloating in FODMAP sensitive

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