Ricinus communis vs Rheum officinale

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ricinus communis

Digestive

Digestive

Ricinus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Rheum officinale

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

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

Classic TCM herb (Da Huang) for constipation, liver conditions, and as anti-inflammatory; stronger than culinary rhubarb.

Active Compounds

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

emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, anthraquinones, tannins, stilbenoids

Traditional Uses

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

constipation, liver conditions, inflammation, infections, diarrhea (small dose)

Modern Uses

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

laxative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective

Adult Dosage

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

1-3g dried root for laxative; 0.5-1g for digestive tonic

Contraindications

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

pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease

Side Effects

GI cramping, diarrhea, seed ingestion causes ricin poisoning

diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, GI cramping, kidney stones with excess

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E