NOW Foods – Castor Oil, 120 Softgels

Size

120 Softgels

Country of Origin: USA

Ingredients

Each softgel contains:

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) (Seed), Cold-Pressed, Hexane-Free — 650mg

Fennel Oil (Foeniculum vulgare) (Fruit) — 10mg.

Other Ingredients: Softgel Capsule (Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water).

• Non-GMO
• Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
• Hexane-Free Castor Oil
• Contains Fennel Oil
• Contains bovine gelatin
• Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Directions to Use

Take 1 softgel 1 to 2 times daily with food, as needed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Warning

For adults only. Castor oil is a stimulant laxative. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare professional before use if you take medication or have a medical condition, including any gastric or intestinal disorder. Do not use if you have unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or suspected intestinal obstruction. This product is not intended for long-term use. Discontinue use if gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea occurs.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis, a plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It contains a high proportion of ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid responsible for many of its distinctive properties. Castor oil is also used in cosmetics and industrial products, but these softgels are specifically formulated for oral use.

How Does Castor Oil Work?

After ingestion, digestive enzymes break down castor oil and release ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid interacts with receptors in intestinal smooth muscle. As a result, it stimulates contractions and promotes bowel movements.

This differs from the action of bulk-forming fibre supplements. However, stimulant laxatives may cause abdominal cramps, loose stools and fluid loss. Therefore, castor oil is not a substitute for a balanced diet, adequate hydration or long-term constipation management.

Why Does This Formula Contain Fennel Oil?

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) belongs to the Apiaceae family, alongside carrots, parsley and coriander.

Fennel fruits have a long history of traditional use for digestive comfort, particularly for relieving bloating, intestinal gas and occasional digestive spasms.

The aromatic oil contains naturally occurring compounds, including anethole and fenchone. Research suggests that some fennel constituents may have antispasmodic and carminative properties, which could help explain its traditional digestive uses.

NOW Foods combines 10mg of fennel oil with 650mg of castor oil in each softgel.

While castor oil stimulates intestinal movement, fennel oil provides a complementary botanical ingredient traditionally associated with digestive comfort.

This combination brings together two plants with different actions and a long history of use in digestive preparations.

Castor Oil: Cold-Pressed and Hexane-Free

NOW Foods uses cold-pressed, hexane-free castor oil in this formulation.

Cold pressing uses mechanical pressure to extract oil without relying on high-temperature solvent extraction.

Hexane is a solvent commonly used in some industrial vegetable-oil extraction methods. By choosing hexane-free castor oil, NOW Foods avoids this solvent in the extraction process.

The combination of cold pressing and hexane-free processing reflects NOW Foods’ preference for a carefully selected oil source and a cleaner extraction method.

Did You Know?

The castor plant contains a highly toxic protein called ricin, but properly processed castor oil differs from raw castor seeds. Ricin remains associated with the solid seed material rather than dissolving into the oil. Raw castor seeds are poisonous and must never be eaten or used to make homemade oral remedies. This distinction illustrates why botanical processing and quality control matter.

Why Organic Choice Chooses NOW Foods

NOW Foods has manufactured nutritional supplements since 1968. The company emphasises ingredient testing, quality control and clear labelling. Organic Choice evaluates each formulation individually, valuing ingredient transparency and accessible quality.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.