HomeAnswersInternal MedicineconstipationI take castor oil for my constipation. Can I continue taking it and how to get rid of constipation permanently?

What is the permanent remedy for constipation?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ramesh Kumar S

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 12, 2023
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am an 18-year-old guy. Previously, when my bowel moments were not proper, I used to take 0.84-1.01 ounces of castor oil. I did not pass stools for five days and later when I pooped, it was like diarrhea, and I passed liquid watery stools frequently. I have not passed stools properly since yesterday, so I took 0.67-20.84 ounces of castor oil. My doubt is whether this can cause IBS. Is castor oil good, or does it damage the bladder? Also, I feel weak and get constipated after 10 days. This is the sixth time I am getting constipated. I even go for an evening walk. What should I do? Is drinking castor oil good for health? Also, what is the permanent remedy to get rid of constipation? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar S

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

With passion, commitment, and experience, I hope I will be able to provide you with top-class medical opinion.

I went through your query, and I would like to say that overstraining your rectal muscles while defecating may cause internal trauma to the rectal mucosa causing conditions like proctitis. Mild constipation adds to the problem. While defecating you apply pressure on your rectal muscles and overstraining could result in the pooling of blood into the small terminal vessels in the rectum. When these vessels are unable to withstand such high pressures, they burst and cause swelling and inflammation in the surrounding area. If even a finger insertion is giving you pain, then it could definitely be proctitis.

To loosen your stools, I suggest you take Lactulose syrup 15 ml once daily at night. It is a laxative and will soften your stools and make them easy to pass. Overthinking and increased anxiety levels stimulate the autonomous nervous system causing involuntary contractions of rectal muscles leading to spasms. While taking a hot water bath, put two drops of lavender oil and tea tree oil in it. It will help calm down your nerves. Also, I suggest you do the following:

Mix,

  1. 10 drops of Cypress.
  2. 10 drops of Lavender.
  3. 10 drops of Frankincense.
  4. 10 drops of Helichrysum.
  5. Five drops of Geranium.
  6. Five drops of Sandalwood.
  7. Two tablespoons of fractionated coconut oil.

And sit in it for 15 minutes twice daily. It will soothe your nerves.

Basically, you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviors that you feel compelled to perform (like thinking repeatedly that your rectum is tight). If you have OCD, you will probably recognize that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are irrational but, you will be unable to resist and break free from those thoughts. This requires proper evaluation and treatment by a psychiatrist. Therapy with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like tablet Paroxetine 25 mg once daily should be started and a maintenance dose of 50 mg once should be given for at least six months after consulting with your psychiatrist. SSRIs are the mainstay of your treatment.

Anus and rectum are tube-like structures that contain heavy colonies of bacteria and helminths. Stools usually contain proteins and undigested food that are acted upon by these organisms creating a foul smell. Hence, it is normal for stools to smell in the rectum and anus.

I hope your queries got resolved. Do get back if you have any further queries.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ramesh Kumar S

Dr. Ramesh Kumar S

Medical Gastroenterology

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