Coffee beans and croton are not the same thing Coffee beans refer to the fruits of plants used to make coffee. Croton is toxic due to heat, and belongs to a heat laxative, which can warm the intestines, promote diuresis, reduce swelling, accumulate food and clean the cold in the stomach. It is also commonly used for external treatment of sores and ulcers and for removing toxic substances. In addition, croton oil is irritating to skin and mucous membrane, has severe diarrhea after oral administration, and has strong insecticidal and antibacterial abilities.