Castor

Castor oil (E), Rendi (H):

Castor oil is considered the king of medicinals for curing va¯ta and arthritic diseases. It is warm, oily, heavy, and acts as a laxative.

Digestion In mild to moderate constipation, castor oil acts as an osmotic laxative. It holds water in the intestines and causes a total cleansing of the large intestine. This can flush pitta and kapha from the system. Its effect is very dose-dependent and can range from cathartic to aperient. As an emollient it lubricates the dryness of vata and recorrects the flow of apana vayu downwards. It can be included as part of a treatment for piles . Arthritis Traditionally used for all conditions where both ama and vata mix. This manifests as pain, swelling, deformations of the joints and bones. The oil is externally applied, and taken internally for sciatica, arthritis, gout, and paralysis. Lumps An external application is used to clear all accumulations and palpable lumps. Apply a hot fomentation over the breast, liver, abdomen or pelvis for any cyst, inflammation, tumour or lump. Eyes The oil is put into the eyes to treat styes, conjunctivitis and foreign objects in the eyes. Skin It is considered beneficial as an external application for warts and fungal infections of the skin and nails. Very useful as an emollient to treat dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.