ERANDA

Introduction:

Eranda is a shrub growing up to 10-15 ft high. The leaves are smooth green and big. Flowers are yellowish and egg shaped. Fruits are green like capsules having flexible spikes on it. Capsule contains seeds. Seeds contain toxic substance ricin but castor oil is safe for consumption hence used only after purification. Two types of Eranda are available White and Red, both are used in Ayurveda. Roots, seeds, leaves and oil are used in Ayurvedic treatments.

Uses:

1. Castor Oil is Used as purgative/ laxative. 1-2 teaspoon Warm castor oil is used for this.

2. Castor oil is useful for joint pain. Also, paste of tender leaves is applied externally to relieve swelling and joint pain. Leaf with sesame oil applied on it is put on hotplate and smooth part is put on the affected part to relieve swelling and pain.

3. Decoction of root with asafetida is useful for stomach pain and in back pain.

4. Castor Oil is applied on scalp to help hair growth, improve eyesight, and relieve headaches.

5. Root paste heat in oil is applied externally for boils.

6. Castor oil given with ginger powder is useful for flatulence.

7. Castor oil in warm water removes intestinal warms.

8. Castor Oil given with honey is useful for asthma.

9. Apply castor oil on lips to cure cracks.

10. Juice of tender leaves is used to treat jaundice.

Caution: Seeds contains toxic substance hence should not be consumed.