Castor Seeds
एरण्डबीज
Castor seeds are toxic raw; pressed, they yield Ayurveda's strongest purgative oil. A teaspoon at bedtime clears Vata constipation; warm packs ease joints.
What is Castor Seeds (Eranda Beeja / एरण्ड बीज)?
Eranda (Castor) seeds yield castor oil — one of the most important medicinal oils in Ayurveda. Castor oil is a well-known purgative used in constipation and Vata disorders. Two varieties: white (Shveta Eranda — best for internal use) and red (Rakta Eranda). The oil is hot, heavy, and Vata-pacifying. It is used in joint disorders, abdominal colic, and as a general detoxifier. The raw seeds contain ricin (a potent toxin) and should never be consumed directly. Only the extracted oil is used medicinally. Castor oil packs are applied externally for joint pain and inflammation. Verses: 82-85.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 8
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
- Rechana (purgative)
- Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 8
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Oil of red variety of castor seeds is still more penetrating, hot in potency and sticky and has a bad smell.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
References in Charaka Samhita
[113] The physician should give on the painful part, a thick application prepared of pancakes, vesavara preparation, milk, black gram, sesame, boiled rice, castor seeds, wheat, barley, badara, and sthira etc mixed with unctuous articles.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 28: Vata Disorders Treatment (Vatavyadhi Chikitsa / वातव्याधिचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 28: Vata Disorders Treatment (Vatavyadhi Chikitsa / वातव्याधिचिकित्सा)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.