Ayurvedic Physicians consider Eranda thaila (castor oil) as a specific for Aamavata as it helps to remove the poison from the body (“Aamavata gajendrasya sareera vanacharina, Eka eva nihantyaasu eranda gajakesari” Bhaavaprakaasa).

If I am asked to take only one drug with me, I would prefer to select castor oil as the safest and most useful one.

Externally the application of the oil is a very good treatment for cracked skin and fissures and burning sensation in the soles of the feet. Mixed with chunnam (betel leaves - India) it makes an excellent application as a plaster for itch or small boils to expedite opening.

Erandaa Thailam (castor oil) is sweet and preparations fried in castor oil are really sweet. It is also sweet in Vipaka. It is quick in action, heating and heavy. It is useful in checking Gulma, Kapha Swelling and Malarial fever.

Dose:- 1 to 8 fluid drams (1 fluid dram = 0.125 fluid ounces) to be taken with a little milk or as an enema mixed with milk.

Action:- Purgative. In small doses it is a lubricant to the intestinal canal and relieves inflammation.

Uses:- Castor oil is the best of purgatives for children. It may be used every day in teaspoonful doses mixed with mother’s or cow’s milk. In inflammatory conditions of the abdomen it is the safest purgative to be given. In combination with honey spiced with ginger it is a pleasant and specific cure for dysentery and other ulcerated conditions of the intestinal canal.

In the treatment of sprue (apthaeous condition of the mouth) it has no equal if buttermilk or buttermilk and rice or sweet fruit-juice is given as a light diet.