Eranda.

Ruvuka.

Vern. Bherendά, Beng. Erend. Hind.

The root of Ricinis Communis and the oil obtained from the seeds have been used in medicine by the Hindus from a very remote period. They are mentioned by Susruta. Two varieties of the plant are described, namely red and white. Their properties are said to be identical. Castor oil is regarded as purgative and useful in costiveness, tympanitis, fever, inflammation, etc. It is much praised for its efficacy in chronic rheumatic affections in which it is used in various combinations. One of its synonyms is vatari or anti-rheumatic. The root of the plant is also said to be particularly useful in the local varieties of rheumatism such as lumbago, pleurodynia, and sciatica.

As a purgative, castor oil is recommended to be taken with cow's urine, or an infusion of ginger or a decoction of the combination called dasamula (see Desmodium gangeticum) .2

The seeds, freed from impurities and rubbed into a paste, are boiled in milk and water, and the decoction is given in lumbago and sciatica.1 In pleurodynia, or pain in the sides, a decoction of the root is given with the addition of yavakshάra, (impure carbonate of potash) .2 The root of Ricinis communis enters into the composition of various compound prescriptions for rheumatic affections and diseases of the nervous system.

In affections of the eyes, castor oil leaves and root are used in a variety of forms and several prescriptions containing them are given by most writers. A decoction of the bark, leaves and root of the plant, in goat's milk and water is recommended for use as a wash in recent ophthalmia.3