Eranda benefits and uses
In Ayurveda, Eranda is prized for its deep cleansing and Vata-pacifying qualities. Modern research has also started to back these traditional claims, especially when it comes to castor oil’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and laxative effects.
Eranda (एरण्ड), also known as the Castor Plant, holds a respected place in both Ayurveda and modern medicine. Its botanical name is Ricinus communis, and it has been used for centuries for its powerful healing properties.
In this blog, we’ll explore how both ancient wisdom and modern science align on the benefits of this wonder herb—and how you can safely use it in daily life.
Latin Name: Ricinus communis
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Erandi, Rendi, Andi, Erandih
- Bengali: Rehri, Bhairendra
- Tamil: Amanakkhu, Kottai muthu
- Telugu: Amudamu, Amdi, Eranudapu
- Kannada: Haralu
- Malayalam: Avanakkhu, Chittamanakkhu
- Marathi: Erandi,Rendi
- Gujarati: Diveligo, Diveli Erandi,Divelo
- Punjabi: Ameru, Arand, Arind
- Oriya : Gab
- English : Castor, Castor bean plant, Castor Bean
Sanskrit Names:
Gandharvhasta, Yaksha Hasta : leaves are like hand of a yaksha.
Hastikarna ; The leaves are big
Deergha danda: Long stalk
Vathari: It is best herb for balancing Vata dosha
Vardhamana: grows quickly
Vyagrapucha: Inflorencence resembles a lion tail
Vyadambara: which help in purgation
Panchangula : The leaf resembles that of a palm having 5 fingers
Urubuka : One which subside vatha vikara.
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Eranda
Ras (Taste)
- Madhur ( Sweet)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur(Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Snigdha(Unctous, Oily)
- Teekshna (Pie)
- Sookshma (enters minute body channels)
Also read Basics of Ayurveda: Learn about Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Kapha dosha
May increase: Pitta (if overused)
Classical Categorization
In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as
- Bhedaniya : Group of herb that causes purgation
- Angamarda prashammna: Group of herbs that help to relieve pain
- Swedopaga: The group of herbs useful in swedana that sweating treatment
In sushrut samhita – It is categorized as
- Adhobgaghara : Group of herbs useful in elimination of toxins from rectal route.
- Vata samshamana : group of herbs that balances Vata.
Vagbhata : Vidarigandhadi
Health Benefits of Eranda
Joint pain and Arthritis
The Vata balancing nature of Eranda helps reduce swelling and pain in conditions such as
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Back and neck pain
Respiratory problems
In Ayurveda most of the respiratory problems are caused due to Kapha and Vata dosha imbalance. Eranda is Vata- Kapha balancing in nature. The kaphahar nature help clear out mucus and soothe inflamed airways, making it helpful in
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders
- Allergic Rhinitis ( Runny nose).
In Ayurveda mild laxative is admistered in patients of Asthma ( Shwaas Rog).
Neurological problems
Functions of brain and nerves is controlled by Vata dosha. Whenever vata dosha is out of balance it leads to neurological problems. Erand is Vata balancing in nature and because of this it is very useful in neurological problems such as
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Epilepsy
- Paralysis
- Parkinson
Erand is one of the best Vata balancing herb according to charak samhita.
Useful in Skin problems
Eranda also posses antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Because of this it is very effective in managing skin problems especially the one having vata-kapha imbalance. This includes problems like
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Non healing wound
Study: Research in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2010) shows castor oil’s effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus.
Actions (Karma) of Castor root in Ayurveda
- Udavartahara – Relieves bloating, gas distension in abdomen
- Pleehaghna – Useful in spleen disorders, splenomegaly
- Gulmahar – Helps in relieving abdominal tumours
- Bastishoolhara – Relieves bladder pain
- Antravrudhinut – Useful in hernia
- Shonit Vikara – Helps in disorders related to blood
- Shoshhara: Relieves emaciation, dehydration
- Shoolaghna : Relieves abdominal colic pain
- Shwashara: Useful in treatment of Asthma & chronic respiratory disorder.
- Margashodhana: Cleanses the gut
- Kati basti rujahara: Useful in treatment lower back pain and pain in bladder region
- Shiroruji: Relieves headache
- Mehhara : Useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes
- Shothahara: Relieves swelling, edema, anti-inflammatory
Actions (Karma) of Castor leaves in Ayurveda
- Vataghna – Balances Vata dosha
- Kaphara– Helps balance Kapha dosha
- Krimihara– It is having antimicrobial property and useful in worm infestation
- Mutradoshara – Relieves urinary tract infections
- Pittaprakopi – May increase pitta
- Gulmahara – Useful in abdominal tumours
- Bastishoolhara: Relieves baldder pain
- Vruddhi: Useful in hernia
- Mutrakrichrahara: Useful in dysuria,urinary retention
Castor oil
Eranda oil ( Castor oil) is very useful in managing conditions like constipation, hair loss, skin problems like fungal infections and in alleviating joint pain.
Its primary active ingredient ricinoleic acid, binds to the smooth muscle cells of the intestinal wall and cause them to contract. This aids in the movement of stool through the intestines, which can alleviate constipation.
Study: A clinical trial with old age patients found castor oil effective in relieving constipation within hours.
(Ref: Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2011)
How to use Eranda
Eranda can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Decoction: To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of Eranda roots . Now add this roots in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
- Erandi Root powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily.
- Erandi oil ( Castor oil) : 5 to 1oml with luke warm water or milk at bed time. It is also used for external application.
- Eranda leaves : The leaves are used for external application to relief pain and swelling.
- Part Used : Root, Seeds, Leaves and Oil
What are the side effects of Erandi
Like any other Ayurvedic herb Eranda is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well They include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to Eranda they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
It may cause diarrhea if not taken in prescribed dose.
The skin of seed is poisonous hence it should be avoided.
Castor seeds or roots should be taken only as per professional advice. It is better to avoid self medication.
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming Eranda
Avoid consuming Erandi during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Castor oil in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Erandi. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use Eranda continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store it in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Eranda
Decoction for low back pain & sciatica
To make decoction you will following ingredients:
- Erandi roots– 10gms
- Water – 4 cups
- Yavakshar – 2gms
How to make the decoction:
Boil all ingredients together until reduced to 1 cup. Strain and drink warm.
It helps to relieve pain in lower back, stiffness, sciatica pain and pain in pelvic region.
To relieve bloating & gas
To make this remedy you need following ingredients:
- Sonth ( Dry ginger) – 1 tsp
- Water– 4 cup
- Erand oil – 5 ml
How to make :
First make decoction from dry ginger and water by process of boiling both. When 1 cup of decoction in left, filter it. Now add 5 ml of castor oil into it and drink it.
This decoction is excellent remedy to relieve bloating and gas.
Eranda oil Massage for Joint pain
To make the you need following ingredients:
- Eranda oil – 1 teaspoon
- Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
How to make the oil:
Mix both the oils and massage on the affected part twice daily.
The oil helps to relieve stiffness and pain by improving the blood circulation and calms the Vata dosha.
Frequently asked question
Q1 Can I use castor oil every day for constipation?
No. Regular use can make your body dependent. Use occasionally under guidance.
Q2: Is Eranda safe for children?
Only externally and in small amounts. Internal use should be supervised by an Ayurvedic doctor.
Q3: Does castor oil help with hair growth?
Yes! While not covered in detail here, castor oil is widely used to support hair thickness and scalp health.
Q4Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Q5.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Q6.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
Q7. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
Q8. How long does devdaru take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly devdaru powder benefits are seen.
Q9.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
Q10.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Eranda
Erandi is one the main ingredients in following medicines
Maharasnadi Kashayam : It is one of the ayurvedic medicine used in vata disorders like kampavata( parkinson disease) hemiplegia, paraplegia, neck pain etc.
Chaturmukha ras: Castor leaves are used it is used the treatment of astma, anemia,diabetes etc.
Eranda pak : This is used in the treatment of vata diseases abdominal colic pain bloating etc.
Conclusion
Eranda is more than just a plant—it’s a bridge between ancient healing and modern medicine. Its deep detoxifying action, pain relief potential, and wide therapeutic value make it a must-know herb for anyone embracing holistic wellness.
Whether you’re a yoga lover, natural remedy enthusiast, or just curious about Ayurveda, Eranda offers a safe and time-tested path to better health—when used wisely.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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