Āmaṇaku

ஆமணக்கு

Botanical Name: Ricinus communis Linn

Family: Euphorbiaceae

English Name: Castor plant / Castor bean plant

Malayalam Name: Āvaṇam

Hindi Name: Arandī

Description

Āmaṇaku (Ricinus communis) is a perennial shrub or small tree that grows up to 2–5 meters in height. It has large, palmately lobed leaves and produces spiny capsules containing seeds. The seeds yield castor oil, which has been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine since ancient times. The plant parts (leaves, roots, oil) are medicinal, though seeds contain toxic ricin, making raw seeds dangerous. Castor oil is a well-known purgative, anti-inflammatory, and used externally for pain relief.

Useful Parts

Roots, leaves, seeds

Benefits

1. Laxative:Castor oil is a well-known and FDA-approved stimulative laxative for temporary relief of constipation. 2. Skin and Hair:It acts as a moisturizer, hydrating dry skin and potentially promoting hair growth, reducing dandruff, and helping with various skin infections. 3. Pain and Inflammation:Topical application of castor oil can help relieve joint pain, muscle aches, and inflammation. 4. Wound Healing:Castor oil may accelerate the healing process of wounds and can be used to help with skin-related disorders. 5. Other Traditional Uses:It is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like rheumatism, abdominal cramps, and eye infections.

Pharmacological Action

Purgative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antirheumatic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, carminative, lactagogue, antimicrobial, hair growth promoter

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Madhura, Katu, Tikta

Guna: Snigdha, Guru

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Madhura

Dosha Karma: Vatakapha shamaka, Pitta hara