Castor Oil
Sanskrit: Eranda Taila
Ricinus communis
A thick, sticky oil pressed from castor seeds, used in Indian households mainly externally, and occasionally as a strong traditional purgative under supervision. The external and internal uses could hardly be more different, and the internal one is where most harm occurs. The seed itself is toxic and is never used directly.
Also known as
Erand Oil
- hindi:
- Arandi ka Tel
- tamil:
- Aamanakku Ennai
- marathi:
- Erandel
Key components
- Oil pressed from seeds of Ricinus communis (the raw seed is toxic and never used)
Traditional overview
- Warmed and applied externally over stiff joints and dry, hard skin
- Used in traditional hair and eyebrow oiling practices, usually diluted
- Classically used as a strong purgative (virechana) within supervised procedures only
- Used as a base in some classical external preparations
Common traditional forms
- external oil application
- diluted hair oil
- warm external pack
- supervised classical purgative use
Wellness tags
- external joint care
- skin care
Body focus
- skin
- joints
- muscles
Concerns
- external massage
- dry skin
What to know before use
Keep to external use unless a qualified practitioner supervises otherwise. Internal use causes strong cramping, diarrhoea and fluid loss, and it must never be used for weight loss, for children, or to induce labour. Patch test externally and keep it away from the eyes and broken skin.
Important cautions
External use is the focus here; patch test first and keep away from broken skin and eyes. Internal use acts as a strong purgative and can cause cramping and dehydration, so it must only happen under professional guidance, never as a home practice.
Who should avoid it
- Anyone considering internal use without professional supervision
- People with abdominal pain, nausea or a bowel condition
- People with sensitive or broken skin, without a patch test
Medicine interactions
- Internal use can reduce absorption of medicines and affect fluid and salt balance
- Caution with diuretics and heart medicines
PregnancyDo not take internally during pregnancy. Discuss external use with your doctor.
ChildrenNot for internal use in children. External use only with practitioner advice.
Quality and buying guidance
Choose cold-pressed castor oil intended for topical or pharmacopoeial use, from a sealed pack with an expiry date, not loose industrial oil. The oil should be pale and near-odourless; a sharp, off smell means it has turned. Never buy or use raw castor seeds.
Evidence note
This entry rests on traditional and household use recorded over generations, not on clinical trials. Treat it as cultural and educational information.
Related ingredients
Traditional wellness information only — not medical advice. Start small, and check with a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, treating a child, or managing a medical condition.