WE may
recall, with dread, the monthly ritual when the grandmother of
the house would administer castor oil (Vilakkennai or Amanakku
ennai in Tamil) to the family. "It was part of the process of
keeping healthy".
Ayurveda and Siddha, being
holistic systems of medicine, have spelt out practices, some of
which have to be carried out on a daily basis, with the others
or a monthly or periodic basis, to keep healthy. Having castor
oil once in three months ensures that the entire digestive
system is cleansed. The recommended dosage ½ to one teaspoon of
pure warm oil for children above one year and one to two
teaspoons for adults. This results in four to five purges.
A light diet of mild rasam
rice or gruel is followed for the rest of the day. With the
advent of modern allopathic medicine, this useful practice was
given a "bad" name, being deemed unscientific and too "harsh" on
the bowels. It is worthwhile starting the practice again so that
the colon, which is said to be the seat of many vata diseases,
is cleansed periodically.
In case of excessive purging,
salt and sugar rehydration should be started. However, purging
to such a degree with ½ to one teaspoon of castor oil is rare.
Castor oil is a reputed remedy
for rheumatic problems and colic. It is usually administered
with a little warm water or milk.
For external application, the
leaves are toasted on a tava with a little castor oil and
applied over inflamed joints.
This is used with great effect
to heal cracked nipples and sores. Pure castor oil is applied to
the eyes before bedtime for a cooling effect. The oil is safe
and is prescribed in Siddha medicine for infants, young mothers
and even for the elderly for stomach pain. The dosage is
adjusted according to age. For infants, internal administration
of the oil is avoided, but the oil is applied over the navel. A
betel leaf stalk dipped in castor oil is used as a suppository
for children with constipation. Castor oil is also used in the
preparation of cosmetics, especially kajal and lipsticks.
In village homes, the oil is
prepared by the elderly women of the household. The seeds of the
castor plant (Latin name: Ricinis communis) have a bristly outer
cover. This is removed and the inner seed cooked in water and
then dried and powdered coarsely.
This powder is then added to
boiling water. As the water boils, the oil from the seed slowly
separates out and is then decanted. Pure castor oil is also
available in traditional medicine stores.
Ricinis communis is native to
Africa but grows wild in many parts of India. It is also
cultivated and is usually grown along bunds or as a hedge crop.
For further information
contact: Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research, Chennai.
Telephone: 24415993, 24405583 E-mail:
phyto@vsnl.net
Herb95@hotmail.com
