Wednesday 1 June 2011

Castor/Aamanaku/Vilaku Ennai Health Benefits



ricinus oil plant is a tropical flowering plant and the castor seeds from it is the source for castor oil. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, it is an unsaturated fatty acid that is attributed to many of its healing properties. Castor oil also contain undecylenic acid, which is a germicide and a disinfectant.
The roots are an aphrodisiac, carminative, galactogogue, expectorant, anthelmintic and purgative. The leaves are a diuretic, anthelmintic and galactogogue. The seeds are an aphrodisiac and digestive. The seed oil is thermogenic and antipyretic.

Castor/Aamanaku/Vilaku Ennai Home Remedies

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs are a popular treatment for many conditions like arthritis, back pain and sciatica. Castor oil packs are also used to improve assimilation, eliminations and circulation, especially of the lymphatic system. Edgar Cayce, hailed as the father of holistic medication, firmly believed in its efficacy and used it to cure many illnesses.
Fold a small piece of unbleached flannel material into three or four layers. Dip the folded flannel in castor oil and completely drench the cloth. Place the pad on the affected region and cover the other side of the flannel with a plastic wrap. Now, place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the wrap so as to protect the heating pad from getting oily. Leave the heat at medium setting and administer this treatment for about 45 minutes. The flannel cloth can be re-used. Simply place it in a ziploc bag and refrigerate.
The Castor Oil Pack can be used in the following conditions:
  • Arthritis

    The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil makes it an excellent massage oil in alleviating arthritic joints. Place the pack on the painful joint and relieve the nerve inflammation and sore muscles. You could add some fresh ginger juice to the inflammation for added benefit and then apply the pack.
  • Colic

    Babies have sensitive skin and are squirmy. Instead of placing the heating pad or the hot water bottle over the cloth, gently warm the cloth by placing it on a hot plate or the microwave. Make sure the cloth is just warm and not hot and place it over the baby’s abdomen for a few minutes. Any discomfort in the stomach can be alleviated with this home remedy.
  • PMS and Endometriosis

    The pelvis region tends to be sensitive and inflamed during the menstrual period. Applying a castor oil pack can provide relief to the lower abdomen. It is also useful in cases of uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts that are not cancerous.
  • Liver and Digestive Disorders

    The castor oil pack stimulates the liver, improve the lymphatic circulation and eliminate constipation.
In addition to the pack, Castor Oil has other applications:
  • Constipation

    Castor oil is a very strong laxative, and very effective against constipation. Add a few drops of the oil in your favorite juice to mask the taste and have it first thing in the morning. But, be sure to not take it over three days as it may cause a secondary constipation.
  • Wrinkle Treatment

    Castor oil is a natural emollient that can penetrate the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen and elatin which can soften and hydrate the skin. It can make skin smoother, softer and prevent dryness. Apply a thin layer of the oil before retiring for the night. Alternatively, apply the oil to you face and leave it on for about 30 minutes and wipe it off with a cotton ball.
  • Stye and Vision Issues

    Styes are oil gland infections of the eyelid and can be cured by castor oil as they have anti-bacterial properties. Apply a few drops of the oil thrice a day. To helps improve vision and grow long eyelashes, apply a few drops of castor oil into the eyes before retiring for the night.
  • Nourishment for the Hair

    Castor oil is very therapeutic on the hair – it improves hair texture, eliminates gray hair and dandruff. Since the consistency of castor oil is very thick, you could mix it with other lighter oils and apply.
  • Warts

    When you are retiring for the night, apply a paste of castor oil mixed with baking soda on the calluses on the feet, moles, ingrown toenails and warts. There maybe an initial irritation, but the warts will recede in a few days.

Contra-Indications

Large doses of castor oil in the first trimester can cause miscarriage. Refrain from oral administration of castor oil when there is abdominal pain or intestinal infections like appendicitis, enteritis or inflammation of the small intestine and peritonitis. Persons suffering from kidney weaknesses should not take castor oil as a purgative. Repeated usage of the oil for laxative purposes can cause secondary constipation, recurrence of the condition after the cure.

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