HealthyOdisha

2009-02-17T08:21:00.000-08:00

BRAHMI :- THE BRAIN TONIC
Brahmi was, and still is, considered to be the premier herb for treating brain problems and age-related mental decline as well as to improve cognitive processes such as memory. Brahmi was established as a powerful nervine and brain tonic., brain enhancer

Botanical Name : Hydrocotyle Asiatica, Bacopa Monnieri
English Name : Pennywort - Indian , Hindi Name : Brahmi, Nir-brahmi , Sanskrit Name : Brahmi and Mandukparni , Odia Name: Thaalkudi, Brahmi

Brahmi is a small perennial herb, which can attain a maximum height of 2-3 ft. It has thick succulent leaves, which are supposed to store water in them. It flowers in summers i.e. from May to July. It bears oval shaped fruit, which follows after flowering. Whole plant part is used. Bacopa Monnieri is a weed, creeping plant found in damp,which grows in marshy land. This is found in many parts of the world. While, Hydrocotyle Asiatica is an herb native to India and Australia. ‘Bacopa Monnieri’ is a member of Scrophulariaceae plant family. This is a small, succulent creeping aquatic herb, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are opposite, decussate, sessile, fleshy and blackdotted. The flowers bloom in January to May; the color of the flower is pale blue or white. ‘Hydrocotyle asiatica’ is a member of Apeaceae plant family. This is a small creeping herb. The stem is slender, rooting at the nodes. The leaves are 1 to 4 from each node. The flowers bloom in May to November. The flowers are pink in color.

In Ayurvedic literature, both the herbs are known as Brahmi. Actually Pennywort – Indian is known as Brahmi and Bacopa monnieri is known as Jal- Brahmi or Nir- Brahmi. Both the types are used as very good nerve tonic and sedative with very good effect on stress. Extracts of leaves are used in Hair tonic preparations. Leaves are useful as Ayurvedic Medicinal Herb. Brahmi improves memory,increases learning capacity,relieves stress and anxiety, ideal for students and the elderly.

Medicinal Properties:
The plant is a cooling purgative intellect promoting and has astringent, bitter, sweet, aphrodisiac and aperient. Brahmi act as a nerve reliever because of its laghu (light) gunna (property). It helps in relieving nervous congestion and strain from them, as it possesses ushan virya potency, thereby it reduces vata dosha, which is main culprit in causing such problems. Due to presence of tickt rasa, it easily penetrates into the tissues thus giving soothing feel.

Uses:
This is a very good treatment of asthma, hoarseness of voice, insanity and epilepsy. This is also used for the treatment of cardiac and nerve tonic, insanity, headaches, scorpion stings, snakebites, anemia, leprosy, liver ailments, skin conditions, and memory lapses. This is a traditional brain nerve tonic, now being recognized for its memory enhancing and revitalizing effects.

Brahmi is used as a herbal brain tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace.

Brahmi has gain world wide fame as a memory booster and mind alertness promoter. It is widely used as antioxidant and in improving the brain cell functions. It helps in relieving nervous congestion and strain from them, as it possesses ushan virya potency; thereby it reduces vata dosha, which is main culprit in causing such problems. Due to presence of tickt rasa, brahmi easily penetrates into the tissues thus giving soothing feel.

Health Benefits of Brahmi :
It improves intelligence level and mind alertness.
It helps in maintaining mental calmness and has an appetite for stress.
It helps in improving mental performance and increasing learning capacity.
It is helpful in increasing mental concentration level.
It has good effects on patients suffering from insomnia.
It helps in relieving them with all their stress and makes them feel good and relaxed.
Brahmi helps in decreasing anxiety and mental fatigue and promotes freshness in your mind.
It is also very effective in depression related problems.
It helps in rejuvenating there lost energies and makes them feel good and relaxed.
It helps in maintaining lowering blood pressure to the normal level.
It is very useful in maintaining normal body temperature thus relieving body from hyperthermia and fevers.
It is also very effective in treating menstrual disorders and painful menses.
Brahmi also finds its application in cough and cold related problem.
It is used to attain long life while having energy just like a youth. Brahmi works as an antioxidant and retards aging thus keep the person young and youthful.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BRAHMI?
The effects of Brahmi can be of benefit to anyone wishing to stimulate their powers of recall and concentration. Although Brahmi has shown to be helpful in treating ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), age-related mental deterioration and concentration difficulties due to stress, it may be incredibly beneficial where there is no health condition, but only the desire to improve cognitive function.

Brahmi is as eminently suited to a healthy, young student looking to maximise their ability to focus and study, as to an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It enables people to optimise their intellectual potential and mental vitality for the betterment of both personal and professional pursuits. Aside from increasing intellectual and cognitive function, Brahmi induces a sense of calm and peace in its users. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. Brahmi is ideal for students and workers faced with this problem.

As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. It may also be of value in assisting those with epilepsy.

Brahmi has been found very effective in depression related problems. It helps in rejuvenating there lost energies and makes them feel good and relaxed.

Brahmi also finds its application as an herb, which stimulates heart for its normal functioning, and also as hypotensive agent thereby lowering blood pressure to maintain it to its normal levels. It is very useful in maintaining normal body temperature thus relieving body from hyperthermia and fevers. Due to presence of tickt rasa it removes all the toxins present in blood stream. Brahmi is also very effective in treating menstrual disorders and painful menses . Asthmatic patients have also been seen getting great relief from regular use of Brahmi.

Since centuries Brahmi has been used as rasayan, hence it is used to attain long life while having energy just like a youth. It works as an antioxidant and retards aging thus keeps the person young and youthful It is also helpful in treating general body weakness and promotes energy levels like never before.

2009-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

Aloe Vera: Apply and make difference to your looks !!

Introducing aloe vera as a medicinal plant will be like making fun of aloe vera. It is world wide accepted fact that Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant and has lot of medicinal uses. When we are mentioning the medicinal uses of aloe vera we all are aware of the healing properties of aloe vera plants.

The role of Aloe Vera does not limit itself to only cosmetology and skin care but surprisingly a remedy to many ailments. The health benefits of aloe Vera are on the rise with its miraculous healing qualities.

The aloe plant belongs to the onion/garlic family and there are about three hundred species of aloe Vera. Odia Name: Gritakumari. However the most important one is Aloebadensis Miller. Aloe contains almost 20 amino acids, vital minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium in sufficient quantities, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components which make it a miracle substance. Aloe Vera is found to have medicinal and cosmetic properties. Aloe Vera properties find expressions in aloe wound creams, moisturizers, cleansers, gels, health drinks etc.

The aloe drink is used as a tonic for curing arthritis, diabetes and high cholesterol. Aloe properties aid in steadying blood sugar levels. It also works its way in building good immunity. Aloe gels and sprays help in reducing muscle and joint pains as well as regressing the pain caused by arthritis. It helps in decreasing the cholesterol, blood fat lipid levels and triglycerides that are some of the major causes for heart problems.

Aloe's curative properties help a great deal in curing digestive disorders. It effectively cures ulcers, heartburns, irritable bowl syndrome and indigestion. It is also used as a laxative and is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the amount of the stomach juices secreted. Its properties are capable of destroying the bacteria or parasites in the intestines.

Aloe is also used to cure skin ailments and wounds. Aloe gels are used to treat cuts, bruises, wounds and scrapes. Aloe contains magnesium lactate, an itch inhibitor bringing in relief to insect bites, acne, sunburns and rashes. Aloe effectively treats warts and also lesions inside and outside the mouth. Its healing quality can even cure psoriasis.

Aloe is widely accepted and appreciated in the cosmetic word. It is used as an anti-wrinkle treatment due to its effectiveness in stimulating the production of collagen and elastin that helps in keeping aging at bay. As a cleanser it helps in removing dead cells. It is an effective moisturiser for the skin. Its properties lighten skin pigmentation thereby reducing the intensity of dark spots and left over pimple marks.

Wonderful Uses:
Aloe vera used to heal skin wounds. Aloe vera plant is used to heal burn. Helps in speeding recovery time after surgery. Aloe vera gel is used on blisters.
Aloe vera Plats are also helpful in healing insect bites,healing rashes,sores,herpes,urticaria,fungus,vaginal infections,conjunctivitis,allergic reactions. Aloe gels are applied on dry skins to give them glowing effect. Helps in reducing acne. Helps to reduce sunburn. Aloe vera helps to fight frostbite. Aloe vera uses includes fighting from shingles. It helps in screening out x-ray radiation. Aloe vera used to reduce psoriasis, rosacea,warts. Wrinkles from aging are reduced by applying aloe vera. Aloe vera used to reduce eczema.

Seeing so many medicinal uses of aloe vera plant it is pretty easy to say that aloe vera is of great importance in our lives and solves great purpose in medical field as well. Apart from above mentioned medicinal uses of aloe vera there are other more important points to be noted about aloe vera plant which are of more importance and critical issues:

AIDS Cure: Aloe vera is showing a great potential to fight against AIDS. So many researches are going to get the best potential result out of aloe vera plants for cure of AIDS.

Cancer cure: Aloe vera plants are proving to be great help for cancer patients by activation white blood cells which promote growth of non-cancerous cells. Researchers have found the cancer fighting properties of aloe vera and are making it count.

The medicinal uses of aloe vera plants is never ending you can consider aloe vera to solve every problem of your body and its pretty reliable and without any side effects. You will be surprised to see the much more medicinal uses of aloe vera.

Aloe Vera Liquid to keep you fit
Buy aloe vera liquid drink to keep you and your family fit and fine. These liquid aloe vera are without any side effects and very effective to give your body a perfect shape.

Aloe Vera Capsules
Aloe vera capsules are made to suit in any kind of situations. Highly effective and without any side effects you can buy them any time.

Aloe Vera Pills
Aloe Vera Pills are easy to intake and highly effective. Without any side effect these aloe vera pills are of great use and for any kind of disease.

Aloe Vera plant is beneficial to heal injuries and burns and makes the skin soft and smooth. Aloe Vera comes in the form of gel and liquid in the market.

One can obtain it from the specific shops or stores of health and food. The aloe Vera sap is useful to treat various health problems.

In fact, it can be used as an ingredient in numbers of creams, lotions, gels and shampoos. People can take aloe Vera juice as a diet supplement or directly.

Method For Making Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera leaves are filleted. And then, green colored exterior surface of the leaf that contains aloin is separated and remove gel that is scraped from the aloe Vera leaves.

Aloe Vera gel stays hard while cutting the leaves of aloe Vera but after a few minutes, an enzymatic effect begins it to turn into the liquid and is short of stinting expire. The requirement for producers of aloe Vera soap is to regulate the amount of aloin present in the last item for aloe Vera soap.

Advantages of Juice that derived from Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera liquid is consumed for restoring and maintaining balance of stomach acids. It has proved that it promotes and maintains the right equilibrium of stomach acids.
Aloe Vera improves digestive functions and absorption of nutrients.
Aloe polysaccharides are applied to increase the immune cells property and it is beneficial for eliminating waste and makes toxic and more properties.
The sap of aloe Vera is beneficial to treat digestive system diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, candida, colitis and acid indigestion.

2009-01-26T00:49:00.001-08:00

Neem : The Miracle Tree
It is popularly known as the miracle tree. It is known as Nimba in India. The Sanskrit name of Neem is Arishtha meaning the reliever of the sickness. Margosa tree . Neem tree is commonly known as margosa tree in English language and Azadirachta indica in biological terms. Odia name: Nimba .

Neem needs no introduction in today’s world. A very famous herb of India with worldwide fame and having magical properties known for its miraculous medicinal values from past 5000 years. Neem is known as free tree of India as it is found almost everywhere in India. It is considered as a magic tree, which has properties that not only relieves but also cures from illness. It is part of every Indian home due to its great application and hence is considered as a place of worship.

Margosa tree attains a maximum height of 40 to 50 fts. It is an evergreen tree whose branches spread all over. Neem has been used as pesticide since early ages because of its remarkable property of fighting away with pest and microorganism, that are supposed to be harmful for agricultural and homely purpose and hence makes neem the most wonderful partner of human in his evolution.

Margosa tree possesses the sheet (cold) virya potency. It contains tickt and kashaya rasa, it possesses the laghu (light) gunna (property). Combination of these makes neem a unique herb. Due to tickt rasa it suppresses kapha and due to sheet virya potency it suppresses pitta dosha. Chemically neem contains complex compounds called triterpenes, limonoids, nonterpenoids, hexanortriterpenoids, and pentattriterpenoids. The most important active ingredient of neem is azadirachitin, which makes neem possess the power, what it projects in its usage. Every part of the plant is used i.e. flower, leaves, bark, seed, oil, branches and the excludant called neera, which flows out of the bark

Neem is a multipurpose herb, which is recommended in every type of ailment. Following are the wonders of neem, which ayurveda has to offer to this world and modern life style of living.

Neem has been an inherent part of the traditional medicine system for centuries and it has now been universally accepted as a 'Wonder tree', having multiple functions and uses. It is now being used by leading pharmaceutical companies for producing high quality allopathic medicines.

Neem parts are widely used in veterinary medicine and helps to cure different animal diseases. Neem is said to have anti viral properties, which in turn helps to cure many animal diseases. Neem is also used as an animal feed because it contains significant amount of protein, minerals except zinc, carotene etc. Neem leaf extracts are used by manufacturers in making poultry immuno stimulants.

Description : It is a tall evergreen tree with the small bright green leaves. It is up to 100 feet tall. It blossoms in spring with the small white flowers. It has a straight trunk. Its bark is hard rough and scaly, fissured even in small trees. The colour of the bark is brown grayish. The leaves are alternate and consists of several leaflets with serrated edges. Its flowers are small and white in colour. The fruit is oval, round and thin skinned.

Other Species : A. juss, A. azedarac are the other related species of Neem tree. A. juices, A. azedarac are the other related species of Neem tree.

Location : Neem tree is found throughout India. It is a popular village tree. Although it is also widely grown in Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh national Park, Mrugavani Naional Park, Bannerghata National Park, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and Guindy National Park.

Cultivation : Neem tree can easily be grown in the dry, stony, shallow and clayey soils. It needs very little water and plenty of sunlight. It grows slowly during the first year of planting. It can be propagated through the seeds and cuttings. Young neem tree can not tolerate excessive cold. .

Medicinal uses in past : The indigenous people of Nilgiris consume the dried and powered tubulers of the terrestrial orchids as an energizing tonic. Neem also holds medicinal value. Each part of neem is used in the medicines. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for more than 4000 years. Neem oil extracted from its seeds is used in medicines, pest control and cosmetics etc. Its leaves are used in the treat Chickenpox.. According to the Hindus, it is believed that the Goddess of the chickenpox, Sithala lives in the Neem tree. Neem tea is usually taken to reduce the headache and fever. Its flowers are used to cure intestinal problems. Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can cure high fever as of malaria. Even the skin diseases can be cured from the Neem leaves. Indians even believe that the Neem can even purify diseases.

Other uses : People in India use its twigs to brush their teeth. Neem is considered as the useful tree in rehabilitating the waste land areas. Neem seed pulp is useful for methane gas production. It is also useful as carbohydrate which is rich base for other industrial fermentations. Neem bark contains tannins which are used in tanning and dyeing. In south India its wood is used to make the furniture. The bark of the yields the fiber that is woven into ropes. Neem cake is widely used in India as fertilizer for sugarcane, vegetable and other cash crops. Many countries have been consistently growing the Neem tree against the global warming. The worldwide Neem Foundation has helped in making the people aware about the importance of neem and its uses globally.
Cultural Importance : One can find Neem in almost all the parts of India. It is said that planting Neem tree in the house is a ensured passage to heaven. Its leaves are stung on the main entrance to remain away from the evil spirits. Brides take bath in the water filled with the Neem leaves. Newly born babies are laid upon the Neem leaves to provide them with the protective aura. Neem gives out more oxygen than other trees. The neem tree is also connected with the Sun, in the story of Neembark 'The Sun in the Neem tree'. Neem is the wonder tree and finds mention in the number of ancient texts.

Best action:
· Neem act as anti bacterial, anti parasitic, anti fungal, anti protozoal and anti viral thus helps in protection from all the microorganisms, which are always ready to invade in our body causing serious ailments.

· Local application of neem powder or neem oil has miraculous results. As it is a famous anti microbial herb, it renders all the microorganisms inactive therefore helping in proper healing of wound without causing any infections and septic conditions.

· Taking bath of neem leaves water is a very common sight in Indian homes that helps our body to counter mild infections, which our body might get in day-to-day activity.

· Its tropical application makes us relieved from acne, eczema and even ringworms

· In skin related diseases, neem works as blessing of God on mankind. It has an action on almost every kind of skin disease thus making its indication in eradicating every kind of itch, rash, infection and allergy.

· Neem water is extensively used in burn injuries, thus to protect them from any kind of infection and also promote healing.

· Neem oil is extensively used in hair fall and early graying of hairs with very satisfying results. It also find its application in dandruff and in lice growth

Internal action:
· Due to presence of tickt rasa it is beneficial in indigestion, constipation and restoring taste of mouth.

· It helps in fighting with the intestinal worms there by act as a deworming agent
· It is highly recommended in hyperacidity and epigastric pain as it suppresses pitta that is the main culprit in the aggravation of such illness.

· Good results have also been seen in gastritis

· Widely and extensively used as blood purifier as it possess the properties like tickt rasa which helps in detoxifying any toxins floating in our blood stream which may lead to illness.

· It gives wonderful results in diabetes incipidus and diabetes mellitus due to presence of tickt rasa.

· It is very helpful in curing urinary tract infection

· It stimulates liver for proper functioning therefore helps in maintaining proper secretions of liver

· It acts on all kinds of skin disorders and provides great relief.

· It works as an anti inflammatory and pain relieving agent

· It also helps in suppressing extra heat generated in body due to any reason thus helps in maintaing normal condition in hyperthermia. Very useful in suppressing fever.

· Anti malarial action of neem has also been seen

· Since old times neem leaves have been used as an agent that helps in increasing vision as it helps in suppressing kapha disorders thus releasing congestion on eyeballs caused due to mucus accumulation in sinuses.

· Coughing is relieved by use of neem water

· It helps in reducing excess micturation

· It has given very good results in diseases like gonorrhea and syphilis

· It works as an immunoboosting agent therefore making our immune system very strong and efficient to fight against any foreign invasion making our body strong and disease free

MEDICINAL USES OF NEEM OIL
Neem oil is well known Indian System of medicine as disinfectant, anti-bacterial, ant-fungal, repellent to keep surroundings free from mosquitoes and flies, treatment of skin diseases and inflammations.

About 3 to 5 drops of neem oil taken internally result in gradual reduction of oral antidiabetic drugs, alternatively 2-3 drops of Neem can be taken with betel leaf.

Neem oil 3-5 drops, mixed with 2 tea spoons of sugar taken once a day, for 15 days help to cure tropical eosinophilia

Apply 2-3 drops of neem oil externally for sun burn, chapped lips, minor cuts and bruies, cracked nipples, dry skin, dapper rash and as after shave.

Apply few drops of neem oil soaked in cotton for dental and gum troubles.

For Rheumatic Pains, Inflammation, Swelling, Massage of neem oil mixed with Eucalyptus Oil for Relief.

For ear ache apply 1-2 drops of warm neem oil into ear.

Few drops of neem oil o used Mosquito mats or kerosene lamps containing 1% Neem repel mosquitoes.

To cure piles take 5-10 drops neem oil and gently rub on the hermorrohoids for about a week.

For relief of elephantiasis, liberally massage Neem on the affected leg. Always sleep with affected leg placed at a higher position than your body.

A wick made from neem oil put in fistula helps to heal it wothout operation

Apply few drops of neem oil to cure pimples, black spots on the face.

Neem is mosquito repellent. Rub few drops of oil on the exposed parts of body for overnight protection. Alternatively 5% Neem in coconut oil also may be used. Apply Neem children before going to bed.

Mix few drops of neem oil with coconut oil to stop falling hair and to enhance growth. It prevents greying of hair. In case of baldness due to disease,other than hereditary continue the treatment for three months.

To get rid of lice and dandruff massage neem oil on the scalp at night and wash hair in the morning. This may be done for a period of 3 months.

Externally neem oil is applied as antiseptic dressing in Leprosy, Urticaria, Eczema, Scabies, Ring worm, and maggot infected wounds.

Neem oil 3 to 5 drops taken internally for curing Malaria, other than skin diseases.

ANTIFERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING
Cotton soaked in neem oil 5 to 10 drops is kept in the vagina 15 minutes before intercourse kills and hampers the speed of sperms (spermicide). This is an effective contraceptive. Neem has antifertility property and without interfering with spermatogenesis. The mechanism of the action is non-hormonal, and is reversible. Fertility can be restored after stopping the treatment. Neem soaked in cotton wick can be used as suppository.

Neem oil is antiseptic to tone up Vagina, controls different types of metritis, relieves cervical inflammation, leucorrohea and other vaginal disorders and Sexually Transmitted Diseases and squamosa cell carcinoma of the cervix which is one of the most common cancers in women.

2009-01-20T21:35:00.001-08:00

Miracle Gifts from Nature

Health Benefits of Castor Seed Oil
The castor is a small annual plant. It ranges from 1 to 7 meters in height. It has well-developed roots , with green and reddish stems which become hollow with age. The fruit is a spherical capsule with small grey seeds with brown spots.

The seeds of the plant contain alkaloid ricinine and toxalbumine ricin. They yield a fixed oil, which is used chiefly for medicinal purposes. Though castor plant or its oil is not a food, yet it is one of the most commonly used oil all over the skin and alleviating swelling and pain.

Castor oil chiefly consists of ricinoleate of glycerol or triricinolein with a small quantity of palmitin and stearin. Unlike most fixed oils, castor oil possesses the remarkable property of mixing with absolute alcohol and glacial acetic acid in all proportions. The glycerides of ricinoleic acid in castor oil are mainly responsible for its purgative effect.

Botanical Name- Ricinus communis ,Indian Name- Arandi ,ODIA NAME : JADAA
Castor Oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from the castor bean, though it is not classified as a bean. Castor Oil is also used in some household toiletry products such as soap and lubricants. But is also used in things like brake fluid, paints, dyes, inks and waxes, the reason why is that castor oil is very smooth and silky. The health benefits of castor oil include relief from rheumatism, menstrual disorders, and constipation. It also helps in oral care, proper lactation, birth control, hair care, and skin care.
Some of the health benefits are that Castor Oil helps kidney burn; it also serves as a laxative. It can lubricate your bowels and make your system flow a little better. It is also safe to be used by pregnant women as they give birth; it makes the birth a lot smoother so to speak. Castor oil is also said to be great for dry skin conditions, the lubricant in the Castor Oil helps ease the roughness of the skin but castor oil is an eye irritant and is very similar to pepper spray. Be careful when handling it; even if you touch a little bit do not touch your eyes.
Even half a century ago, castor oil was a nightmare among children, and there were sufficient reasons behind that. It was extensively used as a purgative, and most peculiarly, as a medicine against almost all ailments in children (and olds too), ranging from cough and cold, fever, constipation, indigestion, ingestion of any poisonous stuff, tape worms and round worms, skin diseases and so on. The idea behind such a treatment was that malfunctions in the stomach were the roots to all other problems. So, whenever you have a problem, you need a thorough wash of your digestive system and the problem will be gone. Castor Oil was infamous due to other reasons too. All the medicinal uses it has are mostly due to its germicidal, toxic, purgative and disinfectant properties. Castor Oil is tasteless and odorless oil extracted from Castor Seeds obtained from castor plant which is scientifically known as Ricinus Communis.

The health Benefits of castor oil :

Rheumatism: The Ricinoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid and other fatty acids found in castor oil are very effective in treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout etc. They easily penetrate through the skin. Castor Oil is many a times mixed with other medicines for rheumatism to facilitate their penetration and to enhance the effects.

Birth Control: Castor Oil contains a toxin called Ricin (a protein) which, if administered in very low dosages, acts as germicidal. Due to this property, it is also used as Spermicidal (in spermicidal gels, lotions etc.). If administered to pregnant ladies in higher dosages, it can also cause abortions. However, the second mode of birth control can be fatal for the mother too and is never recommended.

Menstrual Disorders: Ricinoleic acid, present in castor oil, is Emenagogue in nature and helps open menstruation in cases of delayed or painful or stopped menstruations. It also helps relieve pain during menstruations.
Skin Care: Castor oil contains Undecylenic Acid which, due to its germicidal and disinfectant properties, is useful in treating skin diseases and skin ulcers, particularly those which are caused due to bacterial or fungal infections.

Lactation: Most of the substances which are Emenagogue in nature, are also Galactagogue in nature, that is, they stimulate secretion of milk. So is castor oil. Apart from easing and enhancing milk flow, it also increases quantity of milk due to presence of fatty acids in it. However, its cold-compressed form only should be taken in low doses to avoid its adverse effects on the infant.

Hair Care: The germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties of Ricin and Ricinoleic acid present in castor oil protect the scalp and hair from microbial and fungal infections, the two prime causes for hair loss. In addition, the fatty acids in it nourish hair and prevent the scalp from drying by retaining moisture.

Constipation: Castor is most widely used as a laxative (better call it purgative). It is thus a very effective treatment in extreme cases of constipation where the bulk laxatives do not work.

Other Benefits: Used as an effective purgative. Ricinoleic acid is anti inflammatory in nature. Castor oil is also used in medicines for HIV positive people, as compounds like Ricinoleic acid and Ricin in it have germicidal and anti viral effects. Castor oil is also used on burns, wounds etc. to protect them from infections

Medicinal Action and Uses : Castor Oil is regarded as one of the most valuable laxatives in medicine. It is of special service in temporary constipation and wherever a mild action is essential, and is extremely useful for children and the aged. It is used in cases of colic and acute diarrhoea due to slow digestion, but must not be employed in cases of chronic constipation, which it only aggravates whilst relieving the symptoms. It acts in about five hours, affecting the entire length of the bowel, but not increasing the flow of bile, except in very large doses. The mode of its action is unknown. The oil will purge when rubbed into the skin, or injected. It is also used for expelling worms, after other special remedies have been administered.

Castor Oil forms a clean, light-coloured soap, which dries and hardens well and is free from smell. It has been recommended for medicinal use. The inferior qualities of the oil are frequently employed in India for soap-making.
Externally, the oil has been recommended for various coetaneous complaints, such as ringworm, itch, etc. The fresh leaves are used by nursing mothers in the Canary Islands as an external application, to increase the flow of milk.
The oil varies much in activity - the East Indian is the more active, but the Italian has the least taste.

Castor Oil is an excellent solvent of pure alkaloids and such solutions of Atropine, Cocaine, etc., as are used in ophthalmic surgery. It is also dropped into the eye to remove the after-irritation caused by the removal of foreign bodies.
Below are some other medicinal properties of castor seeds:
- A poultice of castor seeds can be applied with gratifying results to gouty and rheumatic swellings. A decoction of the roots of castor plant with carbonate of potash is useful in the treatment of lumbago, rheumatism and sciatica. A paste of the kernel without the embryo, boiled in milk, is also given as a medicine in these conditions.

- Castor oil is a harmless purgative. It simply passes out after completing its purgative action, making the patient feel a mild irritation in the anus at that time. Administering of castor oil as a purgative is very simple. About 30 to 60 grams of pure odorless castor oil is given orally with 250 to 375 grams of lukewarm milk. It acts just after an hour.

Those who find its use nauseating and unpalatable can take it with ginger water or aqua anisi in place on milk. This greatly reduces its unpleasantness, while destroying mucous and promoting healthy appetite.

- A poultice of castor leaves is useful as an external application of boils and swellings. Coated with some bland oil such as coconut oil and heated, the hot leaves can be applied over guinea-worm sores to extract the worms. A poultice of castor seeds is also applied to scrofulous sores and boils due to tuberculosis of lymph nodes.

- Castor oil massaged over the breast after child-birth increases the flow of milk, as it stimulates the mammary glands. The leaves of castor can also be used to foment the breast, for the same purpose.

- Castor oil massaged over the body, before bath, keeps the skin healthy and imparts sound sleep. Such an oil bath may be taken once in a week. Applying castor oil over hand and feet before going to bed keeps them soft and similarly over the eyebrows and eyelashes keeps them well-groomed.

- If used regularly as hair oil, it helps the growth of the hair and cure dandruff.