Eranda (Ricinus communis)
Eranda – Ricinus communis
Eranda is one of the most widely used and readily available herb in Ayurvedic treatments. Theplant is commonly known as Castor plant. The name Eranda itself means that the plant can alleviate all diseases caused by the aggravation of Vata dosha. The word Ricinus indicates the nature of it’s seeds which are little tick like. Communis means that the plant is available anywhere. Eranda can be used effectively in many diseases.
Eranda is one of the major herbs used by our Acharyasfor antiallergic andantimicrobial purposes. Dr.Gupta’s IAFA has been consistently working on the plant for knowing more medicinal properties of Eranda. The plant can be used as a purgative, stimulant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial agent. Eranda can cure diseases like Cough, Asthma, Piles, Anaemia, Fever, Worm infestations, Allergies etc. The ethanolic extracts of roots of Eranda have antidiabetic activities. Our experts have successfully proven the antibacterial activity of the plant by studying on fermented seed extracts. The essential oil present in Eranda possess antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.
Action of Eranda – Ricinus communisin Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Eranda. The plant contains phytoconstituents like lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, theco nine tyrosine, histidine, cystine, tartaric acid, B-sitosterol, ricinine, gallic acid, and rutin and these aids in the antiallergic property of the plant. The extract of the plant can be used for treating skin allergic conditions.
Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification
Botanical Name | Ricinus communis |
Family | Euphorbiaceae |
Native Names | |
Sanskrit Name | Eranda |
Hindi Name | Arand |
English Name | Castor plant |
Malayalam Name | Aavanakk |
Kannada Name | Haralu |
Marathi Name | Erendi |
Ayurveda reference of Eranda – Ricinus communis

Morphology of Eranda – Ricinus communis
- Stem-Erect, herbaceous above and woody below, cylindrical branched, solid.
- Leaf- Alternate, broad, palmately lobed and veined, lobes usually 7-8, simple, petiolate with multicostate reticulate venation.
- Flower – Monoecious , apetalous ,female flowers hypogynous, bracteate.
- Root – will be tough and cylindrical 1.5 to 3.5 cm in diameter.
- Seeds are oval shaped, some what laterally com pressed.
Geographical distribution of Eranda – Ricinus communis
Eranda found throughout India especially in forest areas road sides etc.
Phytoconstituents of Eranda – Ricinus communis
The plant contains phytoconstituents like :-
- Seeds contain fixed oil (45 to 52%), proteins 20%, Starch, Mucilage, Albumin, Ricin, Uric acid, hydrocyanic acid.
- Seed hull contains a bitter substance, some resin, pigments, Recinine (alkaloid). “Ricin’ is a toxic substance.
- Root and Root bark contains inorganic materials like potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, iron, aluminium, manganese and calcium.
- Leaves contain lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, theco nine tyrosine, histidine, cystine, tartaric acid, B-sitosterol, ricinine, gallic acid, and rutin.
Parts used of Eranda – Ricinus communis
- Root
- Seed
Dosage of Eranda – Ricinus communis
- Powder -3-5gm (churnam)
- Decoction – 60-90ml (kwatha )
Medicinal Properties of Eranda – Ricinus communis
- Vrishya-aphrodisiac
- Jwarahara-alleviates fever
- Kasa hara – relieves cough
- Sulahara-relieves pain
- Sophahara – relieves swelling
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Kushtaghna-alleviateskindisorders
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Kandughan- relieves itching
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Vranahara – useful in wounds

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Eranda – Ricinus communis
Ayurveda is purely based on naturally available herbs whichare toxic free and have no side effects at all. Erandais one of the most widely used herb. Asit is readily available, it can be used in treating many diseases like,
- In Piles (Arsas) – Decoction is prepared from the leaves of Vaasa, Arka and Eranda . Drinking this Decoction at a dose of 60 ml per day will cure piles.
- In Abdominal pain(sula)- Decoction prepared from root of Eranda is taken daily at a dose of 40 ml.
- In skin diseases (Kushta)– Eranda roots are collected and crushed well. It is then added with water to prepare decoction. Oral intake of this will cure skin diseases.
- In Diabetes (Prameha) – Decoction of Eranda is taken along with Gooseberry and honey at a dose of 50 ml.
- In Constipation (Vibandha) – Oil extracted from Eranda is mixed with milk. It is then taken internally. It will induce purgation.
- In Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) – The oil extract of Castor plant can cure Amavata.
- In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made with leaves of Eranda and Vasa taken internally at a dose of 60 ml.
- In Inflammation (Sopha) – Paste prepared from Bhallataka seed and ghee is applied over the skin part.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist