Castor (Latin name, Ricinus communis), an annual or perennial bush, is used externally to relieve various inflammatory conditions of the skin and mucus membrane.
Castor oil contains properties of ricinoleic acid. It is a safe and effective purgative for most animals and may be given to pregnant animals. A little quantity of castor seed is used as a mild laxative for children. The oil is added to hair-oils, hair fixers and aromatic perfumes. Its paste is applied to sores, boils and gouty or rheumatic swellings.
It is also known as Eranda and Gandharva hasta.
