Archives for Apr 8, 2021

Castor

Castor Scientific Name

Ricinus communis

Castor Other Names

English: Castor, African Coffee tree, Arandi
Chinese: Pee-Ma
Persian: Ved Anjir
Hindi: Erand, Redi
Sanskrit: Eraṇḍaka

What is Castor?

Castor plant also known as Ricinus is a quick growing evergreen tree. It grows up to a height of 5 meter and width of 4.5 meter. Its leaves are shinny green to purplish in color. In Ayurveda, it mostly used in form of oil, obtained from the Castor seed.
Castor oil has anti aging and rejuvenating properties. Seeds of Castor can be toxic and oil is obtained from the seeds only after fermentation in coconut water, followed by washing and drying to get get them ready for medicinal use. It is known to be the best remedy to cure tooth ailments and constipation. Also, Castor seed oil is very effective in treatment of rheumatism.

Common forms of Castor

Root, Leave, Fruit, Seed, Oil

Castor is commonly used for:

Castor Dosage

Seed OIl: 3-5 Drops
Powder: 1-3 gram

Castor Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Castor oil can cause diarrhea, dysentery, stomach cramps and vomiting due to its purgative nature.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not Known but avoid using without medical supervision.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Castor in US?

Bhringraj (Maka)

Bhringraj Scientific Name

Eclipta prostrata

Bhringraj Other Names

English: False Daisy
Hindi: Bhangra, Bhanagaraiya
Sanskrit: Maka

What is Bhringraj?

Bhringraj belongs to a plant known as False Daisy. It is from the sunflower family and grows best in moist places like Thailand, India and Brazil. Bhringraj aka Kesharaj (means King of the Hair) as it promotes hair growth and prevents greying. It is also used in Ayurveda for its protein, vitamin and antioxidant content that protects the body against many infections.
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Bhringraj powder is often used in managing cholesterol levels and preventing heart diseases. It also protects the liver cells against damage caused by free radicals. Bhringraj has diuretic properties and consuming Bhringraj leaf powder is found to be helpful in managing urinary complications.

Common forms of Bhringraj

Juice, Powder, Capsule, Tablet, Oil

Bhringraj is commonly used for:

  • Anger and Hostility
  • Treating liver disorders
  • Curing indigestion
  • Boosting immunity
  • Treating and managing Diabetes
  • Anti-aging property
  • Overall hair care, preventing hair fall, split ends, greying etc.
  • Treating weak eyesight
  • Stress
  • Preventing and treating Baldness
  • Correcting and preventing dehydration
  • Treating toothache

Bhringraj Dosage

Oil: 3-5 Drop
Juice: 5-10 ml per day
Powder: 2-3 gram twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 twice a day
Tablet: 1-2 twice a day

Bhringraj Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: High dosage can cause stomach problems
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnant and nursing mothers: Not known.
Children: Not known.

Where to Buy Bhringraj in US?