Castor oil

Castor oil is the only oil that removes ama and congested mala or kapha when used with heat. It will reduce tumors and any excess tissues. It reduces vata strongly.

Internally it moves down and so controls apana vayu. As a laxative it reduces vata by collecting it from different places in the body and takes it back to the colon and then removes it - this makes it very useful to both control and reduce vata generally. During this process it will also take out any other dosha, mala or ama that is mixed in with vata dosha.

Castor oil can be applied externally in what we call a local Svedhana application. We generally do not use Castor oil for massage (it is very sticky & thick) or for full body Svedhana.

It is very useful for injuries, pain, cramps or other traumas to the body that aggravate vata dosha.

How to make a Castor Oil pack (local snehana & svedhana)

Apply a generous quantity of warm Castor oil to the area you want to treat, then cover with a thin warm towel, then apply mild heat using a hot water bottle for 20 to 30 minutes. Do this twice daily if you can be motivated. If the pain increases in any way, reduce the heat to luke warm. This can be continued for weeks until the situation is healed.

– Ayurvedic Medicine for Westerners series of textbooks

Application of Ayurvedic Treatments Throughout Life (Volume 5)

Dravyaguna for Westerners (Volume 4)

Clinical Protocols and Treatments in Ayurveda (Volume 3)

Pathology & Diagnosis in Ayurveda (Volume 2)

Anatomy and Physiology in Ayurveda (Volume 1)