Avanakku – Herbal Remedy for Rheumatism

Plant name : Amanakku
“The best herb for Vatha diseases”

Botanical name : Ricinus communis
Family : Euphorbiaceae.
Actions : Anti-vatham, Purgative, Emollient, Galactagogue.

There are 3 varieties namely – Chitramanakku (small-variety), Peramanakku (Large variety), Chevvamanakku

Siddha Medicinal Uses (Chitramanakku)

1. The leaves have Anti-vatha properties.The leaves can either be given as decoction or surasam.
2. The leaves are made into small pieces,then fried in castoroil and used for formentation in case of arthritis ,over the swollen and painful areas.
3. The leaves are heated and applied over the breast as a bandage to induce milk secretion in case of lactating mothers.
4. For painful abdomen due to constipation , amenorrhoea etc ,castor oil is gently applied externally over lower abdomen.Also the heated leaves of this plant should be externally applied over this area.
5. The roots are crushed and prepared as decoction and given for 3-5 days in case of pricking pain over axilla and increased vatha condition , lumbago,diseases of abdomen,pain around urinary bladder,
6. The oil prepared from seeds is castor oil.This oil is used to induce purgation in case of constipation,intesinal worms in children,eczema and dermatosis.
7. The dried seed powder is given in dose of about 1 to 2 gm in rheumatism, lumbago, piles, constipation, diseases of liver, spleen and sciatica etc.
8. For increased iyam or kapha conditions,cough,bronchial asthma etc, 2 parts of castor oil and 1 part of honey is mixed well and given internally to induce purgation and produce relief.

Note: Siddha treatment is based on complete physical examination of the patient, Naadi diagnosis, and other diagnostic criteria of the disease. The content given in this article is purely meant for information and education purpose only. Kindly consult a Siddha physician before any sort of self medication.