Overview
Jatropha is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive health. Jatropha curcas (Jamalghota) is described as a wild castor-like plant. It is a large shrub whose seeds contain a powerful purgative oil. The seed oil is more drastic in its purgative action than castor oil and must be used very carefully. The plant has been used for severe constipation and abdominal disorders. The latex of the plant has wound-healing properties. The text warns about its strong and potentially irritating purgative effect.
How Jatropha Helps with Digestive Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Jatropha has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing digestive health:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Tikshna (sharp), Snigdha (unctuous)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Sharp (Tikshna), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Curcin (toxic protein similar to Ricin), Jatrophine. Seeds contain purgative oil.
- Also Known As
- English: Purging Nut, Physic Nut, Wild Castor
Sanskrit: कनकनंदन
Hindi: जमालघोटा, बागभेरंडा, जंगली अरण्डी
What the Classical Texts Say
- Vibandha (severe constipation)
- Udara Roga (abdominal diseases)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Other Herbs for Digestive Health
See all herbs for digestive health on the Digestive Health page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.