# Eranda Taila

> Eranda Taila is a classical Ayurvedic taila, a medicated oil. Onset 2-6 hours after ingestion. Topical absorption is good due to hydroxyl group enhancing skin penetration. Acts as excellent carrier for other drugs in topical formulations.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Taila (castor oil), Capsules (modern), Topical preparations

**Standard Dosage:** 5-15 mL at bedtime with warm water or milk for purgation; 2-5 mL for regular use, as per AFI Part I

**Bioavailability:** Ricinoleic acid is released from triglycerides by intestinal lipase, activating EP3 prostanoid receptors for [laxative](/reference/laxative/) effect. Onset 2-6 hours after ingestion. Topical absorption is good due to hydroxyl group enhancing skin penetration. Acts as excellent carrier for other drugs in topical formulations.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime for mild purgation (effect in 4-6 hours). For Virechana Karma: morning on empty stomach as per Panchakarma protocol.

**Shelf Life:** 3 years from date of manufacture (refined); 2 years (cold-pressed)

**Storage:** Store in airtight amber glass or HDPE bottles in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Highly viscous — handling considerations in cold weather.

**Marker Compounds:** Ricinoleic acid, Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, [Stearic acid](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stearic-acidstearic-acid)

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value (<4), peroxide value, saponification value (176-187), [iodine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iodine) value (82-90), hydroxyl value (150-170), refractive index (1.476-1.479), specific gravity (0.955-0.970), viscosity, ricinoleic acid content (80-90% by GC), ricin absence (must be nil in oil), moisture (<0.5%), heavy metals, microbial limits

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm milk or warm water at bedtime for purgative use; [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) kwath for Virechana therapy

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Gandharvahastadi Kashayam](/formulation/gandharvahastadi-kashayam/)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) Churna
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) Churna
- [Senna](/herb/senna/) (as co-laxative)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/eranda-taila/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.