Medicinal Uses for Jatropha Curcas

Jatropha curcas is an ornamental plant with plum-sized fruit that has been widely used in holistic medicine. This plant can be found in many different tropical areas. It can withstand long periods of drought. The seeds are picked by hand when they fall from the plant. Some of the effects of the remedies have been demonstrated scientifically, says underutilized.org.

External Uses

• The oil from Jatropha curcas seeds is used in helping with rashes and parasitic skin diseases. Sap form the bark is used to dress wounds and ulcers and can also be used to stop bleeding. When you mix oil from the seeds with benzyl benzoate, it becomes effective against scabies and dermatitis. You can use the sap from the leaves on bee and wasp stings.

Internal Uses

• Jatropha is most commonly used to purge the stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. When you drink it in a tea, it can help with the reduction of fevers and will also help with jaundice and gonorrhea. Many people chew on the seeds to aid in constipation. The stems of young leaves are said to aid urinary infections. Tea made from the bark of jatropha is given to people with rheumatism and leprosy. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, says the roots can be used to make an antidote for snakebites. The fruits and seeds of jatropha are said by jstor.org to contain a contraceptive principle.

Teeth

• The small tender twigs can be used as a toothbrush to clean the teeth. When jatropha is mixed with something that has a pleasant taste, it can be used as a mouthwash. Jatropha can be used to strengthen gums. Making a compress from the leaves and placing it on a sore tooth will help with the pain. The sap from the leaves can be rubbed onto the gums of babies to aid with teething.