ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Candlenut Oil Tree. Seed yields 57 to 80% of inedible, semi-drying oil, liquid at ordinary temperatures, solidifying at - 15°C, and containing oleostearic acid. The oil is quicker drying than linseed oil, and is used as a wood preservative, for varnishes and paint oil, also as an illuminant, for soap-making, waterproofing paper, in India rubber substitutes and insulating masses. Bark used on tumors in Japan. Reported to be aperient, aphrodisiac, laxative, poison, purgative, stimulant, sudorific, candlenut oil tree is a folk remedy for asthma, debility, sores, swelling, tumors, unconsciousness, womb ailments, and wounds. The oil is purgative and sometimes used like castor oil. In China, it is applied to sciatica. Kernels are laxative, stimulant, and sudorific.
