Leadwort

Botanical Name : Plumbago Zeylanica
Family : Plumbaginaceae
Sanskrit Name : Chithraka , Agni , Dahan
English Name : Leadwort

DESCRIPTION

It is a plant that grows all over the year , grows up to 3 – 6 feet height.
Leaves: Dark green in colour , ovate in shape , 2 – 3’ in length.
Parts used: Moola ( root )
Origin: South east Asia & in Madhya Pradesh.

TYPES

Plumbago Zeylanica – White
Plumbago Rosea – Red
P. Capensis Thunk – Blue

White variety is used for medicinal purposes.

The drug is carminative , digestive , useful in haemorrhoids anti inflammatory & anti colic.
For leukoderma , it is administered with cow’s urine.
Useful in intestinal worm infestation.
Absorbs excess moisture from abdomen.
Used in the treatment of amenorrhoea.
Red variety of chithraka is sthulya kayakara because it improves appetite & gains weight.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Ras : Katu
Guna : Laghu , Tikshna ( Penetrates very fast )
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Dosha: It pacifies kapha & vata. It also act as tridoshaghana.

INDICATION

Indigestion , deepana , pachana.
Liver tonic enhances liver metabolism.
Highly beneficial in obesity , it helps in flushing out the toxins.
Used in skin diseases & curing leprosy.
Used in diarrhoea.
Its a renowned rasayana
Helps in lowering the cholesterol level
Helps in healing wounds.

SIDE EFFECTS

It’s not safe during pregnancy.
It may cause or worsen heavy periods.
In higher dose , it causes burning sensation , worsening of gastritis may cause neuropathy.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINES CONBTAINING CHITHRAKA

Chithraka harithaki
Chithrakadi vatti
Kalyanagulam

Reservations