INDIAN PENNYWORT : A medicinal plant in your own yard
The plant is aptly named Saraswathi, Satyavathi, Smarini and Brahmacharini as it is used in many problems concerning women. It is used as a brain tonic and to control nerve disorders. The extract can be used for improving the voice and as a toner of heart muscle. It is recommended in leprosy, itching, fever, edema, respiratory ailments and anaemia.
Family: APIACEAE
Scientific name: Centella asiatica(L) Uraban
Common name: Indian pennywort
Sanskrit: Mandookaparni
Indian pennywort is a perennial prostrate medicinal herb flourishing on water and damp areas of tropical regions. It is native to India, China, Indonesia, Madagascar and Africa. It is generally applied in the cure of leprosy, skin diseases, diarrhoea and is known for its anti-tumour and antiulcer activity.
The fresh herb has aroma when crushed and taste bitter. Whole plant of Mandukaparni is popular as a kitchen herb in certain parts of India finding a place in chutneys, pickles, refreshing drinks etc. It is also reported to possess insecticidal properties. Above all, it is used as a nerve tonic for improving memory and against insanity.
Useful parts: Leaf, stem, root, whole plant.
Chemical ingredients: Asiaticoside, triterpenoid.
Medicinal uses:
1. In eczema, psoriasis -1-2 spoon of leaf juice is useful.
2. Paste of the leaf if applied cures chronic ulcers.
3. Juice of the leaf with honey controls cough and other respiratory disorders.
4. Using juice or decoction can control leucoderma.
5. The juice of the leaves mixed with honey, milk, and sugar reduces debility.
6. As it contains cellulose in excess, if used as a food like curry, it relieves constipation.
7. The decoction of the leaf reduces pain during labour.
8. It improves immunity in children below one year when they are given this juice with honey.
9. Insomnia patients can take 2-4 spoons of the juice with honey twice daily and the oil prepared is to be applied to the scalp.
10. The whole plant is crushed, boiled with milk called “Ksheera Paka”. This improves memory power.
11. If this is given in the form of food the memory power can be improved in mentally retarded children.
12. Decoction prepared with the plant and Tulasi (Holy Basil), black pepper cures fever and cold.
Dr. Vasundhara Bhupathi
Sidhartha Ayurvedic Clinic
No 222, 2nd E cross, 3rd Block, 3rd Stage
Basaweswara nagar, Bangaluru -560079
Mob: 9480334750
