ATIBALA

Introduction:

Atibala known as Indian mallow is a shrub, having many branches, and grows about 1–2 m tall. The plant has long tap roots with a number of branches, light brown, outer surface smooth with dot like lenticels. Bark thin and can be easily peeled off. Leaves are simple, alternate, and broadly ovate. Flowers are regular, orange-yellow. The sepals are five in number. Fruits are green when young turning to black as they mature. Atibala is used for medicinal purpose since ancient times. The herb is beneficial in general debility, headache, muscular weakness, bleeding disorders joint pain etc. and is aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic. Taste is sweet. All parts of plant are useful, mainly roots are used in medicines.

Uses:

1. Decoction of root powder is useful in urinary disorders and burning sensation of urine. Seeds powder is useful in bladder inflammation. Removes urinary and gall bladder stones.

2. Useful in treating Inflammation in Piles. Warm leaves applying castor oil may be applied externally and decoction of leaves may be taken internally. Also useful in rheumatism.

3. Roots and Leaves extract is useful against poisons of scorpion and in snake bite.

4. Powder of seeds and flowers is useful in treatment of impotency, loss of semen.

5. Decoction of leaves may be used to wash eyes for relief in eye problems.

6. Gargle with decoction of leaves relives tooth ache and gum disorders.

7. Powder of roots and seeds is useful in cough and bronchitis.

8. Paste of leaves with turmeric powder is useful in treating wounds and syphilis.

9. Powder of all parts of plant is useful in treating gynecological disorders like leucorrhoea etc.

10. Root powder is useful in epilepsy and facial paralysis.

11. Decoction of root powder controls fever and is used as cooling medicine, relieves excessive thirst.

12. Root powder and decoction is useful in general debility. Used as tonic, improves immunity and strength.

13. Roots are used for treatment of bleeding disorders.

14. Root powder along with honey is beneficial in Jaundice and used as liver tonic.