KANTAKARI

Introduction:

Kantakari is perennial herb spreads on ground. All parts of plant contains fine prickles (kantak). Fruits are small round with many seeds flat circular in shape. There are two types of kantakari with bluish purple flowers or with white flowers. One with white flowers is known as ‘Lakshmana’ and found rarely. Kantakari is one of the Dash moola member under category of Laghu Panch Moola, pungent and bitter in taste. Mainly used in treatment of respiratory problems like Cough, cold, sore throat, sinusitis, hoarseness of voice, asthma etc.

Uses:

1. Respiratory problems: Kantakari powder/ juice/ decoction is useful in Cough, cold, asthma, hoarse voice and other respiratory problems. Decoction of roots with honey and long pepper powder is useful for in cough.

2. Hairfall and dandruff: Apply paste of kantakari juice with honey added on affected part.

3. Toothache: Spread powder of fruit on fire and pass fumes in mouth or apply fresh juice of leaves on affected teeth. Reduces plaque and kills bacteria.

4. Urinary problems: kantakari juice with buttermilk/honey is useful in dysuria.

5. Decoction of roots is useful on fever.

6. Kantakari powder with Clove and nutmeg powder in honey may be given for few days to improve digestion and as appetizer.

7. Kantakari juice is useful on dog bites and insect bites.

8. The paste of plant is applied on swollen joints in arthritis for relief.