APAMARGA

Introduction:

Wild plant usually grow during rainy season with the height of 4 to 6 ft.  Stems are purple with ovate leaves. Flowers are greenish white having reddish brown seeds covered in sharp spores which sticks to clothes when we pass from nearby. Out of three varieties, white is usually used for medicinal purpose. Entire plant has medicinal value. Used extensively in Ayurveda. Leaves are used for Ganesh Puja.

Uses:

1. Scorpion bite: Root/bark/Leaves paste or juice lower the pain in case of insect bite when applied externally.

2. Toothache: Apply juice of leaves on the affected tooth.

3. Ear problems: Decoction/paste is added to sesame oil and boiled to remove the water. Oil is effective on earache.

4. Eye problems: Roots are useful in many eye problems including Night blindness.

5. Cough, Cold: (Apamarg Kshar) Ash is effective in expelling excessive cough from the body.

6. Piles or Fistula: It has purgative quality which loosen stool and increase bowel movement hence useful in piles or fistula.

7. Jaundice: Root powder given in butter milk is useful.

8. Skin problems: Root paste helps to reduce itching, skin rashes when applied externally. The juice helps in healing of wound and ulcers, applied directly on them.

9. Stomach pain/ Indigestion: It has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties hence helps to improve digestion.

10. Worms: It helps in removing worm infestation in the gut.

11. Renal Calculus: Due to its diuretic properties it helps to break down and eliminate kidney stones.