Pushkaramoola
Pushkaramoola is a very useful Ayurvedic herb, having botanical name Inula Racemosa belongs to Asteraceae family. It is found in Western Himalayas between 5,000- 14,000 feet altitude. The species is a perennial herb up to 1.5 m tall with fragrant prominent root and rootstock.
Leaves are leathery, rough above and densely hairy below. Flower heads are yellow in colour
It is also cultivated. Of all the herbs useful in hiccups, cough, flank pain and asthma, Pushkaramoola is the best.
Chemical Constituents –
Alantolactone, Isoalantolactone, Inunolide- Germacranolide, Dihydroisoalantotolactone, B- Sitosterol,, D- Mannitol, Dihydroinunolide, neo-Alantolactone, inunolise, Sesquiterpene lactone- inunol, Alantodiene etc.
Effect on Tridosha –
Because of its pungent, bitter taste, it balances Kapha and because of its hot potency, it balances Vata Dosha.
Properties –
• Expectorant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Carminative
• Diuretic
• Antiseptic
• Antifungal
• Digestive
• Cardioprotective
• Antispasmodic
• Antimicrobial
Part used –
Root is the main part of Pushkaramoola which is used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
Pushkaramoola Powder – 1 to 3 grams in divided doses.
Benefits –
• It possesses antifungal properties and is quite effective in curing pain, swelling and pus formation.
• The powder of this herb is effective in treating tuberculoid ulcers when sprinkled on them or when the paste is applied on the ulcers. The powder or the paste is used for relieving painful swelling conditions.
• The herb is helpful in stimulation the nervous system and the brain and therefore it is quite effective in vata and cerebral impairment disorders.
• It is found to be useful in Ischemic heart disease. It acts like a beta blocker herb. Hence useful in high BP.
• It works in the form of a blood purifier and cardiac supplement.Therefore, it is useful in blood disorders and cardiac debility. It is the most effective drug for treating cardiac asthma.
• It stimulates the kidneys and helps in increasing the formation of urine.
• It helps in clearing the airways and in alleviating hiccups, dyspnoea and cough.
• It strengthens the digestive tract and improves digestion.
• It relieves fat and cholesterol. Hence it is an important ingredient in many weight loss pills.
• Pushkarmool improves cardiac circulation, relieves weakness and boosts tissue metabolism.
• It helps in reducing menstruation pain and facilitates normal flow.
• It is also used in the form of an aphrodisiac.
Ayurveda medicine with Pushkarmoola –
• Shwasahara Kashaya
• Maha Panchagavya Ghrita
• Panchatikta Kashaya
• Arimedadi Thailam
Side Effects –
People with high BP should take this herb only under medical supervision. Over-dosage may cause low BP. Pregnant women should avoid it.
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