Shirish
Shirish is a deciduous erect spreading tree commonly growing at road side throughout India from the plains upto 900 m in Himalaya. Bark of the tree is used for various ailments in Ayurveda. It’s botanical name is Albizia libbeck and belongs to Mimosaceae family.
It is an Ayurvedic anti-poisonous herb and is considered as most powerful antidote for a number of animal and plant origin poisons.
Chemical Composition –
It’s bark contains tannins and pseudotannins, friedelin b-sitosterol. Saponins based on echinocystic acids has been reported from the seeds.
Properties –
• Anti-toxin
• Antihistaminic
• Astringent
• Anti-fungal
• Anti-protozoal
• Anti-microbial
Effects on Doshas –
Shirish helps to balance the tridoshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha in the body.
Parts Used –
Bark, flowers, seeds, root, root bark and leaves are the main parts of the shirish which are used for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda.
Dosage –
• Powder : 3 to 6 grams
• Juice : 10 to 20 ml
• Decoction : 50 to 100 ml
Benefits –
• The flower of Shirish is squeezed and juice is extracted which is mixed with black pepper and sugar. This decoction is used for nasal instillation and as an oral medication in snake bites.
• Used in treating asthma, cough, chronic cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and allergies.
• The leaves of Shirish have anti-tubercular, astringent and anti-histaminic actions.
• It acts as a natural anti-toxin which neutralizes the poison.
• Used in treating skin diseases, eczema, urticaria and eosinophilia.
• Used in treating boils, itching and other skin diseases.
• The herb is used in relieving worm infestations.
• Used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, headaches and hemicranias.
• The herb is known to increase libido and sexual stamina in men.
• Used in treating urinary retention, balance cholesterol levels and cure throat problems.
• A very good cardiac tonic which metabolizes the blood flow.
• Used to strengthen teeth, heal gingivitis, and bad breath problems.
• Helps to treat abdominal ulcers, leprosy and pectoral problems.
• Also used in treating eye infections and redness of cornea.
• Very useful in treating backache and spondylosis.
• Relives herpes and other skin infections.
Home Remedies –
• Bites and stings from venomous animals
If bitten by some poisonous insect, scorpion, snake then boil leaves of neem and Shirish in water. Use this water to wash place of sting.
• Infection due to external injury
Grind Shirish leaves and lukewarm the paste. Make a poultice and apply on the affected area. This will give relief in swelling and infection.
• Blood purification
Soak bark of Shirish (10 gm) in water (200 ml) at night. Next morning mash bark in water, filter and drink this water to remove toxins from the body.
• Eye related problem
Grind Shirish leaves and with help of cloth tie on the affected eye. Keep this for a few minutes.
• Ear pain
Lukewarm Shirish leaves and extract its juice. Put few drops in ear.
• Piles
Grind seeds of Shirish and apply at affected area. This help to dry warts in piles.
Side Effects –
Despite being very beneficial, there are some disadvantages of the use of Shirish tree, which can be –
• With its continuous use, there is a possibility of a slight increase in blood sugar.
• Due to this there is also the possibility of destruction of sperms .
• There is also a risk of miscarriage due to this.
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