SIDDHA HERBAL FORMULATIONS
Centre for Traditional Medicine & Research (CTMR) th
4A, 4 Cross street, Mahalakshmi nagar, Adambakkam, Chennai-600088
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Content
1. Introduction 2. Materia Medica 3. Charu – Juice Juice 4. Karkam- Herbal paste 5. Kudineer - Decoctions 6. Chooranam -Powder 7. Vennai -Medicated butter 8. Manapagu – Syrup Syrup 9. Ennai-Medicated oil 10. Mezhugu- Waxy pastes 11.Home 11. Home herbal garden
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1. SIDDHA HERBAL FORMULATIONS Introduction Origin of Siddha system is associated with Siddhars, the ascetics who aimed for ageless body to achieve their highest spiritual goal. Though the system of medicine is associated with Tamilnadu the originators of the system, Siddhars have transcended to different parts of Asia including China. In fact Saint Agasthya who is generally associated with Tamil language and Tamil medicine is said to be from Gujarat and Saint Thirumular is from Kashmir. This system is often linked with the origin and development of Samkya yoga philosophy. As a whole, Siddhars are pan Indian and their texts encompasse spiritual experiences, Tantras (Mystic art), Kundalini yogam (Yoga of awareness), Hatha yogam (Physical posture), Saram or Pranayamam Pranayamam (Breathing exercise), Manthram (hymns), Yanthram (Astronomical diagram), Maruthuvam (Medicine), Kayakalpam (Science of longevity) and other practical training methods to attain Siddhi or perfection, the ultimate salvation with this body. The exact period during which the health practices of the region evolved into a medical science cannot be determined as it was an oral tradition and also a fact that part of the peninsula peninsula got immersed in the sea thereby destroying the written tradition whatever was in palm script. Historical, anthropological, archeological and geographical evidences currently available confirm the antiquity of human civilization in this region. This 3
antiquity also places the Siddha system of health science of this region as one among the oldest. Though many believe Siddhars origin as prevedic, the available medical texts are dated from 12th century. Until then their concepts and teachings were in poetic oral bardic tradition. These texts are generally classified as folk traditions. Needless to say, the vast majority of the Tamil Siddha works have never been translated. This Siddha lineage is considered as Nirgrantha-Bookless traditions
Basic principles- Classical elements From the creative force Ether came into existence from which emerged the Air. From the Air, Fire came into existence which in turn created Water. The water is held by Earth. All other objects physical or ethereal are formed only by this combination
Trodosha Apart from this the five elements combine to form the Tridoshas or humors whose balance is essential for the maintenance of health. Representative Dosha
Predominant Mahabhuta
Vaatham (Vayu)
Air and space
Pitham (Anal)
Fire
Kapham (Iyam)
Earth and Water
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These five elements with the association of the predominating Satwa gunam form the sense organs (Gnana inthiriyam) and with the Rajas form the motor organs (Kanmenthiriyam). The properties of matters are explained based on the predominant element in it. Earth
Bulky, immobile, heavy, hard, rough
Water
Liquid, cold, inactive, viscid, soft, flow
Fire
Heat,
dry,
sharp,
radiance,
minute,
colour, light Weightlessness,
Air
dryness,
exhalation,
inhalation Space
Subtle, clear, immobile, present all over
Seven Physical Constituents
The structural components or the tissue components of the body are composed of seven types of materials called Udal
thathus
or
Udal
kattukal .
The
anatomical,
physiological and psychological functions of the body are known to be intricately and inherently connected as all of them emerge from the five elements. The body is sustained by Pranan which is the life breath and Annam, the food. Breath and food influence the tissues of the 5
body and thereby the physical and mental function of a person. They are also responsible for the maintenance, repair and regeneration.
The formation of thathus is
through the food substances. The use of healthy foods is essential for sustaining the thathus. Hence, the availability and consumption of a wholesome diet are important for the health of a person; likewise, intake of unhealthy foods causes and aggravates diseases. 1
Saaram or Rasam
Chyle
2
Chenneer or Raktham
Blood
3
Ooun or Mamisam
Muscle
4
Kozhuppu
Fat
5
Enbu
Bone
6
Moolai or Majjai
Bone
marrow,
Nerves 7
Venneer
or
Sukkilam,
Reproductive tissue
Churonitham
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2. Materia Medica The Materia Medica of Siddha Medicine is very vast compared to that of other indigenous systems of medicine. The materials used by the Siddhars as drugs could be classified into herbal (Thavaram) inorganic (Thathu), and animal Products, ( Jeevam). The Dravidian land had all five ecological regions and therefore had wider variety of plant species including mangrove species to high altitude species and spices like cardamom, pepper and ginger. This also supports fauna some of which are also used in Siddha medicine. The long coastline contributed to the use of several marine products as well. The well developed ports and international trade enabled introduction of new species into Siddha. Tropical forests and scrub jungles contribute more number of medicinal plant species than evergreen forests Botanicals: The herbal products used are based primarily on herbs that grow all over India and Siddha physicians not only used herbs that grow in south India, but also the herbs that grow in the high altitudes of Himalayas like Saffron, Kuth and Aconite and imported ones like Asafetida and Licorice. About 900 plants are used in Siddha of which close to 150 7
are exclusive, which do not have reference in Siddha. However folklore in south uses at least twice this number. The use of Cannabis as a medicine was first introduced by the Siddhar Korakkar , as a powerful analgesic. Most plants are used either as single drugs or as polyherbal formulations and are also used in processing of inorganic, marine or animal based products. Different plant parts including, roots, tubers, rhizomes, bark, heartwood, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, stamens, galls, exudates like latex, gums and resins are used. Different plant part or same parts at different maturity status have different pharmacological property eg.-Terminalia chebulatender and ripe (laxative and binding actions) the season of collection, time of the day, root direction for collection mentioned in Siddha literature suggests sustainable collection, conservation, optimal efficacy etc. Literatures describe morphological feature, habitat, properties based on taste and action and name variants. The ingredients used either fall into free trade category or restricted product category. The free category plant products are mostly procured from traders in mandis. The mandis receive them from various wild collection groups of forest dwellers, who collect them either from forest region or from 8
wastelands, road borders, tank bunds and common community land. Some plants like Eclipta alba are also collected from agricultural lands where they grow as weeds. Studies carried out by different agencies have confirmed that the density of a particular plant has significantly come down in a given area and thereby collection cost has also increased tremendously. At times Immature plant parts are also collected and drying is done mostly before cleaning/washing on the roads leading to contamination including heavy metal contamination as vehicles run over them. When collected either from agricultural fields or from adjoining areas, pesticide residue becomes inevitable. Siddha uses close to 220 roots as ingredient which requires destructive collection and they are slowly becoming sparse, increasing the cost and nonavailability for users leading to substitution and adulteration mostly guided by the trade source. This practice is being discouraged and clears guidance for good agriculture practices and good collection practices are in place. About 15% plant ingredients of Siddha formulations are now cultivated and procured from farmer clusters. Plants that are from cultivated source are mostly annuals where the grower gets returns within six months. Plants like Petrocarpus santalinus, 9
Salacia oblanga, Sassurea lappa, and Saraca asoka are endangered and Siddha industry face an acute shortage. Ingredients like sandalwood, red sanders, deer horn, ivory, musk, civet, marine products like coral and Ambergris which can be procured and processed only with legal permission from the Government. Some manufacturers have stopped producing formulations incorporating these ingredients. Licorice, long pepper, galangal roots, dry ginger, guggul, asafoetida are imported. There are wide variations even in organoleptic characters in these materials based on the source from where they are imported. Indigofera aspalathoides, Oldenlandia umbellata, Gynandropis gynandra, Aristolochia bracteata, Cadaba trifoliata, Solanum trilobatum, Corallocarpus epigaeus, Dryopteris filix-max, Acacia pinnata, Barringtonia acutangula, Acalypha indica, Acalypha fruiticosa, Melotheria madaraspatna are some of the plants that are unique to and used extensively in Siddha. Properties of Drug:
The drugs used in Siddha Medicine were identified by five properties. The panchabhautic characteristic of medicinal materials used in Siddha (herbs and minerals) cannot be identified using the 10
conventional Tridosha theory. Thus, other perceptible, yet scientific and representative parameters have been described for identification of their elemental predominance. They are suvai or the taste, the gunam or the character, the veeriyam or the potency, the pirivu or class, mahimai or action. All these five properties are based on the elements (Panchaboothas) that are present in that drug. Suvai or Taste:
Suvai (taste) is conceived as a perceptible and representative attribute of a substance which reflects reproducibly and accurately its elemental composition. The idea of Suvai as an attribute representing pharmacological properties of a substance has recently been brought under a scientific scrutiny. Recently a study on Ibuprofen and Oleocanthal are found they have similar pharmacological action despite obvious differences in their chemical structures. Their similarity of action is attributed to their taste and not to their chemical structure. Suvai, therefore, acts as an intermediary between physician and patient for a logical identification of right medicine in individual clinical conditions where a diagnosis in terms of elemental imbalance is made. 11
The Suvai and corresponding attributes of a substance, independently or in coherence are used in Siddha for identifying the pharmacological effect and subsequently for the clinical usage of a medicine. The basic taste are six: namely Inippu (Sweet), Pulippu (Sour), Uppu (Saline), Kaippu (bitter), Kaarppu (Pungent) and Thuvarppu (Astringent). Each taste is the combination of two elements. Here again, though each taste is formed by the combination of two elements, they contain other three element in subtle state. They are Sl.No.
Taste
Bhutas
1.
Sweet (Inippu)
Earth + Water
2.
Sour ( Pulippu)
Earth + Fire
3.
Saline (Uppu)
Fire + Water
4.
Bitter ( Kaippu)
Air +Space
5.
Pungent ( Kaarppu)
Air + Fire
6.
Astringent (Thuvarppu)
Earth + Air
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Characters of the six tastes are as follows 1. Sweet: It nourishes the seven physical constituents, moistens, and comforts body. It is cold and heavy. It gives pleasure to the mind, activates the five sense organs. 2. Sour: Stimulates the salivary secretion, makes the eyes and the brows shrink, purifies the mouth, arouse digestion, builds the body and it is warm and moist.
3. Saline: Increases salivation, irritates the throat, it helps digestive, removes vaatham, secretes kapham and is moist and warm. 4. Bitter: It removes the impurities from the mouth decreases the ability of the tongue to feel other taste, promotes and sharpens appetite, it removes unwanted growth and swelling, it is dry, cold and light. 5. Pungent: Provokes digestive fire, causes a burning sensation in the oral cavity, it is light, warm and dry. 13
6. Astringent: Restores harmony among the faulty constituents, shrinks the small pores of the tongue and prevents other taste sense. The sweet, sour and the saline taste decreases vaatham, the sweet, bitter, astringent tastes decreases the pitham, pungent, bitter and astringent taste decreases kapham. Astringent, pungent, bitter taste increases vaatham, sour, saline and pungent increases pitham, and sweet, sour and saline increases kapham. Apart from their primary functions, intake of each taste has a good and bad feature. Sweet taste when used in excess results in obesity, tenderness, laziness, excessive sleep, heaviness, loss of appetite, abnormal muscular growth etc. Deficiency causes lassitude, tiredness, loss of sensory function and deficiency of the physical constituents. Sour taste when used in excess cause thirst, liquefaction of kapham, aggravation of pitham, vitiation of blood, decomposition of the muscle, edema of the body. Deficiency causes decrease in pitham, loss of appetite etc, Saline taste when taken in excess causes vitiation of pitham, thirst, fainting, sense of heat, erosion, depletion of muscle and also causes bleeding from 14
different parts of the body, dyspepsia skin eruptions etc., Pungent taste used in excess causes impotency, ulcers of the stomach, fainting, choked feeling, giddiness, burning sensation of the throat, excessive heat and thirst, tremors stabbing pain in the leg etc. Bitter taste when used in excess causes roughness, non sliminess, depletes the physical constituents, reduces strength and causes dryness of mouth etc., Astringent taste when used in excess causes dryness of mouth, affliction of the circulatory system, distension of abdomen, slurred speech, improper digestion, produces diseases like hemiplegia, spasm, convulsions etc., Guna or Characters:
Every drug has few of the following ten pairs of characters based on the element present in the drug. The paired characters are: i) ii) iii) iv) v)
Heavy and light Cold and hot Oily and dry Mild and keen Compact and mobile 15
vi) vii) viii) ix) x)
Soft and hard Clean and slimy Smooth and rough Minute and gross Solid and liquid
Veeriyam or the potency
Veeriyam of a drug is classified into two, namely heat (Veppam) and cold (Thatppam) based on the presence of the element fire in that drug. The drugs which have predominant fire element usually have the salt, sour, pungent, tastes. So, the drugs with this taste are hot and vehement. Others are cold and slow in action. Pirivu or Division
A Class of a drug is based on the after-taste or the taste of the drug after the metabolism of the particular drug acted upon by the digestive fire. It is the aftertaste which either nourishes a particular physical and life constituents or destroys them. The sweet and the saline substance after metabolism become sweet. The sour remains sour, while the astringent, pungent and bitter become pungent. Mahimai or the individual action:
Every drug has got a specific action which is independent of the above four features, and that 16
individual action is called mahimai. Though two drugs may have a bitter taste one or two pharmacological actions may be unique in each of them. Concepts of Natpu (Compatible) (Incompatible) Charakku :
and
Pagai
When compound medicines are prepared, the physician should know about the group of drugs which should be added together. This also helps in the process of purification of raw drugs. The drug which enhances the function of the drug and produces a combined synergetic action is a natpu charakku, and two drugs which have conflicting properties are pagai charakku. This is also based on the elements that are present in the drug. Drug formulating methods: Single
Herbal Preparation - Otraimooligai (On the basis of element) Prayokam:
Selecting the drugs or a single drug on the basis of the element that is present in the drug to neutralize the affected dhosham is called as Yegamooligai Prayokam. Usually a single plant or a plant part either as powder or decoction is used in treatment.
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Compound Herbal Preparation – Kootu Kootu M ooli ooli gai gai pryokam
Selecting more than one herbal for preparation based on the action, synergetic and antagonistic properties of the herbals. This type of formulation indicated for more than one disease. Herbo Mineral Preparation -
This is a type of compound formulation in which both herbal and and inorganic raw raw drugs are present. Special Formulating Methods:
Maraana Prayokam (On the basis of Synergetic and antagonistic properties) The drugs are selected in such a way that the toxins are removed by the antagonistic drug and its potency is increased increased by a synergetic synergetic drug. Muppu Chunna Prayokam Prayokam A potency of a drug is greatly increased or a complicated process of calcination is made simple by the of muppu, which is a combination of three salts, considered to be sacred. Chunnam Chunnam is more microfined and potent form of a herbo-mineral drug.
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Cheyaneer Prayokam: Prayokam : The potency of a drug is increased or a superior medicine is made by the application of Cehyaneer , which is a liquid obtained by adding some salts and exposing them to dews. The salts dissolved in the dewdrops act as catalyst. Diravaga Prayokam: Prayokam: This is the application of distillate of certain upparasams or uppus to uppus to drugs, to increase its potency or to prepare medicines which are otherwise difficult to prepare. Distilling conch water, potassium nitrate water in a special pot meant for the purpose and then adding the distilled water to the drugs, is called as „ Diravaga Diravaga Prayokam‟. Siddhars, apart from using herbal products, animal products and earth products also used amulets, manthiras and beads made of mercury amalgams for treatment. Guidelines for Collection of Herbs:
Many guidelines have been given in the classical Siddha literature to get the maximum therapeutic effect. There is a variety of plant tissues used as raw drugs. They are roots, rhizomes, stems, barks, leaves, buds, flowers, raw fruits, ripened fruits, seeds, seed 19
coats, etc. In some cases the latex or exudates are also used as raw drugs. Instructions are given to monitor the maturity while collecting the drugs for the formulation preparation. The other parameters include the thickness, the age, possible content of the skin/carp, the direction of the growth of the root, the soil in which the plant is growing, etc. Maturity of the leaves is clearly specified for getting the optimum quality expected for the final formulation. Maturity of the leaves, through the formation stage-deep green stage-yellowing stagesenescence stage-falling stage-dried leaves is the general choice for collection. It may not be the same active principle in the raw drug working in the body in dosage form like powder, decoction, medicated ghee oil and so on, are prepared from the raw drugs. Multiple chemical changes are possible in the final drug formulations/ formulations/ products when raw drugs are heated/ processed at various temperatures, for different duration, with or without other ingredients. Pyrolitic and hydrolytic changes are taking place in majority of the processes at various conditions adopted for the production of the drugs. Maturity, storage, stage of collection, processing.etc 20
(in short each and every unit operation) will influence various components of the raw drugs and also the final products. Tracing one active principle in the raw drug may not be a very effective method to understand siddha, because the curative action may be due to the aggregate molecules of different nature, some of them may even be artifacts (newly created during the processing.).However, quality of the drugs produced by adopting modern technologies and those of the traditional products can be compared using modern technologies, analytical tools, instruments, physico- chemical methods, etc. It is to be remembered that the products prepared using the traditional raw drugs may give a product having different composition from that produced using the extracts of the respective raw drugs. Purification of drugs (Suthi) ;
Siddhars laid a great emphasis on purification of raw drugs before medicines are manufactured. Purification is not merely physical or chemical purification, but also the removal of toxins from the drugs. For this purpose, at times they added some impurities also to the drugs. By the process of purification, even the highly toxic earth products and toxic plants like Semecarpus anacardium (serankottai), Aconitum ferox (Nabi, become life 21
saving non toxic drugs. For purifying pashananas and mercurial compounds, the general method used is by soaking them in breast milk or lime juice for a given period of time. The herbal powders are purified by baking them in milk. Drugs like Aconitum ferox (Nabi) are purified by keeping them soaked in cow‟s urine. The toxic part of a herb is also removed before use. The outer cortex of the rhizome of ginger and the seed of Terminalia chebula (Kadukkai) are removed on this principle of purification. Unless drugs are properly purified, toxic symptoms may erupt and may even cause mortality. Anupanam - Adjuvants
The bio-availability and pharmacological action of a drug also depends on the adjuvant used. Anupanam known as adjuvant can also be considered as supporting and concurrent drug therapy. This is one of the very important principles in the practice of Siddha medicine. The Anupanam is used for various purposes. It masks the undesired taste or odour of the medicine; protects the body against the adverse effects of the metal and mineral preparations if they are needed for a long time; increase the bio availability of medicines. There is a old proverb in Tamil “ Anupaanathaale avizhtham palikkum” which means that “The adjuvant aids the medicine in all ways”
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The same drug can be given with different vehicles in case of different ailments. In Siddha system of medicine, the Anupanam and drug taken together are not a mere mechanical mixture, but a true chemical compound in which the anupanam employed goes to modify the quality or the active principle of the medicine itself, thus rendering its potency and curative power consistent with the nature of the disease, for which it is administered. Treatise named Therayar venba gives a detailed description of the Anupanams. According to T.S.Sambasiva pillai, a compiler of the Siddha encyclopedia concludes his preface, by stating that Nagarjuna and Vagabhata of Siddha originally belonged to Siddha School of medicine and translated the significance of Anupanams in Sanskrit. Siddhars recommend plant drugs that in their natural forms like, roots, leaves immediately on the onset of diseases. Only if the disease is chronic and not amenable to cleansing therapy and plant drugs they recommend the use of herbo-mineral drugs that to in very minimal doses, limited to six or seven doses in four days. This is evident from Classics like Pulipaani vaidhiyam. Specific regimens based on patient‟s clinical features, age, ability, drug- food interaction are recommended along with proper anupanams. Though there is threat to availability of some plant drugs, animal products and authentic ores, efforts are already on to cultivate and conserve 23
medicinal plants. Like growing medicinal plants it is possible to grow Musk deer and Civet cat under captivity and ingredients made available to industry. Deer horn – Shringi is shed by deer at regular intervals and forest department itself can collect the fallen ones and provide to authentic users may under a quota system based on consumption.
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Dosage forms 1. Charu- Juice They are juices of fresh plant parts like leaves, roots, barks, flowers, fruits, etc., obtained by grinding, crushing or baking. Sometimes juice is also extracted with addition of catalyst usually astringent substances or by direct heat application. In plants with minimal moisture Thurusu chunnam is added to extract juice. Charu are also widely used as adjuvant with other internal medicine. Charu are also used in processing herbal powders and herbo- mineral preparations like parpam and chenduram. The assimilation time is two and a half hours. Equipment required:
1. A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Example: a)Thu lasi charu – Holy Basil juice
Process; Clean and pound the leaves to extract the juice Dose; 5ml to 10 ml with honey Indication; Cough, Fever 25
b) Karpooravalli charu - Coleus aromaticus
Process; Clean, Pound the leaves to extract the juice Dose; 5ml to 10 ml with honey Indication; Cough, c) Vazhaithandu charu – Banana stem juice
Process; Clean, grind the stem to extract the juice Dose; 20 ml once daily Indication; Renal stone, oedema, burning micturition d) Mullangi Charu – Radish juice
Process; Clean, grind the stem to extract the juice Dose; 20 ml once daily Indication; Renal stone, burning micturition e) Katrazhai charu -Aloe juice:
Aloe gel mixed with rind of Chebulic myrobalans for 15 minutes to extract the juice. Dose; 15 ml once daily Indication; Gastric ulcer, Nourisher
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2. Karkam- Herbal paste These are pastes obtained by grinding drugs or by adding water or decoctions to dry powders. The kalvam (the stone mortar and pestle) should be cleaned when the drugs are ground in it. It should be ensured that all drugs are made into fine paste and it must be ensured that all drugs added to it are properly mixed. Its life period is three hours. The assimilation time is three hours. Equipment required:
1. A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer a) Keezhan ell i kar kam – P hyll anthu s amar us
Take the whole plant and wash it with clean water. Then grind it to make as fine paste. Dose; 5gm twice daily before food. Indication; Jaundice, Viral Hepatitis b) Avur i kar kam – I ndigof er a tin ctori a
Take the fresh leaves and wash it with clean water. Then grind it to make it as fine paste. Dose; 5gm once daily after food Indication; Urticaria, Jaundice, poison bites 27
3. Ku dineer - Decoctions Decoctions are prepared by adding water to dry herbs/ plant parts or fresh ones and then dehydrated so that the water content is greatly reduced to 1/16th or 1/8th or ¼ th or ½ of the initial volume. Sometimes, herbal substances are not directly added to the water but instead they are kept in a clean white cloth pouch, tied and immersed in boiling water, which is Infusion. This method is primarily adopted for plant drugs which float in water and do not get immersed due to their low density. Decoctions are water based extracts of herbal drugs which are easily absorbed into the body and enter into the blood stream quickly which gives faster action than other forms of medicines.(gets assimilated within an hour) The input water should be pure and without hardness. Depending upon the characteristic feature of the ingredients they may be made into separate premix and blended together . They also should be used within three hours. Chemical changes during the preparation of kashaayams: The raw drug components when heated with water two types of changes are taking place hydrolytic and pyrolitic changes.
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The hydrolytic changes include the conversion of esters into alcohols and acids, rearrangement in the chemical structure of the components, better dispersion in the water, removal of the volatile components with steam, imbibitions of the starchy materials, decomposition of the proteins into peptides, isomerization and structural changes in the active principles like carotenes chlorophylls, vitamins, etc. In kashaaya preparation, tracing the chemical changes of even the major components during heating is a complicated problem. A kashaaya is a multi drugmulti component system. Hence changes can be multi-facial. Each chemical change is directly influenced by temperature/duration of heating /presence of additives/other components/ water/alkaline & acidic materials etc. Isomerization, decomposition, polymerization, etc can also take place depending upon the nature of heating. In majority of the kashaaya preparations, the particle size of raw drug components has been specified indirectly using the words crushed. Equipment required: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Stainless steel Vessel Induction stove or Gas stove Filter Measuring glass 29
Examples; a) Nilavembu ku din eer :
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Nilavembu - Andrographis leaves Vettiver - Vettiver Vilamicham ver - Cymbopogon root Chandanam - Sandal wood Peypudal - Wild snake guard Koraikizhangu -Nutgrass tubers Chukku - Dry ginger Milagu - Black pepper Parpatakam - Mollugo cervians
- 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm - 25 gm
Process:
Coarsely powder and mix. Take 5 gm powder; add th 120 ml water into it. Boil it and reduce it 1/4 of quantity. Dose; 30 ml twice daily Indication; Viral fever, Malaria, Fevers of unknown origin b) Adhathodai k udineer : Ingredients:
1. Adathodai - Adathoda leaf
-
2. Athimathuram – Glycirrhiza root -
1 leaf 2gm 30
3. Thippli
- Long pepper
-
1 gm
4. Thaleesapathri - Taccus buccata leaf
- 1 gm
5. Chitharathai
500 mg
- Lesser galangal
-
Process:
Coarsely powder then adds 160 ml water. Boil it and reduce it 1/4 th of quantity. Dose; 40 ml twice daily Indication; Cough, Asthma, Fever, C) Arathai kudineer ;
Chitharathai - Lesser galangal - 3gm Water
- 120 ml
Process:
Coarsely powder then adds 120 ml water. Boil it and th reduce it 1/4 of quantity. Dose; 30 ml twice daily Indication; Cough, Fever, Body pain, Joint pain d) Lemongrass tea;
Lemon grass
- 2 gm
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Water
- 100 ml
Tea dust
- 1 pinch
Sugar
- Q.S
e) Arjuna tea ;
Marutham pattai – Arjuna bark - 5gm Water
- 100 ml
Process: Coarsely powder then adds 120 ml water. Boil it and reduce it 1/4 th of quantity. Dose; 30 ml twice daily - Infusion: Adai ku din eer
Infusion is a special type of decoction especially for volatile drugs (chandanam) and hard herbo- mineral drugs in which drugs are immersed in hot water for three or more hours depending upon the hardness, then filtered and used. In order to prepare decoctions without difficulty in sourcing raw material premixed coarse powder of the kudineer formulations are available in the market currently as kudineer churnam. With Ethylene Oxide sterilization and addition of permitted preservatives ready to use kudineers are
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also available, however it is preferable to prepare fresh decoction for use. Example: Chandhanathi kudineer, Mandurathi adai kudineer . Example; ) Chandhanath i Adai kudineer F
1. Chandanathool - Sandal powder - 8 gm 2. Hot water - 260 ml Process: Soak the coarse powder in hot water for 1 hr and closed by lid .Filter it and use it. Dose ; 15 ml to 30 ml Indications: Excessive body heat, UTI, leucorrhoea, burning sensation of body
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4. Chooranam - Powder The dried drugs are taken separately, purified, either by frying or otherwise and made into fine powers separately and sieved in fine cloth and mixed with other powder of the drug. The time for assimilation is five hours. The purification of the choornam is made by baking it either in water or in milk. Baking of milk ( Pittaviyal ) enables addition of lactobacillus, which help maintain healthy intestinal flora and prevent irritation of certain drugs. The drugs which are to be used in the preparations should be taken from recently collected material. Drugs which are aged by prolonged storage or changed in color, taste, flavor and those that are insect infested or attacked by fungi should be positively rejected. In general, the aromatic drugs are slightly fried, in order to enhance their aroma and milling properties. Any extraneous material, organic or inorganic, should be removed from the drugs by close inspection. The drugs should be separately treated, powdered, sieved and mixed. The chooranam should be as fine as to be called amorphous and should be never damp. The fineness of the sieve should be 100 mesh or still finer.
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In large scale manufacture in factories, comminutors, pulverisers and ball mills are employed for powdering. Sieving is performed by mechanical sifters which handle large quantities of material in short time. The prepared chooranam should be allowed to cool by spreading and mixing, prior to packing .They should be stored in air tight container. The choornam is said to retain its potency for three months and then gradually deteriorate. However, if properly packed and stored they keep good for a year. Equipment required:
1. A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer 2. A fine sieve or fine cloth of close mesh The drugs in the formulation in clean and well dried state. Examples: a) Athimathura Chooranam ;
Athimathuram
- liquorice root
- 100 gm
Process: Pound the dried rhizome to make it as fine powder. Indications; Hoarseness of voice, cough, bronchitis, Gastric ulcer.
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Dose: 1 to 2 gms twice or thrice with honey or hot water or milk. b) M aruth ampattai Choor anam:
Maruthampattai
- Arjun Bark - 100 gm
Indications; Cardiac disease, Hypertension Dose: 1 to 2 gms twice or thrice with hot water C) Thr ikatu Choorn am:
1. Chukku – Dry ginger 2. Milagu - Black Pepper 3. Thippili - Long Pepper
- 10 gm - 10 gm - 10 gm
Process: Powder dried drugs separately, sieve and mix throughly. Indications: Digestive, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge and antiperiodic. Used in indigestion, dyspepsia, flatulence and intermittent fevers. Useful in coughs and bronchitis when given with sugar and honey. In coma and drowsiness, a small quantity of powder is mixed in water and dropped in the nostrils. Used as an adjuvant along with other medicines. Dose: 1 to 2 gms twice or thrice with honey or water or Ghee.
36
d) Thr ipala choor nam: Ingredients:
1. Nellikai - dry Embelic myrobalan – 50 gm 2. Kadukai thol - Chebulic myrobalans - 50 gm 3. Thandrikaithol - Beleric Myrobalans - 50 gm Process: Powder the three separately, sieve and Mix homogenously. Indications: Astringent, Laxative and anti bacterial. Relieves constipation. It is given in coughs with honey. In constipation with hot water, and in conjunctivitis, its decoction is used.
Used as an adjuvant along with other medicines. External Use:
Can be used for for gargling purpose also. Used as a general tonic especially for eyes with equal quantities of honey and ghee. A decoction of this choornam is used to wash and clean wounds and ulcers Dose: 1 to 2 gms twice or thrice with honey or water or ghee
37
e) Mathumega Chooranam:
1. Nellivatral - Dry Embelic myrobalan - 100 gm 2. Keezhanelli - PhyllanthusWhole plant - 100 gm 3. Karuveppilai – Curry leaves
- 100 gm
4. Venthayam
- Fenugreek seed
- 100 gm
5. Manjal
- Turmeric
-
50 gm
-
25 gm
6. Katugurohini -Picorrhiza root
Process: Pound the above drugs separately and mixed together. Indications; Diabetes Dose: 2 gms twice or thrice with hot water f) Ashta Chooranam ;
1. Sukku - Dry ginger
- 25 gm
2. Thippili – Long pepper - 25 gm 3. Milagu - Black pepper - 25 gm 4. Omam - Ajowan seeds - 25 gm 5. Induppu – Rock salt
- 25 gm
6. Jeerakam – Cumin seeds - 25 gm 38
7. Karumjeerakam - Nigella seeds - 25 gm 8. Perungayam
- Asafoetida - 25gm
Process: Fry separately 1, 2, 6 and 8. Powder separately 1 to 8, sieve and mix. Indication: Indigestion and diarrhea Dose
: 1to 2 gm with ghee or buttermilk
g) Amukkura choornam ; Ingredients:
1. Lavangam
– Cloves
- 10gms
2. Sirunagapoo – Cinnamom bud
- 20 gm
3. Ela arisi
- Cardamom
- 40 gm
4. Milagu
- Black pepper
5. Thippili
- Long pepper
6. Chukku 7. Amukkura 8. Sarkarai
– Dry ginger
-- 80 gm -160 gm - 320 gm
- Withania root
– 640 gm
- Cane sugar
- 1280 gm
Process: Comminute 1 to 7 very finely. Powder the sugar separately. Mix the two powders.
39
Indications; Used in rheumatic diseases, Sexual insufficiency and insomnia. Dose: 1 to 2 gms twice or thrice with honey or hot water or milk. h) Chun dai vatral choorn am ; Ingredients:
Chundai Vatral - West Indian turkey berry - 25 gm Karuveppilai - Curry leaves - 25 gm Mam paruppu - Mango cotyledons - 25 gm Omam - Ajowan Nellivatral - Dry embelic myrobalan Mathulai odu - Pomegranate rind Vendhayam - Fenugreek -
25 gm 25 gm 25gm 25 gm
Process: Powder dried drugs separately, sieve and mix thoroughly. Indications; Indigestion, Diarrhoea and piles Dose ; 1 to 2 gms twice a day with Curd i) Ni laavaar ai Choor anam: Ingredients:
1. Nilaavaarai
- Senna leaves
-10 gm
2. Chukku
- Dry ginger
- 10 gm 40
3. Milagu
- Black pepper - 10 gm
4. Ajowan
- Omam
5. Vayuvidangam - Embelia 6. Sugar
- Sarkarai
- 10 gm - 10 gm - 50 gm
Process: Powder and sieve 1 to 5. Mix with powdered sugar. Indications: Constipation, Gaseous distension of stomach and biliousness. Dose: 1- 2 gms twice a day with hot water.
41
7. Vennai - Medicated butter Vennai is butter or something that simulates butter in form and consistency. The powders of the raw drugs are heated by adding ghee to it, so that the powder completely melts and mixes with the ghee. This is poured into a bigger vessel containing water and churned properly, to get butter like substance. The process of preparation involves grinding of drugs with butter or by boiling resinous drugs with oils. Medicated butter should be stored in a cool, dry place in covered with a proper lid in wide mouthed glass containers. They can also be packed in suitable extrusion tubes where the contents are not corrosive. Medicated butter is mostly used for external application only and on specific occasions internally also. (Eg. Kungiliya vennai). They stay stable for three months. Equipment required: 1. 2. 3. 4.
A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Stainless steel Vessel Induction stove or Gas stove Stirrer
42
Ku ngil iya vennai Ingredients:
1. Vellai kungiliyam
- Sal dammar
-- 50gm
2. Nallennai
- Sesame oil
- 100 gm
Process:
Powder 1 and boil with 2. When dissolved, carefully pour into water and churn. A buttery mass will rise up. Collect it and repeat churning till no more buttery mass is obtained. Mix the product thus obtained discarding he water. Store with water in a cool place. Indications:
Applied externally on burns, ulcers, and carbuncles. In case of leucorrhoea, Gonorhoea, Venereal sores, scalding urine, latent hyper-pyrexia, arthritis, bronchitis, burning sensation of stomach, face , palm and soles of hand and feet given with cardamom seeds in the dose of 3- 6 gms twice a day.
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8. M anappagu - Syrup Manappaagu is flavored medicinal syrup. This is the syrup form of a drug that has a life period of six months. Manappagu is palatable form of medicine especially suitable for infants and children below 12 years. Herbal drugs are made into decoctions separately, or fruits juices are taken and boiled adding sugar or sugar crystals, till an aromatic smell appears, powdered herbs could also be added at this stage. The flavor is due to the drug ingredient used in the particular preparation. The honey and sugar forming a part of the recipe not only give taste to the medicine but also preserve it. Sugar is dissolved in the medium prescribed. It is better that the medium is warmed and then sugar added slowly with continuous stirring to avoid charring of the sugar by sticking to the bottom of container. If this charring takes place, the syrup will be spoiled by the development of burnt smoky smell and bitter taste. Heating should be slow and gentle so that the mixture is just maintained boiling continuously, the vessel is removed from the oven or heat is withdrawn immediately. The consistency of manappagu is known as “Kambi patham”. The syrup is filtered if necessary while quite hot. As handling of the syrup is usually messy, due care 44
should be taken that the juices used in the preparation are thoroughly filtered, before heating. In case a scum forms on the surface of the syrup, it is carefully removed and discarded. Properly prepared syrup or manappagu remains in good condition for a long time if kept properly stoppered and stored. Narrow mouthed glass bottles with screw caps are ideal as containers. Nowadays food grade pet bottles are increasingly used. Its shelf life is six months. The sugar content should at least be 60% for better preservation. Assimilation time is close to 3 hours. Equipment required: 1. 2. 3. 4.
A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Stainless steel Vessel Induction stove or Gas stove Stirrer
Example: a) M athul ai M anapagu:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Kalkandu - Sugar candy Panneer - Rose water Mathulam pazha charu - Pomegranate juice Then - Honey
45
Process:
The syrup may be prepared by heating 1, 2 and 3and then honey may be mixed with it after it has cooled.
Dose: 10 to 15 ml twice daily with water before meals. Indications: Anaemia. Also in anorexia, emesis and burning sensation of the palm and soles of feet. Useful in pre and postpartum and pre and postoperative convalescence as a tonic. b) El umi chai manapagu:
1. Elumichcchai chaaru - Lemon juice - 200 gm 2. Inji chaaru - Ginger juice - 100 gm 3. Sarkarai - Sugar - 200 gm Process:
Mix 1, 2 and 3 and prepare syrup. Cool, filter and store.
Dose:
5 to10ml twice daily with water before meals
Indications: Useful in dyspepsia, indigestion, burning sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting. It promotes the feeling of taste in anorexia.
46
9. Enn ai- Medicated oils Medicated oils are prepared by extracting drug substances in oil. Though it indicates Sesame oil (El+ney) generally, all vegetable oils could be used. The other common name thailam is derived from the word “Tila” which means sesame seeds in Sanskrit. Shelf life of medicated oil is one year. Apart from vegetable oils animal fats are also used. Medicated oils get their name either based on primary ingredient of preparation, or primary disease for which the Ney is used. Example; Pinda thylam Equipment required: 1. 2. 3. 4.
A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Stainless steel Vessel Induction stove or Gas stove Stirrer
a ) Kaiyan T hylam : Ingredients:
1. Karisalai saru – Eclipta juice 2. Nalla ennai - sesame oil
47
Process: Boil a mixture of the two till dehydrated. Cool and filter. Indications;
Cough, dyspnoea.
bronchitis,
Phelegmatic
cough
and
Dose ; ½ to 1 teaspoon internally twice daily. Can be used also a bath oil. b) Pinda thylam ;
Ingredients:
1. Malai nanaari 2. Manjitti
– Indian sarsaparilla - 50 gm - Indian madder
- 50 gm
3. Vellaikungiliyam – Sal tree resin
- 50 gm
4. Then mezhuku - Bees wax
- 50 gm
5. Nallaennai
- 800 gm
- Sesame oil
Preparation:
Take Nos. 1 and 2 clean, crush and boil in 3.25 liter of th water .Reduce the decoction to 1/4 of the quantity. Mix this decoction with sesame oil and prepare taila till the water evaporates, filter it and then add fine powders of 3 and small chips of 4 and warm gently until the drugs are dissolved completely.
48
Indication;
Used in arthritis, inflammatory swellings, burns and wounds. Applied to fissured soles. For external use only. C ) M oola ku daaar a thylam:
1. Kadukaipinju – dry tender chebulic myrobalan – 350 gm 2. Amanakku ennai – Castor oil
- 1400 gm
Process:
Fry the fruits in some oil. When brown and swollen, take and powder. Mix the powder with oil and keep. Indications:
Piles, Bleeding piles and constipation Dose : 1to 2 teaspoonful at bed time d) Ar ugan thylam :
1. Arugampul charu - Bermuda grass - 1200 gm 2. Thengayennai - Coconut oil - 400 gm 3. Athimathuram - Liquorice root 25 gm Process:
Mix 1 and 2 and then add 3. Boil it till water evaporates 49
Indication:
Heals up ulcers and encourages tissue formation in the wounded regions. Useful in itch and other skin diseases also. External application ony. e) Avuri ennai – Indigo oil 1. Avuri ilai
- Indigo leaves - 200 gm
2. Thengayennai - Coconut oil
- 300 gm
Process:
Soak the leaves in coconut oil and put in sunlight for 7 days till the oil color becomes pink. Then filter the oil and stored it in airtight container. Indication: Psoriasis and other skin diseases
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10. M ezhugu - Waxy pastes Mezhugu is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically as well as internally. In this context only oral medicine is considered. The methods preparations of medicines falling under this artificial category are varied; however the final product must be of the specified consistency. They are of two types.
Obtained by grinding drugs. Obtained by heating them by adding oily substances
Obtained by grinding drugs:
Mercurial compounds are ground separately or with other raw drugs adding juices or honey, into a semisolid form. Obtained by substances:
heating
them
by
adding
oily
Mineral drugs are heated by slowly adding oily substances or juices and made into a semi-solid form and then ground well. E.g. - Kilinchil mezhugu Life period is 5 years. 51
„Kalimbu‟ also denotes a similar consistency. The semisolid to semi liquid consistency of these medicines is attained by the addition of mucilaginous or pertinacious media, oils fats, waxes or butter. Ointments are homogeneous, semi-solid preparations intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. They are used as emollients or for the application of active ingredients to the skin for protective, therapeutic, or prophylactic purposes and where a degree of occlusion is desired. Ointments are formulated using hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or water-emulsifying bases to provide preparations that are immiscible, miscible, or emulsifiable with skin secretions. They can also be derived from hydrocarbon (fatty), absorption, waterremovable, or water-soluble bases. Equipment required:
1. 2. 3. 4. a) 1. 2. 3. 4.
A mortar and pestle or Heavy duty mixer Wide mouthed Stainless steel Vessel Induction stove or Gas stove Spatula for mixing the drugs Chandrakala lepam: Thenmezhuku - Bees wax - 20 gm Vellai Milagu - White pepper -10 gm Thengayennai - Coconut oil - 80 gm Karpuram - Camphor - 20 gm 52
Process: Dissolve bees wax in hot coconut oil .Add the powders one by one well into a very fine paste. Indication: Relieves head ache. Removes pain in the Joints
For external use only.
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11. HOME HERBAL GARDEN Increasing pollution and modern day stress, advance ageing process, reflected by fine lines in the skin, pain in the knees and weakness. Traditional medicines are time tested and are in use for overcoming stress and ageing and for healthy living. Conventional medical practitioners are increasingly inclined towards herbal medicine. This herbal kit aims to revitalize our traditional medicinal knowledge; to promote herbal awareness at home and to re-introduce safe home herbal remedies particularly for children. Indigofera
tinctoria
–
Avuri
or
Neeli
This stiff woody herb grows well with the least care. The leaves as well as the roots are medicinal. They 54
are among the most reputed hepato protective (Liver protection). The leaves contain a blue (INDIGO) dye, and its related and associated compounds are effective in a wide variety of skin diseases including psoriasis and eczema. The leaf or root is converted into 250 mg paste and rolled into a pill. 2 to 3 pills are given everyday. Fresh leaf soaked in equal weight of sesame oil till the leaves turn brittle and the oil takes a purple colour. This oil, when applied on affected part, is good for skin diseases, dandruff, psoriasis etc.
H i biscus r osa si nensi s - Chemparathai
A good ornamental garden plant. The leaves and flowers of shoe flower are of cosmetic value, 55
particularly to those women who want to maintain soft silky hair. The dried or fresh leaves along with soap nut powder acts as a hair cleanser conditioner. The red pigments in the flower improve the strength of small blood vessels when consumed internally. A herbal tea made using four dried flowers of red variety, single petal flower could be used to protect against heart diseases. Cissus quadrangulari s – Pir andai
The jointed winged stems are made into chutney with acid lime or tamarind. A good source of Vitamin 56
C and calcium. According to Ayurveda and Siddha medicines, it is good for the bones and heals fractures faster. Researchers have confirmed this and shown that the healing time is reduced by 33% and the bone setting is stronger. It is good for growing children who are weak and thin because it is anabolic. The tender stems are steeped in curd and dried, and to be eaten with food after frying it (Vathal- Pickle). This plant is recommended to prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis patients. Aloe vera – Sotru katrazhai
An ornamental succulent, it does well in desert conditions too. The jelly-like substance present in the leaf is separated from the skin and rapidly washed in
57
water to remove the yellow juice, which is irritant. Taken internally it is a cooling agent and heals stomach ulcers and nullifies inflammations.Externally it is a fine wound healer. The jelly when applied on the face, is an effective beauty care agent for a glowing face. The yellow juice from the leaf skin is an irritant and is rubbed on rheumatism-affected joints as a counter irritant. Internally the yellow juice will induce menstruation and trigger abortion. Bacopa monni er i - Neer Br ahmi
This mat forming runner with succulent leaves and purple flowers grows luxuriantly near water bodies and agricultural lands. It also can withstand salinity in 58
water and is seen near industrial effluents drains. The leaves are bitter but help in calming down the mind. It holds promise as an anti-epileptic drug. It is also used as a remedy for polycystic ovary in women. It can be taken as a powder 1gm twice daily or “ Brahmi Ghritham”. It is commonly used as Memory enhancer for children. Plectr anth us amboni cus- Omavalli
This succulent and brittle herb with highly aromatic leaves (smells like Ajwon) is grown in many households and used in health care. The leaf juice is a good digestive, appetizer and expectorant-removes
59
phlegm and cures the upper respiratory tract infection. The leaves induce vomiting and removal of phlegm when chewed by people with severe respiratory infection. The “Bajji” made with the leaves during monsoon prevents respiratory infections. Leaf juice is taken from ½ teaspoon to 2 teaspoon with honey depending upon the age of children. Andr ogr aphi s pani culata
- Ni lavembu
This small erect herb prefers to grow in partial shade and good humidity. The plant is called as the “King of bitters” owing to its bitterness. The
60
decoction of the plant is very effective in controlling fever and is a powerful appetite stimulant. The plant is invariably a key ingredient in hepato protective formulations and medicines used to treat skin diseases. Native healers use this plant to treat bites and stings as an antidote. It has been found useful in the treatment of leucoderma also, internally and externally. Ti nospor a cor dif oli a – Seendilkodi
A perennial climber that will grow anywhere. The leaves and stems are reputed immune-modulator. The plant contains principles that are effective anti61
bacterials and is used to treat infections of the eye, respiratory, urinary and alimentary tract. According to Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicines, this plant is a Rasayana & Kayakalpa plant. 3 gm of dried stem, powder or a decoction of the aerial part of the plant including the leaves could be used. Thick stems are natural tooth brushes. L awsoni a i nermis – M aaru dhani, H enna
The shrub of Marudhani is excellent hedge (Fence) plant. The leaves are traditionally used for tattooing and more particularly on special occasions. Henna is one of the largest export earner for India. It is also used as a hair conditioner and hair colorant. The 62
application of ground leaf paste of Henna with eucalyptus oil or lime juice on the nails on a regular basis
prevents
fungal
infection
( Pittvedippu,
Nagasutru ) of the palm, especially for women , who have to toil in water for washing, cleaning etc. Commercial Henna mostly contain harmful synthetic dyes, therefore growing Henna at home becomes absolutely essential. Adhatoda vasica - Adathodai
The shrub is grown as a hedge plant as it is not browsed by cattle. The leaf is very good expectorant. The alkaloids present in the leaves are responsible for its
pharmacological
action.
Innumerable
cough 63
remedies are made with the leaf both as syrups and capsule. The plant possesses anti-microbial activity and hence it is used to treat respiratory infections and some uro- genital infections but contraindicated in pregnancy. For adult one fresh leaf is enough for 30 ml decoction. Take one leaf, remove the central vein, cut into small pieces, then add 5 peppers, add 120 ml water, boil it till it reduced to 30ml.
It should be
taken twice daily. Ocimum tenui fl orum – Thu lasi
The sacred plant of the Hindus is grown in every household. The holy water offered as Prasad in Vishnu temples contains this herb. Thulasi is 64
extensively used in cough syrups and expectorants. It has
anti-microbial
properties
and
is
used
for
enhancing the immunity of the human body. Ursolic acid present in Thulasi is a powerful anti-oxidant and studies have been carried out on its effect on stress induced by noise pollution. It is now mass cultivated and the bulk of the produce goes to herbal cosmetics industry and soap – scenting. Centella asiatica - Vall arai
This runner, known as Gotu-kola in most parts of the South East Asian countries, has long been associated with the property of enhancing memory. Since it also has a stimulant activity on central nervous system it is 65
best avoided by epileptic patients. The asiaticoside and madacasic acid present in the plant makes it an excellent wound healer and prevents photo ageing of the skin. It is used in anti-wrinkle creams. The plant grows near water bodies and wet lands. Studies have established its value in the treatment of ulcers due to tuberculosis and leprosy. It can be taken as leafy vegetable or dried powder 2 gm twice daily. Vi tex negun do – Nochi
This is a large aromatic shrub with quadrangular densely whitish tomentose branchlets up to 4.5m in height. It is very common in many parts of the 66
country and often occurs gregariously. The leaves are aromatic and are considered tonic and vermifuge. 2 to 3 leaves with addition of long pepper -5nos, add 120 ml water, boil it and reduced it as 30 ml decoction is taker for fever and head ache. A decoction of the leaves and the vapours are employed in baths for the treatment of rheumatic complaints. Gymnema sylvestr e - Sir uku r inj an
The leaves of this perennial climber which grows almost throughout the scrub and deciduous jungles are probably one of the very few Indian herbs investigated and accepted in almost every part of the
67
world for its anti-diabetic property. Chewing of leaf blocks the taste buds and the taste of the sugar is masked temporarily. 1 to 2 gm dried leaf powder twice daily should be taken for diabetes along with other diabetic herbs. Piper Longum- Thippili
This Perennial runner, Grows well in Moist Conditions and Provides spikes for about ten years from planting from the second year onwards. The Leaves can be used to prepare Rasam for combating common cold. The Fruit spikes are called as Thippili or Long pepper and rich in piperine, which is very effective in respiratory allergies and Bronchial asthma as well. A Pinch of the dried spike powder with honey
68
can be given twice a day after food for young children and 1 gm from adults. Propagation is from stem cutting. Solanum tr ilobatum – T huthuvelai
This hardy climber with spines has a beautiful violet flower is drought resistant and can perform well in any soil. Propagation is from stem cutting. A medicated ghee is prepared with the leaf juice and Cows ghee. Decoction of the leaves could also be used. Five leaves with three black pepper is used for preparing decoction, which is an effective remedy for expelling sputum and to relieve chest congestion.
69
