Ashmantaka (Kovidara, Amlalonika, Shaphari, Pisali, Amlapatraka)

Properties

Antiulcer activity, Anxiolytic activity, Antipyretic activity, Antitumor activity, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, Antidiabetic, Analgesic, Anticancer

Dosage

Bark decoction: 50-100 ml; Latex: 10-20 drops

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Kushtahara (alleviates skin diseases)
• Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)

Traditional uses

• Kushta (skin diseases)
• Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
• Jwara (fever)
• Atisara (diarrhea)
• Vrana (ulcers)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Bark Decoction (Kwatha): A decoction is prepared by boiling the bark in water to extract its water-soluble constituents. Fresh herbs are cut into small pieces, and dry herbs are coarsely powdered. These are then soaked in water overnight and boiled on a slow flame with continuous stirring until the water reduces to the desired quantity.
• Latex: The latex is collected directly from the plant.
• Herbal Ghee: Ashmantaka is used as an ingredient to prepare herbal ghee.
• Medicated Oil Sitz Bath: For hemorrhoid treatment, a sitz bath can be prepared using a decoction made by boiling Ashmantaka leaves with other herbs like radish, Triphala, Arka, Varuna, Agnimantha, and Moringa.
• Fomentation (Swedana): Leaves of Ashmantaka along with other leaves like Tulsi, Castor, Moringa, radish, mustard, Vasaka, Calotropis, and Jasmine are boiled in a mud pot. The steam is then directed to the target body organs to induce sweating.
• Kashayam: Spices are boiled with medicinal herbs to make medicinal water.
• Arishtam/tinctures: The whole herbs are put into a sugar syrup, and yeast is added to allow the creation of alcohol. Alcohol is a solvent that can dissolve both water and fat-soluble medicines.

Contraindications

• General cautions: As with any herb, it's best to start with low doses and observe for any adverse reactions.
• Expert consultation: Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance before using Bauhinia racemosa.
• Interaction with other medications: Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Standardized human trials are lacking: More studies are needed to validate its uses.

Side effects

• Excessive use of ginger, may cause constipation.
• Increased bleeding
• Development of rashes
• Itching
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, and/or throat

Interactions

• It is best to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. It is advised to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
• Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
• It can also interact with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen as well as anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.

Clinical evidence

Animal studies suggest that Bauhinia racemosa possesses antiulcer, anxiolytic, and antipyretic properties. Further clinical trials are required to validate these findings in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kushtahara (alleviates skin diseases)
• Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)
• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)

Classical clinical indications

• Kushta (skin diseases)
• Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
• Jwara (fever)
• Atisara (diarrhea)
• Vrana (ulcers)

Frequently asked questions