Chandrashura (Chandrashura (Chandrika, Chandrahasa, Kshudra))
Chandrashura (Lepidium sativum), commonly known as garden cress, is an herb used in Ayurveda for respiratory support, lactation, and digestive health. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and its potential benefits in managing diabetes and promoting bone health.
Botanical name: Lepidium sativum. Also known as: Garden cress, Common cress, Garden pepper cress, Land cress, Pepper cress, Halim, Aliv Seed, Chandrashura, Chandrika, Vasapushpa, Ashalika, Bhadra, Dhrighabija, Kalmesha, Nandini, Raktbija.
Properties
Glucosinolates and flavonoids contribute to anti-inflammatory activity., Mucilage provides demulcent and laxative effects., Essential fatty acids support bone health.
Dosage
General Adult Dosage: 3-7 grams of seed powder daily, divided into two doses. Children (6-12 years): A maximum of 2 grams per day is generally considered safe; consult an Ayurvedic expert for personalized guidance. Elderly: Those with Pitta imbalance should limit their dose to 3 grams.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
- Balya (tonic)
Traditional uses
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Agnimandya (indigestion)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: increasing
Preparation methods
- Churna (Powder): Mix 3 grams of powder with honey or warm water twice daily for cough relief.
- Decoction: Boil 5 grams of seeds in 200 ml of water, reduce to 100 ml. Take half a cup post-meals for digestive issues.
- Syrup: Combine seeds with pippali, jaggery, and rock salt for lactation formulas; take 10-15 ml twice daily.
- Oil Infusion: Steep roasted seeds in sesame oil for topical applications on hair and skin.
- Home Remedies - Joint Pain: Mix 1 teaspoon of roasted Chandrashura powder with warm milk.
- Home Remedies - Anemia: Combine Chandrashura seeds with jaggery and ghee.
- Home Remedies - Lactation: Boil seeds in milk and drink daily.
- Home Remedies - Constipation: Soak 1 teaspoon of seeds in warm water overnight and drink in the morning.
- Home Remedies - Hair Health: Apply a paste of seeds mixed with curd to the scalp.
- Home Remedies - Cough: Mix the powder with honey and ginger juice.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Pitta Imbalance
- Ulcers
- Excess Dosage
- Anticoagulants
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Empty Stomach
Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild gas or bloating.
- Possible skin rash in individuals with a Pitta dosha.
- May cause uterine stimulation if overused during pregnancy; contraindicated in the first trimester unless advised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
- If large quantities of garden cress are consumed, the mustard oil it contains may cause digestive difficulties in some people who are sensitive to it.
- It contains goitrogens that prevent iodine absorption in the thyroids and hence can lead to hypothyroidism if had in excess.
Interactions
- May interact with anticoagulant medications due to a mild salicylate-like effect.
- It is always best to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. 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.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials indicate potential benefits of Lepidium sativum in respiratory support, lactation, osteoarthritis and diabetes. Further research is needed to confirm these effects and establish optimal dosages.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
- Balya (tonic)
Classical clinical indications
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Agnimandya (indigestion)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)