Changeri (Changeri (Chukrika, Dantashatha, Ambastha, Amlalonika, Amalachangeri))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Hypoglycemic activity, Anticancer activity

Dosage

Juice (Swarasa): 10-30 ml, once or twice a day; Powder (Churna): 2-5 g or 3-6 g; Decoction (Kwatha): 10-40 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Sweet, Sour
• Virya: ["Hot"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Digestive stimulant
• Kindles digestive fire

Traditional uses

• Malabsorption syndrome
• Hemorrhoids
• Peptic ulcers

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Fresh Juice (Swarasa): Crush the leaves and stems and extract the juice. Mix with a pinch of rock salt to aid absorption. It can be mixed with buttermilk or lemonade.
• Decoction (Kwatha): Boil 2-3 g of dried herb in 200 ml of water until reduced to 50 ml. Strain and drink warm before meals.
• Powder (Churna): Dried leaves can be ground into a powder.
• Paste: Fresh leaves can be crushed into a paste for topical applications.
• Ghrita (Medicated Ghee): Changeri is used in Ayurvedic formulations like Changeri Ghrita.
• Food: The leaves can be used in chutneys, salads, and soups. In Kerala and Karnataka, it is used as a substitute for tamarind or lemon.

Contraindications

• Excessive consumption: May irritate the stomach lining because of high oxalic acid content.
• Kidney Stones: Contraindicated for individuals with kidney stones as it may worsen the condition. The oxalates in Changeri can bind calcium, potentially contributing to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
• Vata Imbalance: Overuse can aggravate Vata, leading to dryness and bloating.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation. Insufficient safety data exists, especially for concentrated extracts, during the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, gout: Those suffering from these conditions should avoid Changeri.
• Hypocalcemia: May further reduce calcium availability.
• Interaction with Medications: Use caution if taking antacids or mineral supplements (calcium, magnesium) as Changeri may reduce their absorption.

Side effects

• Excessive Consumption: May cause stomach irritation due to high oxalic acid content.
• Calcium Absorption: Excessive use can inhibit calcium absorption in the body, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.
• Kidney Stones: Due to oxalates, it may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
• Digestive Issues: Large amounts may cause digestive upset.
• Other Reported Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, skin reactions, eye damage. Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat is also possible.
• Rare reports of mild gastric irritation and nausea when taken on an empty stomach.

Interactions

• Antacids and Mineral Supplements: Caution should be taken if on antacids or mineral supplements (calcium, magnesium) as Changeri may reduce their absorption.
• It is generally recommended to inform your healthcare provider about Changeri use, especially if managing a chronic condition or taking prescription drugs.
• Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine; if both are advised together, it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Clinical evidence

Several animal studies and a small human study suggest that Oxalis corniculata may have antiulcer, wound healing, neuroprotective, and dyspepsia-relieving properties. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Digestive stimulant
• Kindles digestive fire

Classical clinical indications

• Malabsorption syndrome
• Hemorrhoids
• Peptic ulcers