Dudhika (Dugdhika (Swaduparni, Kshira, Vikshirini))

About

Dudhika (Euphorbia hirta) is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

Properties

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, Antiviral activity, Anticancer activity, Wound healing

Dosage

Decoction: 10–20 g of dried aerial parts boiled in 1 L water until reduced to 200 mL; drink 50–100 mL twice daily before meals. Powder: 2–3 g of finely powdered dried herb, encapsulated or taken with honey, twice daily. Extract Tablets: Standardized to 4% total flavonoids, 250–500 mg tablet, twice a day. Dugdhika Piles Relief Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day or as directed by the physician.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Katu (Pungent)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
• Kapha hara (reduces Kapha)
• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Balya (strengthening)

Traditional uses

• Kasa (cough)
• Shwasa (asthma)
• Atisara (diarrhea)
• Krimi (intestinal worms)
• Pliha Roga (spleen disorders)
• Hridroga (heart ailments)

Dosha effects

• vata: increasing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: decreasing

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil dried or fresh parts of the Dudhika plant to extract its medicinal properties.
• Powder: Dry the herb and grind it into a fine powder for internal or external use.
• Juice: Fresh juice can be extracted from the plant and used for various ailments.
• Poultice: Leaves can be pounded and applied as a poultice to treat swelling and boils.
• Latex Application: The latex from the plant can be applied directly to skin conditions like warts and ringworm.
• Home Remedies: For asthma and bronchitis, boil 1 teaspoon of Dudhika powder in water, strain, and consume with honey twice daily. For diarrhea and dysentery, prepare a decoction with Dudhika leaves and consume 10–20 ml twice daily. For skin infections, apply the latex directly on acne or wounds for quicker healing. To enhance milk production during lactation, consume a paste of Dudhika leaves mixed with milk. For fever, use a decoction of Dudhika roots and tulsi leaves to reduce fever.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy
• Allergic Reactions
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Infertility Treatment
• Stomach or Intestinal Disorders

Side effects

• Gastrointestinal Irritation
• Skin Sensitization
• Pregnancy
• Infertility
• Possible mild side effects: Nausea (if taken on an empty stomach) and allergic reactions (rare).

Interactions

• Drug Interactions
• Supplements
• Allopathic Medicines

Active compounds

• Alkanes
• Triterpenes
• Phytosterols
• Tannins
• Polyphenols
• Flavonoids
• Steroids
• Saponins
• Alkaloids
• Essential oils
• Amino acids
• Minerals
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol

Clinical evidence

Clinical studies and research indicate potential benefits of Euphorbia hirta, including inhibitory responses against flu and fever in dengue patients, antiviral and platelet-increasing activities, improvement in lung function and reduction in asthma symptoms, and anti-diarrheal properties. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Deepana (appetizer)
• Pachana (digestive)
• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
• Kapha hara (reduces Kapha)
• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Balya (strengthening)

Classical clinical indications

• Kasa (cough)
• Shwasa (asthma)
• Atisara (diarrhea)
• Krimi (intestinal worms)
• Pliha Roga (spleen disorders)
• Hridroga (heart ailments)

Frequently asked questions