Hanjika (Hanjika (Brahmanyangaravalli, Kharashakha))
Hanjika, known botanically as Clerodendrum indicum, is an herb traditionally used in Ayurveda for its purgative, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to note its contraindications in certain conditions.
Botanical name: Clerodendrum indicum. Also known as: Turk's Turban, Tube Flower, Skyrocket, Champagne Clerodendrum, Bharangi, Babhanaiti (Hindi), Guntubharangi (Telugu), Bamunhati (Bengali), Kavali, Parangipattai, Parangi (Tamil), Bharangi (Marathi & Gujarati), Gontu barangi (Kannada), Kankabharani (Malayalam).
Properties
Antiulcer activity, Antinociceptive activity, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant
Dosage
Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams twice daily with warm water or honey, for chronic coughs. Children above 6 years old can take half the adult dose. Liquid extract (Arista): 5–10 mL twice daily, often combined with Tulsi or Yashtimadhu. Decoction (Kashayam): Boil 30 grams of fresh root in 240 mL water, reduce to 60 mL, and take hot once daily. Capsules/Tablets: 250–500 mg twice daily, standardized to 10% clerodin.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rechana (purgative)
Traditional uses
- Kushta (leprosy)
- Raktapitta (hemorrhagic disorders)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Kasa (cough)
- Jwara (fever)
- Yakrit Vikara (liver disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): Dried leaves can be powdered using an electrical blender.
- Liquid Extract (Arista)
- Decoction (Kashayam): Boil fresh root in water.
- Topical Poultice: Crush leaves for application over inflamed joints or postpartum pains.
- Extracts: Extracts can be prepared using solvents like ethanol, methanol, or distilled water. Maceration technique can also be employed.
Contraindications
- General cautions: It is crucial to seek professional advice before self-medicating, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on concurrent medications.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended without professional supervision, as it could stimulate uterine tone.
- Allergies:
- Indigestion:
- Sedation risk: Possible mild drowsiness due to hispidulin. Therefore, avoid driving if sensitive.
Side effects
- Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset if taken on an empty stomach.
- Possible mild drowsiness or sedation in sensitive individuals, due to hispidulin. Avoid driving if sensitive.
- Rare allergic dermatitis from leaf contact; a patch test is advised.
Interactions
- Pregnancy: Not recommended without professional supervision, as it could stimulate uterine tone.
- It's best to seek a 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.
- Use caution for patients with known estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, or endometriosis; in patients on hormone replacement therapy, including tamoxifen or raloxifene; in epileptic patients; in patients on antihypertensive medications; and in patients with liver disease.
Clinical evidence
Animal studies suggest potential antiulcer and antinociceptive properties of Clerodendrum indicum. Further research, including human clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rechana (purgative)
Classical clinical indications
- Kushta (leprosy)
- Raktapitta (hemorrhagic disorders)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Kasa (cough)
- Jwara (fever)
- Yakrit Vikara (liver disorders)