Hijjala (Hijjala (Ijjala, Nichula, Ambuja))
Hijjala (Barringtonia acutangula) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for its detoxifying and therapeutic properties. It is known for its potential in managing various conditions related to skin, liver, and digestion.
Botanical name: Barringtonia acutangula. Also known as: Freshwater mangrove, Itchy tree, Mango-pine, Indian Oak, Fish-killer tree, Fish poisonwood, Hijjala, Vidula, Abdhiphala, Ambudhiphala, Ambiya, Dhatriphala, Ijjala, Nichula, Nishula, Samudraphala, Shosha, Sindhuphala, Hijjala, Samudraphala, Samandarphal, Samudarphal, Samutrapullam, Kadapum, Kadamik, Kanapa, Pivar, Sathphal, Ingli, Hindole, Samudraphala, Nerruganegalu, Holegonvamara, Manjal Kadamba, Manjal Kadam, Kijolo, Samuderphal, Samudrapullarni, Samutrapalam, Kadapa, Kanapachettu.
Properties
Antimicrobial activity, Antioxidant activity, Wound healing, Pain relief, CNS depressant activity
Dosage
Fruit powder: 0.5-1 gram; Fruit powder (for inducing vomiting): 3-6 grams; Fresh leaf juice: 10-20 ml; Decoction of the bark: 40-50 ml in divided doses; Root: 8-10 g in divided dose to treat fever, splenomegaly; Root: 5-6 g to treat cases of spider poisoning and insect bites
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (astringent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
- Vranahara (wound healing)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Traditional uses
- Visha (poisoning)
- Netraroga (eye diseases)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Jwara (fever)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Udara roga (abdominal disorders)
- Shwasa (dyspnea)
- Kasa (cough)
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Krimi (worm infestations)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fresh Juice: Fresh juice of the leaves can be taken with honey to treat diarrhea.
- Powder: The powder of the bark can be used as 'Nasya' (nasal errhine) in the treatment of headaches. The powder of the bark of Hijjala is given with sugar candy to treat retention of urine.
- Paste: Seeds of Barringtonia acutangula can be made into a paste and used as collyrium in eye diseases, or applied to treat pain and localized swelling. Seed paste can be applied over cysts, growths, and swellings/abscesses.
- Decoction (Kwath): A decoction of the bark is used to purify blood and treat skin diseases. Generally, for preparing a decoction, 1 tablespoon of powder is added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to 1 cup, then filtered.
- Cold Infusion: A cold infusion of the leaves is used to treat intestinal worms.
- Antidote: Fruit pulp can be rubbed with buttermilk and administered as an antidote in food poisoning.
- For cough and asthma: Dried fruits are ground to obtain a fine powder, and 1-2 grams of this powder is mixed with a teaspoon of honey and licked.
- For fever and jaundice: A single fruit is macerated with water and boiled for 5-10 minutes to prepare a decoction.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy: Internal use of seed or oil-derived products is not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of reproductive safety data. Mild leaf decoctions may be used under expert supervision.
- Young Infants: Not recommended for young infants due to their immature livers, which may not be able to process certain glycosides.
- Blood Pressure Medications: It may have a hypotensive effect, so people on blood pressure medications should monitor their blood pressure closely.
- Excessive Use: Taking excessive amounts of the bark powder may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and mild stomach cramps.
- Skin Sensitivity: In rare cases, sensitive individuals may experience skin irritation or contact dermatitis, especially with seed oil poultices.
Side effects
- The fruit powder can cause vomiting in high doses.
- It is considered hot in potency and drying in nature.
- Avoid use during pregnancy.
Interactions
- It is recommended 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, it is best to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Generally, Hijjala goes well with most dietary supplements; however, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
Clinical evidence
While Barringtonia acutangula has been used traditionally for various ailments, comprehensive modern clinical trials are limited. Some studies have investigated its antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, and neuropharmacological effects in mice.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Kaphahara (reduces Kapha)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
- Vranahara (wound healing)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Classical clinical indications
- Visha (poisoning)
- Netraroga (eye diseases)
- Kushta (skin diseases)
- Jwara (fever)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Udara roga (abdominal disorders)
- Shwasa (dyspnea)
- Kasa (cough)
- Prameha (diabetes)
- Krimi (worm infestations)