Ketaka (Ketaka (Suchikapushpa, Jambuka, Krakachchhada, Kataka))

Properties

CNS depressant action, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity

Dosage

Root powder: 2-3 grams with hot water. 1-2 grams of dried root powder, once or twice daily. Cold infusion/distillate: 30-40 ml. 40-50ml. Root decoction: 10-15 ml once daily. 25-30 ml boiled in milk. Leaf decoction: Boil 5–10 g fresh leaves (or 2–3 g powdered) in 250 ml water for 10 minutes; strain and drink warm, up to twice daily. Root powder capsules: Standardized to 20% pandanine; 300 mg three times a day with meals, for urinary support.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Pungent, Sweet, Bitter
• Virya: ["Unknown"]
• Vipaka: ["Unknown"]

Benefits

• Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing)

Traditional uses

• Eye disorders
• Water purification
• Anxiety

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Paste: Prepared from the root and applied to the skin. Mix 1 tsp root powder with a few drops of water to make a paste; apply to minor fungal lesions or skin irritations and leave on 20–30 minutes before rinsing.
• Oil: Root processed in sesame or coconut oil for external application. The stigma of the flowers can be processed in oil for nasal drops.
• Decoction: Boil the root or leaves in water. Boil 5–10 g fresh leaves (or 2–3 g powdered) in 250 ml water for 10 minutes; strain and drink warm, up to twice daily.
• Cold Infusion: Soak the root in cold water.
• Powder: Dried root powder can be taken with hot water.
• Essential oil inhalation: Add 2–3 drops of pandan leaf oil to an oil burner or diffuser; inhale for 5–10 minutes in the morning or evening.
• Other forms: Water, essential oil, incense.

Contraindications

• High doses should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation without expert guidance.
• Some individuals may have sensitive skin reactions; a patch test is recommended before topical application.
• Use with caution if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
• Exercise caution in pregnant women, those on diuretics, or with kidney issues.
• Overconsumption of root decoction may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Side effects

• No adverse effect is known or reported after use.
• Overconsumption of root decoction (beyond 60 ml/day) can cause mild nausea or diarrhea.
• May cause diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
• Rarely, topical use of leaf paste may provoke contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
• Excessive consumption can lead to nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions.
• High doses may stimulate uterine contractions, posing risks during pregnancy.
• Skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

Interactions

• May interact with diuretics or sedatives, altering their efficacy.
• Mild diuretic effect may potentiate blood pressure–lowering or potassium-depleting medications.
• 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

Animal studies suggest potential anti-anxiety effects of Pandanus odorifer, but further rigorous clinical trials are needed to validate these claims in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing)

Classical clinical indications

• Eye disorders
• Water purification
• Anxiety