Ketaki (Ketaka (Suchikapushpa, Jambuka, Krakachchhada, Chetika, Hradyagandha))

About

Ketaki (Pandanus odoratissimus), also known as screw pine or kewda, is an Ayurvedic herb with a variety of traditional uses. It is known for its fragrant flowers and balancing properties for Kapha and Pitta doshas.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Anticonvulsant activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Antidiabetic activity

Dosage

Powder: 3 to 5 grams, Cold Infusion/Distillate: 30 to 40 ml, Root boiled in milk: 25 – 30 ml, Distillate of flowers: 30 to 50 ml

Classical attributes

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

Benefits

• Cardiotonic
• Antioxidant
• Aphrodisiac
• Analgesic
• Anti-epileptic

Traditional uses

• Headache
• Rheumatism
• Spasm
• Cold/Flu
• Epilepsy
• Wounds
• Boils
• Scabies
• Leucoderma
• Ulcers
• Colic
• Hepatitis
• Smallpox
• Leprosy
• Syphilis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Recurrent threatened abortions
• Fever
• Joint pain

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Powder: The powder of the plant can be ingested.
• Cold Infusion: Can be prepared and consumed.
• Distillate (Kewra water): Male flowers are often distilled, and the distillate is stored as kewra water.
• Oil (for joint pain and headaches): The root can be processed in sesame oil for external application.
• Oil (for epilepsy): The stigma of the flowers can be processed in oil and used as nasal drops for convulsions due to epilepsy.
• Oil (for hair): The root can be processed in coconut oil and applied to the scalp to treat alopecia and improve hair luster.
• Oil (for earaches): Ketaki oil can be slightly warmed and put in the ears to treat earaches.
• Decoction: Leaf decoction can be used to boost oral health.
• Paste: The paste prepared from the root of ketaki can be applied over the skin to improve complexion and treat blackheads.
• Attar: The flowers are used to make a fragrant attar (perfume).
• Flavoring: In the Philippines, the leaves are cooked with rice to add flavor and aroma.

Contraindications

• Exercise caution and seek guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
• Thought to cause contraction in the uterine muscles and has been used to correct irregular menstruation and during parturition.

Side effects

• No adverse effects are known or reported after the use of Ketaki.
• May cause diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
• Overconsumption of root decoction may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Interactions

• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it is best to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Active compounds

• Essential oils
• Terpene-4-ol
• Benzyl salicylate
• Methyl ether of beta phenyl ethyl alcohol

Clinical evidence

Studies show anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic activities of Pandanus odoratissimus. Animal models and in-vitro studies provide initial evidence.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Cardiotonic
• Antioxidant
• Aphrodisiac
• Analgesic
• Anti-epileptic

Classical clinical indications

• Headache
• Rheumatism
• Spasm
• Cold/Flu
• Epilepsy
• Wounds
• Boils
• Scabies
• Leucoderma
• Ulcers
• Colic
• Hepatitis
• Smallpox
• Leprosy
• Syphilis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Recurrent threatened abortions
• Fever
• Joint pain

Frequently asked questions