Ksheerashukla (Ksheerashukla (Kshirini, Rayan, Khirni))
Manilkara hexandra, known as Ksheerashukla in Ayurveda, is a tropical tree used traditionally for its medicinal properties. It is valued for its gastroprotective, anti-arthritic, and anxiolytic effects.
Botanical name: Manilkara hexandra. Also known as: Bhoomi Kushmanda, Gajavajipriya, Swadukanda, Ikshu Vidari, Ikshugandha, Ksheera Shukla, Ksheerakandha, Payasvini, Ksheeravalli, Shrestakandha, Swadu Lata, Swadu Kanda, Vrushyakanda, Vrushya Valli, Vrushyavallika, Palashika, Vidalika, Shrugalika, Kroshtri Sita, Bhu Kushmandi, Vidarikanda, Bidari Kand, Bidhari Kand, Bankumara, Indian Kudzu, Nepalese Kudzu, Bhedeleton, Bhuikumra, Vidari, Bhumikushmanda, Bhuinkumra, Vidarikanta, Bhonykoru, Eagio, Bhoikolu, Sakharvel, Nelagumbala Gudde, Gumadi gida, Mudakku, Bhuikohala, Ghodvel, Bhuiankakharu, Siali, Nilapoosani, Nelagummuda, Darigummadi.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-ulcer, Anxiolytic
Dosage
The typical recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons (approximately 3-6 grams) of churna (powdered form). Powdered Tuber: 3 to 6 grams daily. Some sources suggest 2-3 grams. It is usually consumed with warm water or milk, ideally after meals. To improve breast milk: 4-6 grams of tuber powder with cow's milk. To improve sperm count: 3-5 grams of tuber powder with ghee or milk. For general use: 1 teaspoon twice daily with plain water after meals. It is crucial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the correct dosage based on individual needs.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Balya (Tonic)
- Vrushya (Aphrodisiac)
- Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
Traditional uses
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Arthritis
- Anxiety
- General debility
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): The tuber is often processed into a fine powder.
- Herbal Mixtures (Kwath and Kashayam): Vidarikand can be included in herbal mixtures or decoctions.
- Cold Infusion: A cold infusion of the tuber (40-50 ml) can be used.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid the latex, as there's a theoretical risk of uterine contractions.
- Kidney Disease: High tannin intake from the bark might stress renal excretion, requiring dosage adjustments.
- Concurrent Use with Iron Supplements: Tannins may reduce iron absorption.
- High-dose bark decoction: Over 10g/day might cause constipation due to the astringent tannins.
- Latex sensitivity: Topical latex can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Side effects
- No adverse effects are typically reported with normal use.
- Not ideal for those with Kapha imbalance disorders such as obesity, asthma, cough, and cold.
- Harmful to sexual health (may cause infertility).
- Digestive issues: diarrhea, bloating, gas.
- Skin reactions: rashes, itching, swelling.
- May cause dizziness, headache, or fever.
- May cause liver damage or worsen existing conditions.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There might be chances of miscarriages.
- May interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery.
Interactions
- 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.
- Generally considered safe to use with homeopathic medicines.
- Generally goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
- Taking Vidarikand along with birth control pills might lower the effect of these pills.
- Vidarikand may lower blood sugar levels, so monitor blood sugar levels while taking it with anti-diabetic drugs.
- Vidarikand may interact with cardiovascular drugs.
- May weaken metabolic activities when combined with other allopathic medicines.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials exist. A small pilot trial showed symptom relief in non-erosive gastritis. Animal studies support anti-arthritic and anxiolytic activities. More robust, controlled human trials are needed to validate these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Balya (Tonic)
- Vrushya (Aphrodisiac)
- Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
Classical clinical indications
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Arthritis
- Anxiety
- General debility