Lakshmana (Chandrahasa, Kshetradutika)

Properties

Laxative effect due to increased intestinal motility., Diuretic action potentially linked to electrolyte balance regulation., Anti-inflammatory effect mediated by inhibition of inflammatory mediators., Antifungal activity attributed to bioactive compounds disrupting fungal cell walls.

Dosage

Root Decoction: 5–10 g dried root simmered in 250 ml water, reduced to 50 ml, twice daily. Leaf Infusion: 10–15 g fresh leaves steeped in hot water for 10 minutes; drink warm. Powder (Churna): 3–6 g mixed with honey or buttermilk, once daily after meals. Leaf juice: 5-10 ml. General: Churna (5-15 Ratti). Children: Half the adult dosage, only under professional supervision, and avoid if under 5 years old.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
• Virya: ["Ushna (Heating)"]
• Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]

Benefits

• Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
• Garbhaprada (Promotes conception)
• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)

Traditional uses

• Infertility
• Constipation
• Inflammation
• Leucorrhoea
• Fluid retention

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Root Decoction: Simmer 5–10 g of dried root in 250 ml of water, reduce to 50 ml, strain, and drink twice daily.
• Leaf Infusion: Steep 10–15 g fresh leaves in hot water for 10 minutes and drink warm.
• Powder (Churna): Mix 3–6 g of powder with honey or buttermilk and consume once daily after meals. Powder is prepared from dried roots and leaves separately.
• Topical Paste: Crush fresh leaves with water to apply to sprains or insect bites; cover with a clean cloth for 30 minutes.
• Medicated Porridge: Used as an ingredient in special monsoon medicated porridge. Boil 150 ml of milk with 300 ml of water and 20 g of jaggery for 15 minutes and take every evening.
• Decoction for Pregnancy: The whole plant along with Elicampane roots (Pushkaramoola-Inula racemosa) is boiled with milk and taken during the second month of pregnancy.
• Leaf Extract: Boil about 20g of Ipomoea sepiaria powder leaves with 100 ml of double distilled water and filter with Whatman filter paper No. 1 after cooling.
• Nasal administration (Nasya): Lakshmana processed with milk is beneficial for healthy progeny.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to potential uterine stimulation.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Use with caution in individuals with severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis.
• Medications: Use cautiously if you are on diuretics or anti-hypertensive medications, as Lakshmana may amplify fluid loss and alter electrolyte balance. Concurrent use with potent anticoagulants like warfarin should be monitored because coumarin derivatives in Lakshmana might affect clotting.
• Allergies: People with known allergies to fermented products should exercise caution.
• Other conditions: Diabetic patients and people with gastric or duodenal ulcers should use with caution.
• It is essential to seek advice from your doctor if you are taking Lakshmana with other Western medicines, as some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it is best to take the allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Side effects

• There are no recorded side effects.
• Overuse may lead to cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance.
• High doses can cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Interactions

• May boost other laxatives/diuretics.
• Inform your doctor if you are on blood pressure or heart medications.
• Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. It is advised to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Clinical evidence

Clinical evidence includes one clinical study showing a laxative effect, animal studies demonstrating diuretic and anti-inflammatory actions, and in-vitro studies confirming antifungal activity. More robust clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
• Garbhaprada (Promotes conception)
• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)

Classical clinical indications

• Infertility
• Constipation
• Inflammation
• Leucorrhoea
• Fluid retention

Frequently asked questions