Mokshaka (Mokshaka (Moksha, Golidha, Goliha))
Mokshaka (Schrebera swietenioides) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for skin diseases, diabetes, urinary disorders, indigestion, and intestinal worm infestation. Modern research supports its anti-diabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, and hepatoprotective properties.
Botanical name: Schrebera swietenioides. Also known as: Weaver's Beam Tree, Mokha, Ekasira, Banpalas, Mokhdi, Bula, Gante, Mogalinga mara, Mokhada, Mokha, Mokadi, Nakti, Magalingam, Kattupparutticceti, Mogalingam, Makalinkam, Maggamaram, Malamplasu, Muskkakavrksam, Magalinga, Bullakaya, Tondamukkudi, Mokka, Moksha, Mokshaka, Golidha, Goliha, Golika, Kshara streshta, Mushkakah.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Blood glucose lowering, Hepatoprotection, Wound healing, Antispasmodic
Dosage
Dosage should be personalized, considering *dosha* balance. It's best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage. Decoction: 5–10 grams of coarsely powdered bark simmered in 200–250 ml of water, boiled down to 50–60 ml, twice daily before meals. Leaf Infusion: 10–15 grams of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10 minutes, once or twice daily. Children: For children ages 6–12, use half the adult dose, typically as a syrup blended with honey. For children under 6, consult a pediatric Ayurvedic specialist first.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Constipative
- Anti-diabetic
- Wound Healing
- Hepatoprotective
Traditional uses
- Skin diseases
- Diabetes
- Urinary disorders
- Indigestion
- Intestinal worm infestation
Dosha effects
- vata: decreasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Bark decoction: Most common in traditional practice.
- Leaf infusion: Most common in traditional practice.
- Powders, tinctures, and capsules: Offer convenient alternatives.
- Medicinal ghee: Prepared from its roots.
- *Kshara* (alkali): Prepared from the plant.
- Bark paste or leaf extract: Can be used for topical applications.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester
- Active Peptic Ulcer Disease
- Known Hypersensitivity to plants of the Oleaceae family
- Low Sperm Count
Side effects
- Uncommon at therapeutic doses, but may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and transient headaches.
- High oral dosages may cause stomach irritation, burning sensation, and constipation.
Interactions
- May interact with medications that suppress the immune system and may also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
- Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both are advised together, it is best to take the Allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- This product generally does not react with homeopathic medicine.
- Generally goes well with most dietary supplements. If taking more than one product per day, consult your doctor.
- Astragalus
Clinical evidence
Animal studies indicate anti-diabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal benefits of Schrebera swietenioides. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Constipative
- Anti-diabetic
- Wound Healing
- Hepatoprotective
Classical clinical indications
- Skin diseases
- Diabetes
- Urinary disorders
- Indigestion
- Intestinal worm infestation