Morata (Morata (Moorva))
Morata, known scientifically as Marsdenia tenacissima, is an important herb in Ayurveda, traditionally used for its therapeutic properties. It is often cited in classical texts for its benefits in skin conditions, blood disorders, and digestive ailments.
Botanical name: Marsdenia tenacissima. Also known as: Murva, Moorva, White nishoth, Jartor, Maruvabel, Koratige Hambu, Halukaratige, Penujittu, Kaarudushtupatige, Bahunilahra, Madhurasa, Madhulika, Morata, Panjukkodi, Tong-Guo, Di Long Mian.
Properties
Apoptosis induction in carcinoma cell lines, Inhibition of topoisomerase enzymes
Dosage
Powder: 2-6 grams, 2-5 grams Decoction: 10-20 ml, 30-40 ml for diabetes and cardiac health, 40-50 ml for breast milk deficiency, 50-60 ml for intestinal worms, lack of appetite, hyperacidity and jaundice. The decoction can be prepared from 10-20 grams of roots. Recommended dose of decoction is 50-100ml. Juice: Fresh juice can be consumed as a blood purifier. Standardized extracts should be carefully dosed, starting low and going slow. Look for products standardized to at least 20% tenacissosides.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Aphrodisiac
- Nourishing
- Improves strength
- Delicious with sugar
Traditional uses
- Skin diseases
- Blood disorders
- Intestinal worms
- Lack of appetite
- Hyperacidity
- Jaundice
- Bleeding disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwatha): A general method involves adding 1 tablespoon of powder to 2 cups of water, boiling it down to 1 cup, and then filtering. Traditionally, stems were roasted over low heat and steeped overnight.
- Hot Infusion: Can be made from the stem for Vata disorders and fever.
- Cold Infusion: Can be made from the root for breast milk deficiency.
- Juice: Fresh juice of the plant can be consumed.
- Powder: The fresh juice of the root or its powder can be mixed with honey. Root bark powder can be taken with buttermilk.
- Paste: Paste of the root is applied to the skin for skin diseases and burns. Paste of pounded leaves used topically.
- Medicated Oil: It is used as an ingredient in medicated oil for skin diseases, fractures, convulsions, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, and cephalalgia.
Contraindications
- People suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea should avoid Murva root as it may worsen the condition.
- Monitor for gastrointestinal discomfort, hypotension, or allergic reactions, and always start with a low dose.
- Use with caution with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. It is advised to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Side effects
- Mild gastrointestinal upset
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Topical use can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis
- Hypotension
- Allergic reactions
- May worsen the condition for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Interactions
- May interact with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. It is advised to take allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Individuals on chemotherapy or CYP3A4-metabolized medications should use with extreme caution or abstain unless supervised by a healthcare professional.
- As an immunomodulator, it could theoretically exacerbate autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Clinical evidence
Emerging clinical evidence suggests potential benefits in improving quality of life during chemotherapy and lung function in cough-variant asthma. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Aphrodisiac
- Nourishing
- Improves strength
- Delicious with sugar
Classical clinical indications
- Skin diseases
- Blood disorders
- Intestinal worms
- Lack of appetite
- Hyperacidity
- Jaundice
- Bleeding disorders