Niladurva (Niladurva (Ruha, Ananta, Bhargavi, Shataparvika, Lokaskandha, Niladhvaja, Nilatala, Sahasravirya, Klītaka, Kalakeshi, Nilapushpa))
Niladurva, scientifically known as *Cynodon dactylon*, is a perennial grass widely recognized in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, particularly in wound healing and pitta pacification. It is known for its cooling, bitter, and astringent qualities.
Botanical name: Cynodon dactylon. Also known as: Niladurva, Saddala, Ananta, Bhargavi, Doorwa, Harita, Sashpa, Sadvala, Satapuspa, Satavirya, Sataparva, Sita, Lata, Amrita, Tvamari, Saumya, Sitali, Amara, Doob, Dobri, Durba, Common Lawn Grass, Bermuda Grass, Couch Grass, Quick Grass, Bahama Grass, Indian Doab, Garike, Garikehullu, Balli garike, Ambatehullu, Haryali, Dhurva, Arugampillu, Arukampillu, Muyalpul, Ghericha, Gerichagaddi, Doobh, Dubari, Tingthou, Phaitualhnim, Dubbo Ghas, Arugampul, Garike hullu.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory pathways modulation, Blood glucose reduction, Ulcer protection, Wound contraction promotion, Immune system modulation
Dosage
Whole plant juice: 10-20 ml, Root juice: 5-10 ml, Fresh Juice: 10–20 ml, twice a day with honey or a pinch of rock salt, Powder (Churna): 1–3 grams mixed in warm water or honey after meals, Decoction (Kwath): 2 teaspoons of powder boiled in 200 ml water reduced to 50–60 ml, consumed once daily
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Madhura (Sweet), Kashaya (Astringent)
- Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Dahahara (Relieves burning sensation)
- Raktapittahara (Controls bleeding disorders)
Traditional uses
- Vrna (Wounds)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Daha (Burning sensation)
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Fresh Juice: Extract juice from the fresh plant.
- Paste: Grind the grass to make a paste for topical application.
- Decoction (Kwath): Boil the powder of *Cynodon dactylon* in water and reduce to the desired volume.
- Powder (Churna): Dry the plant and make powder.
- Medicated Oil (Taila) and Ghee (Ghrta): *Cynodon dactylon* is used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Durvadi tailam and Durvadi ghrutam.
- Topical Paste: Mix powder with water or aloe gel and apply to the affected area.
- Extracts: Aqueous, ethanol, methanol, and chloroform extracts can be prepared using different extraction techniques like cold maceration or soxhlet extraction.
Contraindications
- Overdosage may result in rash, burning sensation, and paresthesia.
- Individuals with Vata dominance should use Durva carefully and under medical supervision.
- It is best to avoid Durva during pregnancy and lactation or use it only as per doctor's advice. Generally considered safe at low doses during pregnancy and lactation, but avoid high doses of decoction unless advised by a qualified practitioner.
- Rare cases of mild diarrhea or cramping have been reported when taken in large internal doses ( >5 g powder/day).
- Very occasional itching or rash may occur.
- Limit continuous internal use to 6-8 weeks; take 1-2 week breaks to prevent gut flora imbalance.
- For specific blood-bleeding disorders, only expert-supervised short courses are recommended.
- Dhurva may interact with anticoagulants.
Side effects
- In prescribed dosages, *Durva* generally does not exhibit any side effects.
- Overdosage may result in rash, burning sensation, or oral paresthesia.
- May cause diuresis at high doses.
- Use with caution in *Vata* dominant individuals.
Interactions
- May interact with anticoagulant and diuretic medications; therefore, consult a healthcare professional.
- This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
- Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with western medicines.
Clinical evidence
Preclinical studies on *Cynodon dactylon* extracts and fractions demonstrate anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, PCOS treatment potential, and immunomodulatory activities in animal models. However, human clinical trials are needed to validate these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vranaropana (Wound healing)
- Dahahara (Relieves burning sensation)
- Raktapittahara (Controls bleeding disorders)
Classical clinical indications
- Vrna (Wounds)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
- Daha (Burning sensation)
- Kustha (Skin diseases)