Nishotra (Nishotra (Sarvanubhuti, Sarala, Rechani))
Nishotra, known scientifically as Operculina turpethum, is a potent Ayurvedic herb primarily used for its purgative properties and detoxification support.
Botanical name: Operculina turpethum. Also known as: India Jalap, Saint Thomas Lidpod, Transparent wood rose, Turpeth root, Nisoth, Panila, Pithori, Tegade, Tevudi, Nisottar, Nishottar, Nasttara, Sivadai, Adimbu, Saralam, Kumpncan, Paganrai, Chivaka, Trikolpakkonna, Triputa, Sivata, Vilitigada, Aluthi gida, Bangada balli, Bilitigade, Devadanti, Nagadanti, Sigade, Trivrit, Shweta, Tribhandi, Triputa, Sarala, Suvaha, Rechani, Sarvanubhuti, Nishotra.
Properties
Laxative activity via resin glycosides, Increased fecal water content, Accelerated transit time
Dosage
General: Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and usage. Powdered Root: 250-750 mg with warm milk or lukewarm water for adults. Some sources suggest 250-500 mg for adults. A minimal dosage of 125 – 250 mg is recommended for children. Decoction (Kashaya): Generally, 1 tablespoon of powder is added to 2 cups of water, boiled down to 1 cup, and then filtered. Milk preparation: The roots can be cooked with cow's milk. The dose is 20-30 ml for adults and 5-10 ml for children. Limit use to 3-5 days under professional guidance to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Rechana (Purgative)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
Traditional uses
- Vibandha (Constipation)
- Udara Roga (Abdominal disorders)
- Skin disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder (Churna): The root is made into a fine powder. It can be taken with warm water, ghee, or honey.
- Decoction (Kashaya): Boil the powder in water to reduce it to one cup.
- Milk Decoction: Cook the root with cow's milk.
- Herbal Blends: Nishoth powder can be combined with other herbs like Triphala or Haritaki.
- Topical application: It can be added to herbal pastes for external use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Children below 12 years of age
- Elderly and weak individuals
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding per rectum
- Rectal prolapse
- Fecal incontinence
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Acute abdominal pain of unknown origin
- Dehydration
- Aggravates Vata
Side effects
- Excessive use or use in individuals with low strength can cause a burning sensation, dizziness, twitching abdominal pain, and severe purgation.
- May cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (especially potassium depletion) if used for more than 3 days.
- May cause abdominal cramps.
- It is best avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
- May alter the absorption of oral medications.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of Operculina turpethum in treating constipation. A 2021 RCT showed comparable results to senna with improved tolerance. Animal studies also support its laxative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. More extensive human trials are needed to validate its full range of traditional uses.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Rechana (Purgative)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
Classical clinical indications
- Vibandha (Constipation)
- Udara Roga (Abdominal disorders)
- Skin disorders