Parushaka (Parushaka (Grewia asiatica))
Parushaka, known as Grewia asiatica, is a plant valued in Ayurveda, particularly its fruits, for their medicinal properties. It is known for its astringent and sour taste, and is used in various Ayurvedic formulations.
Botanical name: Grewia asiatica. Also known as: False Fruit, Asiatic Grewia, Phalsa Berries, Indian Sherbet Berry, Falsa, Parushaka, Alpasthi, Mriduphala, Parapara, Paroushak, Palisa, Thadachi, Chitteeta, Phalisa, Palisa, Phalisa, Dagali, Byadachi, Palicamaram, Unnu, Tadasala, Dagala, Dadasala, Phulsha, Phalsa, Phalashah, Phalsa, Shunkri, Shukri, Phalsa, Phalsai, Phalsi, Parpaka, Palshi, Phalsa, Pharosakoli, Jangolat, Chadicha, Chitindal, Pharwa.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Blood glucose regulation, Lipid-lowering effects
Dosage
Leaf juice: 10-15 ml, Powder: 2-4 g, Decoction: 50-100 ml, Fruit juice: 10-20 ml, once or twice a day or 30-50 ml diluted with water, 1-2 times daily before meals, Fresh Fruit: 20–40 g (about 8–15 berries) daily, Dried Fruit Powder: 1–3 g mixed into warm water or lassi, Children aged 5–12 can take half the adult dose of fresh fruit
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Astringent, Sour
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sour"]
Benefits
- Digestive
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
Traditional uses
- Fever
- Thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Leaf Juice: The juice is extracted from the fresh leaves.
- Powder: The plant parts are dried and then ground into a powder.
- Decoction: The plant material is boiled in water to extract its medicinal properties.
- Fruit Juice/Sherbet: The fruit is used to make refreshing juice and syrup, especially popular in Northern India.
- Panaka: The fruit is used to make "Panaka" (herbal drink).
- Infusion: Fruit infusion can be used for gargling in oral conditions.
- Paste: Paste of leaves and buds is applied on abscesses. Paste of bark is used in osteoarthritis, while that of the root is used for inducing abortion.
- Phalsa papdi: In Rajasthan, the berries are sun-dried into thin, tangy wafers.
Contraindications
- Generally safe when consumed in culinary amounts.
- Suggested to take Phalsa in small quantities by pregnant and lactating mothers. Limit intake to 10-20 berries daily and consult a practitioner.
- May potentiate blood sugar-lowering drugs, so diabetics should monitor levels carefully and adjust medications only under doctor supervision. Avoid taking both together with diabetic medicines.
- Mild antihypertensive effects could worsen low blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
- Excessive tannins from dried powder or high-dose extracts may cause constipation or nausea; reduce dosage if this occurs. Overconsumption of fruit juice may cause mild diarrhea or abdominal bloating, especially on an empty stomach. Avoid with active peptic ulcers unless under supervision, as high acidity might irritate open lesions.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western medicines, as some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. There may be an interaction between Phalsa fruit and lipid-lowering medication, possibly causing lipid levels to fall too low, so it is advised to avoid this combination.
- Rare skin rashes or itching may occur in sensitized individuals after topical application.
- Excessive consumption may cause blood glucose levels to drop too low.
Side effects
- Excessive tannins may cause constipation.
- Raw fruit may increase Pitta
- Pregnant or lactating women should limit to 10–20 berries daily and consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Interactions
- Grewia asiatica may potentiate the effects of hypoglycemic or antihypertensive drugs, so those on these medications should monitor their blood sugar and pressure levels. Reduce dose if needed.
- It is recommended to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- 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.
Clinical evidence
Animal studies and preliminary clinical data suggest that Grewia asiatica possesses antidiabetic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in humans.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Digestive
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
Classical clinical indications
- Fever
- Thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Inflammation