Shaileya (Shilapushpa, Vriddha, Kalanusaryaka)

About

Shaileya, also known as Stone Flower, is a lichen used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It is traditionally used for respiratory support, skin diseases, and renal calculi.

Properties

COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition by salazinic acid, Antimicrobial action of usnic acid, Antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds

Dosage

Powder: 1 to 3 grams per day. No dose should be higher than 2 grams per day. For children, a safe range is 0.5 to 1 gram per day, but a pediatrician should be consulted before administering. Decoction: 30 to 40 ml. A common preparation method involves boiling 5 grams of Stone Flower in 200 ml of water and drinking the decoction 1-2 times a day. Cold Infusion: 40-50 ml. Topical: Apply the paste to the affected area once or twice daily.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["Sheet (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
• Krimighna (Antimicrobial)
• Vishahara (Detoxifying)

Traditional uses

• Kushta (Skin diseases)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Shwasa (Asthma)
• Vrikkashmari (Renal calculi)
• Shopha (Localized swelling)

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Powder: The dried powder of the herb can be mixed with honey for cough and asthma or with cow's urine or hot water and applied over an area with swelling.
• Decoction: Boil Stone Flower in water for 10-15 minutes. Decoction of Shaileya is given in a dose of 50-60 ml mixed with cumin powder and sugar candy to treat renal calculi and burning micturition.
• Cold Infusion: Prepare a cold infusion and consume it to improve the strength of cardiac muscles or to treat fever and burning sensations.
• Paste: Freshly collected Shaileya can be grounded into a paste and applied to wounds or on the forehead to subside headaches and skin diseases.
• Spice: It can be used as a spice to enhance the flavor and taste of food. It is generally put into dishes during tempering so that maximum aroma can be released.
• Other methods: Tinctures, syrups, oils, and vinegars can be made using Shaileya.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Shaileya should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
• Children: It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Liver and kidney disorders: Individuals with severe liver or kidney disorders should avoid Shaileya. High doses of usnic acid, a component of Parmelia perlata, have been linked to hepatotoxicity in rare cases.
• Surgery: As a general precaution, stop using Shaileya at least two weeks before any elective surgery.

Side effects

• No adverse effects are known or reported after the use of Shaileya.
• Allergic reactions may occur in individuals allergic to lichens or molds.
• High doses of Stone Flower can cause digestive issues.
• It might aggravate some problems like cough and cold in people with weak immunity due to its cold potency.

Interactions

• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it is best to take the Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Stone Flower may interact with antidiabetic and antihypertensive drugs.
• Exercise caution for patients with diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or liver damage and for patients using antiarrhythmic agents, antilipemics, and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents.
• There are nearly 1500 documented interactions between drugs, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements.
• Herbs and drugs may interact either pharmacokinetically or pharmacodynamically. The predominant mechanism for this interaction is the inhibition of cytochrome P-450 3A4 in the small intestine, resulting in a significant reduction of drug presystemic metabolism.
• Discuss all drugs – prescription, non-prescription, herbal, and dietary supplements – with healthcare providers and pharmacists.
• If pregnant, nursing, or have other health conditions, consult a physician before consuming Stone Flower.

Active compounds

• Usnic acid
• Salazinic acid
• Protolichesterinic acid
• Atranorin

Clinical evidence

Limited clinical trials are available. Recent studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Further research is needed to validate therapeutic efficacy.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
• Krimighna (Antimicrobial)
• Vishahara (Detoxifying)

Classical clinical indications

• Kushta (Skin diseases)
• Kasa (Cough)
• Shwasa (Asthma)
• Vrikkashmari (Renal calculi)
• Shopha (Localized swelling)

Frequently asked questions