Shilapushpa (Shilapushpa (Shaileya, Vriddha, Kalanusaryaka, Klītaka, Kalakeshi, Nilapushpa))
Shilapushpa, known scientifically as *Didymocarpus pedicellata*, is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda primarily for its antilithiatic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is traditionally used in the treatment of renal diseases, particularly kidney stones, and is also used for skin infections and eczema.
Botanical name: Didymocarpus pedicellata. Also known as: Shilapushpa, Shaileya, Shantapushpi, Charila, Chadila, Patthar Phool, Patthar Ke Phool, Pathar Phool, Stone Flower, Rock Moss, Dagad Phool, Kalpasi, Shailaj, Shila Phool, Dagad Da Phool, Pathar Phool, Kallu Huvu, Kalpasi, Rathi Poovu, Kalpasi, Dagad Phool, Chharila, Charela, Patharphori, Kalpashee, Ausneh, Chhadilo, Sitasiva, Silapuspa, Sheleyam, Kalppuvu, Ratipuvvu.
Properties
Antilithiatic (prevents urinary stone formation), Lithotriptic (dissolves kidney stones), Antimicrobial, Nephroprotective, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory
Dosage
General safe dosage: 1 to 3 grams of stone flower powder daily. Decoction: 30 to 40 ml of the paste. It is advisable to consult with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner before taking stone flower.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["শীতল (Shitala - Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Mutrashmarihara (relieves urinary stones)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktaprasadana (blood purifier)
Traditional uses
- Ashmari (urinary calculi)
- Mutrakricchra (dysuria)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Tvaka Roga (skin diseases)
- Vrṇa (wounds)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Powder: Stone flower can be consumed in powder form.
- Decoction (Kashaya): Boil stone flower in water to prepare a decoction. A decoction is typically made by adding 1 part of herb with 16 parts of water, boiled and reduced to 1/4th. The dose is 50 ml in divided doses. To manage urolithiasis, grind a few stone flowers, mix with 2 cups of water, boil until it reduces to ¼ of the original quantity, filter, and take 10-15 ml lukewarm twice a day.
- Cold Infusion: Prepare by adding 1 part of coarse herb with 6 parts of water, kept overnight, filtered, and used. The dose is up to 25 ml per day in divided doses. The cold infusion prepared from *Parmelia perlata* is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat diarrhea, thirst and anorexia.
- Paste: Freshly ground paste can be applied topically to wounds. A paste can be applied to the forehead for headaches or to skin affected by itching or pigmentation.
- Spice: Stone flower is infused into the blend of seasonings distinctive to each region – Goda Masala in West India, Chettinad Masala in South India and Potli Masala in North India. Add a small piece to hot oil/ghee during tempering to release its smoky, earthy aroma.
- Herbal Ghee (Ghritha): 1 part of herb is added with 4 parts of ghee and 16 parts of water or decoction or any liquid and boiled together till ghee remains.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy: Avoid use during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
- Lactation: Use with caution during lactation.
- Children: Use with caution in children under 12 years old.
- Possible Skin Irritation: Rarely, fresh leaf paste can cause contact dermatitis in highly sensitive individuals; a test patch on the inner arm is recommended before use.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Overconsumption of decoction may lead to mild nausea or loose stools; reduce the dose if symptoms arise.
- Blood-thinning medications: Phytosterols might enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin); monitor INR if combining.
- Ureteral obstruction: Cystone Tablet, which contains Shilapushpa, is not recommended in complete ureteral obstruction.
Side effects
- No major side effects have been reported with Stone Flower consumption.
- However, it may aggravate cough and cold in people with weak immunity due to its cold potency.
Interactions
- It is best to consult an Ayurvedic physician before taking Shilapushpa with other medications.
- Shankhpushpi interacts with blood pressure-lowering drugs and phenytoin. Blood pressure lowering drugs combined with Shankhpushpi may cause low blood pressure and dizziness.
- Avoid simultaneous use of NSAIDs with Shatpushpa to prevent internal bleeding issues; consult a doctor if on anticoagulants.
- Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and studies, including those involving Cystone®, show potential benefits in treating kidney stones and reducing calculi size. An animal study suggests anti-inflammatory action comparable to ibuprofen, and trials report efficacy in reducing bacterial load in skin infections and eczema symptoms.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Mutrashmarihara (relieves urinary stones)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Raktaprasadana (blood purifier)
Classical clinical indications
- Ashmari (urinary calculi)
- Mutrakricchra (dysuria)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Tvaka Roga (skin diseases)
- Vrṇa (wounds)