Shirish (Shirish (Bhandila, Bhandi, Bhandira, Kapitanah))
Shirish is a potent Ayurvedic herb renowned for its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. It is used to manage various conditions, including allergies, asthma, skin disorders, and inflammation.
Botanical name: Albizia lebbeck. Also known as: Siris, Lebbeck Tree, Monkeypod, Parrot Tree.
Properties
Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, Antihistaminic action, Bronchodilation, Antioxidant activity
Dosage
Powder (Choornam): 3-6 gm per day. Juices (Swarasam): 10-30 ml two times a day. Decoction (Kwatham): 60-100 ml per day. Shirisharishta: 15-30ml doses, 1-2 times daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet, Bitter, Astringent
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Kushtahara (treats skin diseases)
- Kandughna (relieves itching)
- Shwasahara (treats asthma)
Traditional uses
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Skin disorders (eczema, rashes, acne)
- Inflammation
- Poisoning
- Wounds
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction (Kwath): Boil the bark or other plant parts in water until reduced.
- Powder (Churna): Dry and grind the plant parts into a fine powder.
- Juice (Swarasam): Extract fresh juice from leaves or flowers.
- Paste (Lepa): Grind fresh plant parts with a little water to form a paste for topical application.
- Arishta (Fermented Preparation): Fermented tonic prepared from Shirish bark, jaggery, and water.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to Albizia species.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Use with caution and under professional supervision due to lack of established safety data.
- Severe peptic ulcers: Use lower doses with milk or buttermilk.
- Men with low sperm count and poor motility should avoid.
Side effects
- Excessive consumption may cause mild gastric discomfort or diarrhea.
- Rare allergic reactions (skin rash, itching) may occur.
Interactions
- Potential interaction with sedatives, anti-diabetes drugs, antidepressants, or immune suppressants. Consult a healthcare professional.
Clinical evidence
Clinical studies and trials suggest Shirish possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-allergic, and anti-asthmatic properties. One study showed statistically non-significant improvement on intergroup comparison in Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis). However, significant improvement was found in joint swelling and pain in the group treated with Shirish Kwath (herbal tea) compared to the placebo group. Pharmacological and clinical studies on patients support that Shirisharishta prepared with specific parts of the tree shows better results in curing asthma. Administration of Shirish bark extract resulted in a significant reduction of allergy symptoms in patients. Meta-analyses of databases tracking relevant trials are pending.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vishaghna (detoxifying)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Kushtahara (treats skin diseases)
- Kandughna (relieves itching)
- Shwasahara (treats asthma)
Classical clinical indications
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Skin disorders (eczema, rashes, acne)
- Inflammation
- Poisoning
- Wounds