parnabeeja

Parnabeeja

Botanical name - Bryophyllum pinnatum 

Family -. Crassulaceae

English name - cathedral bell

Hindi name - ajuba

Synonyms - jakhmehayata, parnyavani

Morphology- herb 

Parnabeeja is a small plant growing to a height of 1-4 feet. The leaves are thick, fleshy, round to oval in shape. The flowers are 1-1.5 inch long, greenish purple in color. The seeds are small, round, slimy with small ridges. New growth is seen from the edges of the leaf. Flowers are seen in the month of October- November. The plant can be found all over India in the temperate climate.

Habitat-All over India., 

Parnabeeja is a small shrub growing up to a height of 1-4 feet and found abundantly in the warm and moist parts of central and eastern India. This plant is a native of Madagascar country.

This plant is not mentioned in any Samhitas of Ayurveda like Charaka, Sushruta, Astanga Sangraha/ Hridaya or in any popular Nighantus like Dhanwantari Nighantu, Bhava Prakasha.

Chemical constituents - citric acid,bryophyllin,fumaric acid,N-alkens

Guna karma -

Guna - Laghu, rukhsa

Rasa - kasaya

Virya - sita

Vipaka - madhura

 

Karma - kaphavatasamak ,dipana,pachana,vatanulomana,grahi,mutrala

Indication - Mutrakruchh, abhighatajanyasotha,aruchi,agnimandya

Therapeutic Usage

(1) Pravähikā- Leaf juice may be given (2-4ml.) along with ghee.

(2) Vrana-Leaf juice or paste is applied locally.

Parts use - Patra

Doses - Swarasa - 10- 20 ml

Research- Bryophillin, was found very effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Mehta & Bhat, 1952

Uses of Parnabeeja - Bryophyllum   pinnatum

• The paste of the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum is used for external application in the treatment of boils, insect bites and burns.

• The decoction of the leaves of the plant Bryophyllum pinnatum along with Aegle marmelos (Bilwa) is given to treat dysentery in a dosage of 30-40 ml in divided dose.

• The fresh juice of the leaves of Parnabeeja is given in a dose of 8-10 ml to control bleeding piles, fresh wounds and dysmenorrhea.

• Juice of the leaf is given in a dose of 10- 15 ml to control bleeding in cases of piles and blood mixed diarrhea.

• The paste of the leaves of the plant is applied to reduce localized swelling.

• The juice of the leaves of the Bryophyllum is given with sugar candy to treat asthma, cold and cough.

• The dried powder of the leaf of Bryophyllum pinnatum is used to prepare herbal tea due to its anti- oxidant property.

• The juice or cold infusion of Parnabeeja is given as part of treatment in the condition of dysmenorrhea.

• The juice of the leaf of Bryophyllum is mixed with honey and given in a dose of 5- 10 ml to treat asthma and cough.

Precaution: Patients under 'Aspirin' medication should take care to take the decoction or fresh juice of the Bryophyllum pinnatum as it may interact or reduce the efficacy of Aspirin. However, the paste of the plant can be used for external application.