Shalparni शालपर्णी

 

Shalparni(Anga marda prasamana)

Shalparni is bitter as well as sweet in taste. The root of this plant is one of the constituents of the famous Ayurvedic preparation called Dasmoola.
Shalparnia helps to manage fever due to its antipyretic property. It is also useful for respiratory problems like bronchitis as it helps to relax the respiratory passages and decreases inflammation due to its bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows free flow of air to respiratory passages and eases breathing.
According to Ayurveda, Shalparni is beneficial for male sexual health as it helps to manage problems like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property. It helps to increase the blood flow to the penis and helps maintain the erection. Taking Shalparni powder along with water regularly helps in improving male sexual health.

Family- leguminosae

Latin name-Desmodium gangeticum

Synonyms-shalparni,bidari gandha,soumya

Morphology- 2-4 ft herb 

Chem.comp- gangetin,desmodin

Guna- guru,snigdha

Rasa-madhura,tikta

Birya- ushna

Bipaka- madhura

Dosa karma- Tridosa samaka

Amoyik prayog- sotha,jwara,atisara,chardhi

Part use- panchanga

Dose- kwatha- 50-100 ml

Formulation- Dasamularista

BENEFITS OF SHALPARNI

1. Bronchitis:

Shalparni is helpful in managing bronchitis, also known as Kasroga in Ayurveda. Poor digestion leads to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs, causing bronchitis. Shalparni has Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties that reduce Ama and expel excess mucus from the lungs, providing relief from bronchitis symptoms. Here are the tips to use Shalparni to manage bronchitis:

a. Take dry Shalaparni root.

b. Grind and make powder.

c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.

d. Add 2 cups of water to it and boil.

e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.

f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.

g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is called Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is caused by vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama in the joints. Weak digestive fire leads to the accumulation of Ama, which is carried to different parts of the body through Vata and gets accumulated in the joints, causing RA. Shalparni helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency and has Vata balancing property, providing relief from RA symptoms like joint pain and swelling. Here are the tips to use Shalparni to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis:

a. Take dry Shalaparni root.

b. Grind and make powder.

c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.

d. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.

e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.

f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.

g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.

3. Male Sexual Dysfunction:

Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido, low erection time or premature ejaculation. Shalparni powder can help in proper functioning of male sexual performance by increasing the quality and quantity of semen, due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties. Here are the tips to use Shalparni to manage male sexual dysfunction:

a. Take dry Shalaparni root.

b. Grind and make powder.

c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder.

d. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.

e. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Shalparni Kwath.

f. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same quantity of water to it.

g. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING SHALPARNI

• Due to insufficient scientific evidence, it is recommended to avoid consuming Shalparni while breastfeeding. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any such herb..
• It is advisable for diabetic patients to consult a doctor before taking Shalparni as it can lower blood glucose levels when taken with antidiabetic drugs.
• Due to insufficient scientific evidence, it is advisable to avoid using Shalparni in heart disease patients. Consult with a doctor before use.
• Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Shalparni during pregnancy.

BENEFITS OF SHALPARNI

1. Headache

Shalparni helps to manage stress-induced headaches when applied topically. This is due to its Vata balancing property. Applying a paste of Shalparni leaves powder on the forehead or the fresh juice from the leaves in the nostril might help alleviate stress, fatigue and relax the tense muscles. This gives relief from headache.

Tips:

a. Take Shalaparni dried leaves.

b. Grind them to make powder.

c. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of this powder or as per your requirement.

d. Mix with rose water or plain water.

e. Apply it on the forehead once a day.

f. Leave it for 20-30 minutes.

g. Wash with plain water.

h. Repeat to get relief from headache.