Introduction
Purple Fleabane, also known as Ash coloured Fleabane, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Compositae; Asteraceae family. It is widely distributed throughout India and is commonly found in waste places and roadside areas. In Ayurveda, it is known as Sahadevi, Uttamkanyaka, and Dandotpalaa, while in Siddha/Tamil medicine, it is called Naichotte Poonde.
Medicinal Uses
The powerful actions of Purple Fleabane make it a versatile herb for treating various ailments. The plant is traditionally used as a febrifuge and diaphoretic. The infusion of the herb, when combined with quinine, is particularly effective against malaria. Additionally, Purple Fleabane is a specific herb for treating leucorrhoea, dysuria, spasm of the bladder, strangury, and haematological disorders. It is also used as a blood purifier, styptic, and for managing asthma symptoms.
The seeds of Purple Fleabane have anthelmintic, antiflatulent, and antispasmodic properties. They are commonly used in the treatment of dysuria, leucoderma, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. The roots of the plant also have anthelmintic properties, and a decoction of the roots is used to relieve colic.
Components of Purple Fleabane
According to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Purple Fleabane is recommended for various conditions. It is commonly used in the treatment of intermittent fever, filariasis, pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor), blisters, boils, vaginal discharges, and cases of psychoneurosis. The aerial parts of the plant have been found to contain luteolin-7-monobeta-D-glucopyranoside, while the whole plant contains triterpene compounds such as beta-amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, beta-amyrin, and lupeol. Purple Fleabane also contains sterols like beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and alpha-spinasterol, as well as phenolic resin and potassium chloride.
Dosage
To reap the benefits of Purple Fleabane, different parts of the plant can be used in different forms. The whole plant can be juiced, and a dosage of 10-20 ml is recommended. Alternatively, the plant can be powdered, and a dosage of 5-10 g of the powder can be used for external applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Purple Fleabane (Vernonia cinerea Less.) is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that has been traditionally used to treat various ailments. Its febrifuge, diaphoretic, and anthelmintic properties make it an effective remedy for conditions like malaria, leucorrhoea, dysuria, and skin diseases. With its rich chemical composition, Purple Fleabane offers a natural and holistic approach to healing. So next time you are looking for a herbal remedy, consider Purple Fleabane as a potential solution.
Sources
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part 1, Volume 4.
Patel M.R., Patel N.R., Pothera S. (2012). Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Vernonia cinerea L.: A review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 2(8), 77-85.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purple Fleabane a medicinal plant?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Ayurveda and Siddha/Tamil medicine.
What is Purple Fleabane used for?
Purple Fleabane is used to treat various ailments. It is particularly effective against malaria, leucorrhoea, dysuria, and haematological disorders. It is also used as a blood purifier, styptic, and for managing asthma symptoms.
What are the common names of Purple Fleabane?
Purple Fleabane is also known as Ash coloured Fleabane, Sahadevi, Uttamkanyaka, Dandotpalaa, and Naichotte Poonde.
How is Purple Fleabane used to treat malaria?
Purple Fleabane, when combined with quinine, is particularly effective against malaria.. Can Purple Fleabane be used to treat leucorrhoea?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is a specific herb for treating leucorrhoea.
What are the properties of Purple Fleabane seeds?
Purple Fleabane seeds have anthelmintic, antiflatulent, and antispasmodic properties.
How are Purple Fleabane seeds used?
Purple Fleabane seeds are commonly used in the treatment of dysuria, leucoderma, psoriasis, and other skin diseases.
What are the properties of Purple Fleabane roots?
Purple Fleabane roots have anthelmintic properties.
How are Purple Fleabane roots used?
A decoction of Purple Fleabane roots is used to relieve colic.
What conditions is Purple Fleabane recommended for according to The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India?
Purple Fleabane is recommended for intermittent fever, filariasis, pityriasis versicolor, blisters, boils, vaginal discharges, and cases of psychoneurosis.
What are the chemical compounds found in Purple Fleabane?
Purple Fleabane contains luteolin-7-monobeta-D-glucopyranoside, beta-amyrin acetate, lupeol acetate, beta-amyrin, lupeol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, alpha-spinasterol, phenolic resin, and potassium chloride.
How can Purple Fleabane be consumed?
The whole plant can be juiced or powdered for various applications.
What is the recommended dosage of Purple Fleabane juice?
A dosage of 10-20 ml of Purple Fleabane juice is recommended for consumption.
What is the recommended dosage of Purple Fleabane powder?
A dosage of 5-10 g of Purple Fleabane powder can be used for external applications.
Does Purple Fleabane offer a natural approach to healing?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is a natural herbal remedy that offers a holistic approach to healing.
Is Purple Fleabane a versatile herb?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is a versatile herb that can be used to treat various ailments.
Can Purple Fleabane be used for managing asthma symptoms?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is used for managing asthma symptoms.
Where is Purple Fleabane commonly found?
Purple Fleabane is commonly found in waste places and roadside areas in India.
Are Purple Fleabane seeds effective against parasites?
Yes, Purple Fleabane seeds have anthelmintic properties and are effective against parasites.
Is Purple Fleabane effective against skin diseases?
Yes, Purple Fleabane is commonly used in the treatment of skin diseases like leucoderma and psoriasis.
