A herb abundant in many parts of our country, Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella, Asiatic pennywort or Gotu kola) is an important plant mentioned in the ancient texts. It is a herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as a medicinal herb since time immemorial.
Mandukaparni is famed for its properties to enhance intellect and wisdom. There are so many natural foodstuffs, which resembles our body parts such as Apple seems to be like heart, a bean is just like a kidney. It means, if you are eating bean, it is good for kidney and eating apple makes your heart in good condition. In the same way, Mandukaparni leaves resemble our brain, thus taking of this ayurvedic medicinal plant is good for the brain.
Among the number of rejuvenating medicines, Mandukaparni is very important. Here are some of its health benefits. Along with these health benefits we have included a traditional South Indian dish using this magical herb.
Health Benefits of Madukaparni
- Mandukaparni contain biochemical substances such as heteroside, saponoside, asiaticoside, triterpene acids, indocentellocide, hydrocotylin, resin, pectic acid, vitamin-C, vellarin, brahmocide, brahminocide, brahmic acid, isobrahmic acid, betulic acid, etc.
- It is widely used as nervine tonic, stomachic, soporific, cardiac tonic, carminative, sedative, laxative, alterative, alexiteric, tranquillizer, decongestant, immuno-stimulant and blood purifier.
- Mandukaparni is highly beneficial for skin diseases like eczema, erysipelas, leprotic ulcers are treated with the help of this ayurvedic herb.
- It promotes the growth of healthy hair. The massage of Mandukaparni juice and coconut oil is helpful to stimulate the hair follicles thus prevent hair fall and greying of hair. In many parts of India, this is a main ingredient in homemade oil for the application in the head.
- Mandukaparni acts as a mood elevator from the conditions like stress, anxiety, tension, depression etc. Daily intake of the leaves would bring sharp intellect.
- The plant is good for treating female infertility. The mix of Mandukaparni and Chotakulpha is proven to be highly beneficial.
- Mandukaparni is also good for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, hiccups, etc.
- It is beneficial in case of epilepsy. The mix of brahmi powder, Shankhpushpi powder, Mukta Pishti, Honey, etc. is useful in this case.
- The scientific research has accepted its relevance in cancer treatment. Modern science has also suggested it as a chemoprotective drug.
- It is also recommended for those patients, who have low RBC count. Besides, haemoglobin formation, it is for sugar, cholesterol, calcium, etc.
- Mandukaparni is considered a brain food as it is helpful in the proper functioning of brain cells. It energizes the brain and helps to enhance memory in children and adults as well.
- The problems of fatigue may be tackled out by it. In the case of sleeplessness, it is given with cow milk.
There are a number of dishes prepared with this herb which are highly beneficial in ensuring overall health and wellbeing. Here is one from Karnataka.
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