Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Cuscuta reflexa

Botanical name : Cuscuta reflexa Roxb (Cassytha filiformis Linn.)
Family : Convolvulaceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Akasavalli, Amaravalli, Khavalli, Asparsa

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Picchila
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka: Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Dodder
Hindi : Amarabela
Malayalam : Moodillathali, Akasavalli, Akasagarudakodi

Distribution – Throughout India growing wild in hilly areas

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A slender threadlike parasitic plant growing in shrubs or trees. Plant does not have leaves. Flowes solitary or in clusters of 3-4. Fruits capsules, depressed globose, with 2-4 black seeds. Branches are greenish or yellowish green. When the branched contact with a host tree, they spread rapidly and ultimately kill the plant or that branch.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, intestinal worms, edema, skin diseases, diarrhea, headache, fever malignancy and paralysis. Plant may cause neurogenic illness if taken in excess dose or prolonged period.
Useful part : Shoot.

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