Botanical Name
Lepidium sativum Linn.
Family Name
Brassicaceae (Cruciferae)
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/219
Vernacular Names
- English: Garden Cress
- Hindi: Halim, Chandrashoor
- Marathi: Haliv
- Tamil: Alivam
- Telugu: Chandrasura
- Kannada: Alavi beeja
- Malayalam: Aliv
Synonyms
चन्द्रिका चर्महन्त्री च पशुमेहनकारिका ।
नन्दिनी कारवी भद्रा ‘वासपुष्पा सुवासरा ॥९६॥ B.P.
Classical Classification
- Bhavaprakasha: Haritakyadi Varga
Habitat & Distribution
Widely distributed in India, cultivated as a minor crop. Grows in temperate to subtropical climates. Native to West Asia and Northern Africa.
Morphology
- Plant: Erect, fast-growing annual herb
- Leaves: Pinnately lobed, bright green
- Flowers: Small, white
- Seeds: Small, reddish-brown, oval, mucilaginous when soaked
Varieties
No well-defined classical varieties; based on region and seed size
Substitute/Adulterant
Occasionally adulterated with other mucilaginous seeds like flaxseed
Phytochemicals
Glucosinolates (benzyl isothiocyanate), alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, Vitamin C, iron, calcium
Raspanchaka
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta
- Guna: Laghu, ruksha, Snigdha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
- Prabhava: Balya, Stanyajanana
- Doshashamaka: Kapha-Vatahara
Karma (Rogaghnata)
- Deepana
- Balya
- Rasayana
- Stanyajanana
- Shukrala
- Vatahara
- Vrishya
Amayika Prayoga / Therapeutic Uses
External
- Poultice of crushed seeds used on swellings and abscesses
Internal
- Improves digestion and metabolism
- Used in respiratory issues like asthma, cough
- Promotes lactation in postpartum women
- Enhances sperm count and vitality
- Useful in iron deficiency anemia and general debility
Part Used
Seeds, sometimes leaves
Dose
- Seed Powder: 1–3 g
- Kalka or paste: For external use
- Infusion: 30–60 ml
Yoga / Formulations
- Chandrashooradi Churna
- Used in proprietary Ayurvedic tonics and lactation-enhancing supplements
IUCN Status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Research Updates
- Galactagogue activity: Lepidium sativum significantly enhances milk production, supporting its classical use in promoting lactation.
- Hematopoietic effects: Seed extract improves hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count, proving beneficial in anemia management.
- Reproductive health: Clinical and experimental studies show enhancement of sperm quality and libido, validating its role as a vrishya dravya (aphrodisiac).
