Mandukaparni
Botanical Name : Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban.
Family : Umbelliferae;Apiaceae
Introduction :
The controversy on Brãhmi and Mandükaparni is never ending. both used as brain tonic. Usually South Indians Bacopa as brahmi, North Indians using Centella asiatica
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Asiatic Pennywort, Indian Pennywort.
Hindi : Bramhmamnduki, bemgsag
Kannada : Urage,vondelaga
Malayalam : Muttil,kutannal, kutakan
Sanskrit : Mandukaparni, manduki,brahmi
Tamil : Vallarai
Telugu : Brahmi,saraswataku
Synonyms :
Manduukaparni, Manduukaparnikaa, Maanduuki, Saraswati, Brahma-manduuk
Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn.
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata :
Charaka : Prajasthaapana
Morphology :
A creeping perennial herb, rooted nodes
Leaves – simple, long petiole, cordate-reniform
Flower –pink, umbel
Distribution & Habitat :
All over India
Chemical composition :
brahmoside, asiaticoside, thankuniside, hydrocotyline, vellarin
Properties :
Rasa Tikta, katu
Guna Laghu
Virya sita
Vipaka Madhura
Karma : Kapha-pitta hara, Medhya, Rasãyana , kandughna,arsoghna, vranahara, kanda sothana
Central nervous system relaxant, peripheral vasodilator, sedative, antibiotic, detoxifier, blood-purifier, cooling, laxative, intellect promoting, anodyne, carminative, digestive, anti inflammatory, depurative, bronchodilator, diuretic, cardiotonic, febrifuge
Srotogamitva :
Dosha : Vataghna, pittaghna, kaphaghna, tridoshanashak
Dhatu: Meda (demulcent). strengthens all seven dhatus (anaemia, urinary disorders).
Mala : Urine (diuretic), keshya (hair growth).
Prabhava : Antidote.
Indication :
Apasmãra, Prameha, Kustha, Pandu, Prameha, Sotha, Jvara, Kãsa,gulma
Neuralgia, epilepsy, insanity, insomnia, dementia, tumors, ulcers, splenomegaly, ascites, constipation, sterility
Parts used :
Whole plant
Dosage :
Fresh juice 10-20 ml
Internal uses :
Nervous system: Brahmi is a valuable plant for brain and entire nervous system. Mania and epilepsy are two conditions which require brahmi. It also helps in depression and mental retardation. by enhancing intelligence.
Digestive system: Brahmi is slightly astringent and hence useful in diarrhea. Brahmi may suppress appetite, hence deepan medicines should be given along with it.
Respiratory system : Specially in children, for cold and cough. 1 teaspoonful of brahmi juice is given to induce vomiting and gives relief. When hoarseness of voice results from excessive talking, pills made from the leaves of brahmi. vasa, pippali. haritaki and vacha are chewed which gives relief.
Important Yogas or Formulations :
Brahmi prash: Saraswatarishta, Brahmighmta, Brahmitaila. Brãhmi rasãyana, Brãhmighrta
