Mandukaparni is an aromatic perennial herb that is found in both temperate and tropical regions. It is found almost all around the globe. It is a flowering plant that is found native to the Asian regions. It is used as a medicine and in cooking as well.
Mandukaparni has thin and slender stems that are green to reddish-brown in color. The leaves are small, about 2 centimeters in length. The fruits that the plant bears is smooth and watery in texture. The fruit takes 3 months to get to its full size and get mature.
The herb is an ancient one. It has been used for ages by our ancestors in Ayurvedic medicine usage. Mandukaparni has bioactive compounds that have anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. For the same reason, Mandukaparni is good for psychological wellbeing. It also prevents blood clots for quicker wound healing. Mandukaparni is used to cure diabetes, indigestion, cold, urinary tract infection, and even problems related to the liver. The plant helps in boosting immunity and provides energy to the body while also getting rid of fatigue.
Mandukaparni can also have a few side effects, allergic reactions, and mild and severe discomfort if overdosed with. Here is all you need to know about Mandukaparni with all benefits and side effects.
How Did The Word Mandukaparni Originate
The word "Mandukaparni" is derived from the Sanskrit word, "Manduki," which is used to refer to the same plant. It is known as "Centella Asiatica" in the scientific terminology.
Historical Usage of Mandukaparni
In Matsya Purana, the plant Mandukaparni, is termed as a medicinal plant. This text dates back to 250 to 500 C.E. it is also seen in the Chakra Samhita, mentioning the properties of the plant as tikta, medhya rasayana, etc.
The mention of Mandukaparni is also seen in the Atharvaveda. The Veda describes the plant to have medhya rasayana. The Agni Purana also states the use of the plant as a medicine and lists the cures done with it. Even the Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Nighantus mention the synonyms and uses of the Mandukaparni plant and its parts.
It is clear that Mandukaparni has been used for ages in Ayurveda to treat diseases. People have been aware of the uses of the plant and have made the most use of it.
Benefits of Mandukaparni in Ayurveda
There have a few studies to show the uses and benefits of Mandukaparni and how it affects the body. The studies have been conducted on animals, but we cannot deny the fact that they have been and are useful from all the ancient texts and their accuracy.
Mandukaparni is not only used to cure bodily diseases and problems, but it is also useful for the psychological health of the person consuming it. It works well in high-risk diseases as it does in low-risk diseases. Mandukaparni is useful for brain functioning. It is good for the blood flow, liver, digestive system, and immunity.
You can find a detailed view of the same for the same below with scientific and Ayurvedic evidence.
Treating Diseases/ Health Problems Using Mandukaparni
1. Mandukaparni for Urinary Tract Infection
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni is an antioxidant and has anti-bacterial properties. It stops the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract and thus also cures the infection that is caused due to the same. Being anti-inflammatory, it also reduces the swelling in the urinary tract, if any.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Mutrakcchra is caused due to imbalance in Pitta Dosha. Consumption of Mandukaparni balances the Pitta and increases the urine flow. The production of urine cures the infection and swelling in the urinary tract.
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2. Mandukaparni for Cold
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and has antioxidants which have been proven to be effective for respiratory tract related problems. It eases up the cough.
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Mandukaparni has been used to cure the Kapha Dosha for ages. Kapha causes cough and problems related to the respiratory tract. It has Ushna Virya, meaning hot potent that helps in controlling cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Mandukaparni reduces the formation of cough in the throat and hence cures cough and cold.
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3. Mandukaparni for Indigestion
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni is a good digestive. It has a warming effect on the stomach, which stops the toxic build-up. Being an antioxidant, it helps in the easy removal of toxins from the body. It helps in reducing the bloating and easy excretion.
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Indigestion is caused as due to an imbalance in Kapha Dosha. This results in a weak digestive fire. Mandukaparni balances the Kapha Dosha and initiates Agni or the digestive fire for a better digestive system. It also serves as a Deepan or appetizer because of the Pachan nature it shows. Thus, mandukaparni is useful in curing indigestion.
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4. Mandukaparni for Liver
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni is rich in antioxidants. This property of the plant helps it to remove toxic or waste material from the body when consumed. The consumption of the same also clears the liver of the toxins and thus cures liver diseases.
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Problems related to the liver is caused due to imbalance in Pitta Dosha. When the Pitta decreases, the liver functions start to lack behind. Mandukaparni balances the Pitta Dosha by increasing it and hence also curing liver problems.
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5. Mandukaparni for Diabetes
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni contains antioxidants that remove toxic substances from our body. It increases the insulin level and thus helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Hence, Mandukaparni is helpful in managing diabetes.
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Diabetes is caused as a result of increased Vata Dosha. This increases ama or toxins formation in the body. Mandukaparni balances the Vata in the body and helps in removing the toxins. It acts as a Deepan or an appetizer with Pachan or digestive properties that control high blood pressure. Thus, mandukaparni helps in managing diabetes.
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6. Mandukaparni for Anxiety
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Mandukaparni helps in preventing any damage to the brain cells. It thus also prevents any condition related to it. Malkangani is good for a person's psychological health and helps in keeping a check on anxiety and anxiety disorders.
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Anxiety is caused due to aggravated Vata Dosha. This results in an imbalance in the nervous system and bodily functions. Mandukaparni helps in balancing the Vata in the body and thus also helps in curing anxiety.
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Forms of Mandukaparni with Recommended Dosage
Mandukaparni is available in the market in the form of powder, as well as capsules. You can get these at the nearest Ayurvedic centers near you.
1. Mandukaparni Powder
The powder can be taken twice a day. Do not take more than 3 grams of the powder at a single go, if not otherwise directed by your physician.
2. Mandukaparni Capsules
You can take one or two capsules of Mandukaparni at one time. It is advised to take them twice a day, preferably after light meals.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Mandukaparni
1. Mandukaparni Powder
- Take 1 to 3 grams of powder with one tablespoon of honey.
- You can have it once or twice a day or as directed by the physician.
2. Mandukaparni Capsules
- Take one or 2 capsules at one go, if not otherwise directed by the physician.
- You can take them twice a day.
- It is also recommended to take the capsules with warm water after light meals like lunch and dinner.
3. Mandukaparni Oil
- Add 4 to 5 drops of Mandukaparni oil in your regular oil, coconut, or olive oil.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- It is recommended to use this oil once a day.
4. Mandukaparni Mask
- Take about one teaspoon of Mandukaparni Powder.
- Add half a teaspoon of honey to it or some rose water to beat it into a paste-like texture.
- Apply the paste all over your face, spreading the mask out evenly on your skin.
- You can put on the mask from 1 day to at least 3 days a week.
Side Effects of Using Mandukaparni
There can be a few side effects of using Mandukaparni. Excessive consumption of any form of Mandukaparni can lead to several problems, including:
Stomach upset
Nausea
Vomiting
Burning sensation
High blood pressure
Dizziness
Fatigue and drowsy feeling
Itchy skin
If you find yourself facing any of the above discomforts, visit a doctor immediately. It is important to make sure not to overdose with Mandukaparni for the same reason.
If you have hypersensitive skin, the chances are that Mandukaparni might not suit your skin. It might react and cause your skin to burn, have redness, rashes, itchy sensation, etc.
Some people might be allergic to the plant itself. In this case, apart from the above mentioned sensitive discomfort, such people may have nausea and vomiting, itchy throat, and swelling in the throat and neck. Keep yourself away from Mandukaparni if you are allergic to keep safe.
In case of any emergency, visit a doctor immediately and do not wait for any more symptoms to show up.
Precautionary Guide to Using Mandukaparni
1. Mandukaparni with Allergies
It is recommended to avoid Mandukaparni at all costs if you have an allergy to it. Consumption of the same in any form can cause mild to severe symptoms to show up.
2. Mandukaparni while Pregnancy
Mandukaparni might be safe to be consumed while a woman is pregnant. However, it is not advised to take any risk with your unborn child. Talk to your gynecologist about the same before deciding it.
3. Mandukaparni while Breastfeeding
There is not much evidence to show the effect of Mandukaparni while you are breastfeeding. To be on the safer side, consult your doctor or gynecologist for the same.
4. Mandukaparni with high blood pressure
It is not advised to take Mandukaparni when you are suffering from high blood pressure. It can cause BP to spike up to a drastic extent, which is not good for your health.
5. Mandukaparni with heart diseases
It is not advised to take Mandukaparni in any form if you are suffering from a heart problem. This can have a severe and negative effect on heart functioning and can also result in cardiac arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make tea from Mandukaparni?
- Yes, tea made from Mandukaparni leaves are good for health and has a great taste.
- Take ½ teaspoon of dried Mandukaparni leaves and add 1 cup of boiling water to it.
- Cover the cup or pot for the same.
- Let the tea set for a while so that the flavor is infused in it. It generally takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Warm the tea and strain to serve.
- These directions serve one person.
2. Are there traces of caffeine in Mandukaparni?
- No, Mandukaparni is completely caffeine-free. Even the tea made out of the leaves are free of caffeine and is all-natural.
3. What are the Ayurvedic properties of Mandukaparni?
- Mandukaparni is tikta or bitter in taste. It has a light guna, i.e., it is light after digestion. Mandukaparni has a sheeta veerya or a cold potent. On consumption, it undergoes taste conversion making it taste madhura or sweet in digestion. Mandukaparni balances that Kapha and Pitta Dosha by decreasing Kaphha and increasing Pitta.
4. Can I have Mandukaparni while on homeopathic medicine?
- Yes, Mandukaparni is a natural product and is safe to be consumed with homeopathic medicines. It does not react or give any side effects.
5. Can I have Mandukaparni with supplements?
- Yes, you might have Mandukaparni with supplements. It is fine to consume it when on one supplement. However, it is advised to consult your doctor if you are consuming more than one supplement.
6. Can I have Mandukaparni while on Allopathic medicines?
- It is not advised to take Mandukaparni while on western medicine. You can consult your physician about the same.
7. Can Mandukaparni help in curing fever?
- Yes, Mandukaparni has antipyretic properties along with anti-bacterial properties. It kills the bacteria and viruses that cause fever resulting in it acting as an antibody. It stabilizes the body temperature and thus helps in curing fever.
8. Does Mandukaparni help in managing arthritis?
- Yes. Mandukaparni has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing the swelling in the bones and muscles that are causing pain. As the swelling or inflammation reduces, the pain also gradually goes away. Thus, Mandukaparni also helps in managing arthritis.
9. Is Mandukaparni used in the cosmetic industry?
- Yes, there is a good usage of Mandukaparni in the cosmetic industry. Not just the Ayurvedic skincare, but also scientific ones use the extracts of Mandukaparni as a natural ingredient that benefits the skin.
10. Does Mandukaparni help with healing the wound?
- Yes, Mandukaparni helps in healing of the wound. It acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Cleaning the wound reduces the swelling around the wound. Being an antioxidant, Mandukaparni removes any toxins that might have entered the body through the open wound. With the help of all this, Mandukaparni cuts the healing time short.
11. Is Mandukaparni beneficial in Psoriasis?
- Mandukaparni is an anti-inflammatory and has a moisturizing effect. It helps in curing the dry skin and scaly tissues. Removing the dry skin also means that it reduces any redness caused due to the same. Mandukaparni oils are highly beneficial for the same problem. Thus, Mandukaparni also helps in curing psoriasis.
12. Does Mandukaparni cure cold and cough?
- Yes, Mandukaparni is helpful in getting rid of cold and cough. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling in the throat. The antioxidants help remove toxins from the body, and the anti-bacterial properties help kill the growth of bacteria in the body. This thus makes Mandukaparni a good cure for cold and cough.
13. Can Mandukaparni prevent blood clots?
- Yes, Mandukaparni prevents the blood from clotting and thus allows the free flow of the blood. This helps Mandukaparni in managing the blood flow throughout the body and makes it healthy to be consumed.