Padmak is commonly known as the Himalayan cherry tree. It has many traditional uses, and itsseeds, fruit, and gums are used in various medical applications.This plant is distributed in the temperate Himalayas region that stretches from Kashmir to Bhutan, Akka, and Khasi Hills in Assam and Manipur at an altitude of 900-2300m. Itfinds a reasonable amount of shade and can be found thriving in the moderate shade of other trees. Padmak requires mild lighting conditions and grows well in shady hills and farms. It prefers a temperate and moist climate for growth.
Its seeds are consumed while treating kidney stones and are also helpful in burning sensations, bleeding disorders, and skin diseases. Its twigs are crushed and soaked in water and taken internally to prevent abortion. It is also useful while treating scorpion stings. Its shell charcoal is used as a toothpowder. Its flowers are considered diuretic and laxative.
The seeds are used as anthelmintic. In China and Malaya, peach kernels are used for coughs, leukemia, and rheumatism. The leaf extract of the plant is used in prostate and urinary disorders.
In Ayurveda, it is also known as Padmaka and is also prescribed to treat skin diseases. Due to its Pitta balancing nature. It helps in improving the color of the skin. Applying Padmak bark paste in the form of plaster promotes bone healing. It also reduces bleeding due to the presence of astringent properties. Due to its Snighdha (oily) and Kashaya (astringent) properties, Padmak prevents dryness and maintains healthy and glowing skin.
However, it has been found that excessive consumption of Padmak can cause some side effects such as weakness, malaise, and illness in some people.
What are the synonyms of Padmak?
Padmak has various names in different languages. In English, it's known as Bird Cherry, Wild Himalayan Cheery, or Sour Cherry. In Telegu, it's called Padma Kashtam. In Malayalam, it's known as Padimukham. In Gujarati as Pdmakashta and Bengali as Padam.
What is the origin of Padmak?
Padmak, an Ayurvedic medicine, is a plant-based herb. Its propagation material is seed material. It can be done propagated vegetatively by air layering and stem cutting.
Benefits of Padmak
1. Leukoderma
Leukoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a pigment disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white spots appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Broadly speaking, in Ayurveda, vitiligo or spleen is caused by Pitta imbalance in the body. Unbalanced pita leads to the formation of Ama, leading to impairment of the body’s deepest tissues. This can eventually lead to loss of pigmentation of the skin. Padmak helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of white or pink spots on the skin, thereby restoring the skin to its normal color due to its Pitta-balancing properties.
2. Asthma
Asthma is a condition caused by an imbalance of Kapha and Pitta dosha. This causes mucus to form and accumulate in the airways. This creates a barrier to air circulation, making it difficult to breathe. Due to the balancing property of sputum, Padmak prevents the formation of mucus and reduces the symptoms of asthma, hence making it easier to breathe.
3. Irregular menstrual cycles
Oligomenorrhea, or amenorrhea, which is called irregular menstrual cycles, is a condition caused by Vatta and Pitta dosha’s imbalance, leading to improper menstruation. In Ayurveda, it is called Artava Kshaya. Padmak helps in controlling irregular menseswith the help of its Kapha and Pitta balancing properties.
Precautions when using Padmak
For pregnant women
It is essential to know that it is safe to eat Padmak during pregnancy as per modern science. Since there are a lot of hormonal changesa female goes through during pregnancy, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before using Padmak during pregnancy.
Side effects
It is critical to understand the side effects of Padmak before consuming it. According to modern science, Padmak can have specific side effects while consuming in higher doses. These are
• Weakness
• Length of students
• Illness and drowsiness
• It can cause excitation.
How much of Padmak is recommended for consumption?
Padmak Churna - 1-3 grams per day or as prescribed by a doctor or physician
Benefits of Padmak
1. Helpful in treating skin diseases
An imbalance of the Pitta dosha usually causes skin diseases such as itching or irritation. Padmak paste has been shown to reduce the symptoms of skin diseases such as itching and irritation due to its Pitta balancing properties.
2. Helpful in treating Eczema
Eczema is mainly caused by an imbalance of the Pittadosha, which can lead to symptoms such as pain or itching. Padmak paste can be applied to the affected area to reduce these symptoms due to the presence of its Pitta balancing properties.
3. Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating is caused by increased Kapha and Pittadoshas in the body. The application of Padmak paste can prevent excessive sweating due to its Kapha and Pitta balancing properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How should Padmak be stored?
According to modern science, Padmak leaves must first be air-dried and thenpowdered afterward. The dried leaves of Padmak should be kept in airtight containers.
Q2. Is Padmak fruit edible?
As per modern science, Padmak's ripe fruits are edible and can be eaten raw due to their slightly acidic or basic taste. They are often used in cooking and the preparation of cherry brandy and sauces.
Q3. Can Padmak can play a role in preventing abortion?
According to modern science. Padmak can help prevent miscarriage because it has antibacterial properties. This protects the fetus from being removed from the uterus and prevents miscarriage. The twigs of the padmak have to becrushed and dipped in water. This decoction can be used as a remedy for preventing abortion.
Q4. Can Padmak help in resolving kidney stone problems?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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As per scientific view, yes, Padmak can help solve the problem of kidney stones due to diuretic
action. It increases urine production, which makes it easier to expel kidney stones.
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As per the Ayurvedic perspective, Kidney stones are usually caused by an imbalance of Kapha Dosha. Padmak assists its management due to its Kapha balancing property. Due to its diuretic properties, it increases urine production and facilitates the passage of urine, which helps remove small kidney stones from the body.
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Q5. Can Padmak help in preventing infections?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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As per modern science, yes, Padmak helps prevent infections due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. This prevents the growth of infectious agents that can lead to ailments. Therefore, Padmak can be considered a good antimicrobial drug.
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From the Ayurvedic perspective, infection is usually caused by an imbalance in Pitta Dosha. Due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties, Padmak can help to prevent infections. It helps to reduceinfection and has a cooling effect on the affected area.
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Q6. Can Padmak help with treatingbenign hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)?
According to modern science, Padmak can help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting the effect of testosterone that causes enlargement of the prostate.
Q7. Can Padmak help reduce a fever?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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As per modern science, the antipyretic property I can help in reducing fever. A study suggests that the antipyretic agents found in Padmak help in lowering the body temperature.
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According to Ayurveda, fever is usually caused by an imbalance in three doshas, especially Pitta, leading to increased body temperature. Padmak helps lower body temperature and prevent fever due to Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties.
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Q8. Can Padmak help in reducing cough?
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Modern Science view
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Ayurvedic View
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As per science,Padmak helps in reducing cough due to its expectorant and antispasmodic properties. It helps in secreting sputum from air passages. This helps in improving the breathing rate and facilitates breathing.
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As per Ayurveda,cough is a condition caused by the exacerbation of Kapha Dosha. This causes mucus formation and accumulation in the respiratory tract. Padmak helps to reduce cough by preventing mucus formation due to the presence of Kaphabalancing property.
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Q9. Can Padmak act as a diuretic agent?
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Modern Science view
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, Padmak may act as a diuretic agent as it contains a particular substance (Puddumin-A) that has diuretic properties. It helps to increase urine production and can be used to treat specific problems such as polyuria and kidney stones.
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As per Ayurveda, Padmak acts as a diuretic agent due to its Mutral (diuretic) property, which leads to the production of excess urine.
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Q10. Can Padmak help in treating back pain?
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Modern Science view
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science. Padmak helps in controlling pain due to the presence of pain-relieving properties. The juice of Padmak bark can be applied externally once a day to get better recovery to treat back pain.
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As per Ayurveda, Pain is usually caused by an imbalance of Vata Dosha. Padmak helps in reducing back pain due to its Vedna Sthapan (Pain Relief) property.
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Tips for Using Overdose to Get Rid of Back Pain-
a. Take the juice or decoction of Padmak bark.
b. Apply to the affected area.
c. Do this regularly to prevent back pain.
Q11. Is Padmak safe to use in large quantities?
Due to the presence of certain factors that can cause side effects such as weakness, stress, illness, and shortness of breath, it is advisable to avoid using Padmak in large quantities.
Q12. Is Padmak fruit safe to eat?
According to scientific and modern science, it is safe to consume small amounts of Padmak fruits to improve digestion, respiration, and help in properwell-being.
Q13. Can Padmak help with fractured bones?
As per modern science, Padmak can be used to heal broken bones. Padmak bark paste in the form of plaster can be applied to the affected area to promote effective bone healing.
Q14. Can Padmak help you deal with neuralgia?
As per scientific perspective, neuralgia is a painful condition of the nerves. Padmak helps to combat neuralgia due to analgesic properties. Padmak peel paste can be used to reduce the pain associated with neuralgia.
Q15. Is Padmak good for the skin?
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Modern Science view
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, Padmak is good for the skin due to its astringent properties. Padmak can be applied to the skin to reduce bleeding. It is also useful for reducing the oiliness of the skin.
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As per the Ayurvedic perspective, Skin problems are usually caused by Pitta dosha imbalance. Padmak helps to solve skin problems due to the presence of Pitta balancing property. Padmak is good for the skin due to its Kashaya (Astringent) and Snigdh (oily) properties, which help maintain healthy and glowing skin.
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