The other name for Pashanbhed is Bergenia ligulata. It is a perennial herb that is used widely by people suffering from kidney stones. This herb has numerous benefits and medicinal qualities that it has been used in scientific treatments and Ayurvedic Treatments. The roots and rhizomes of Pashanbhed are used for scientific and ayurvedic treatments to the maximum. The antilithic property of Pashanbhed aids in the breaking of stones present in a person's kidney.
People suffering from Kidney stones find using Pashanbhed as a great relief. This can be used both internally and externally. People who have wounds or swellings, Ulcers, and fevers can use Pashanbhed for good and better results. Consumption of Pashanbhed in its powdered form facilitates urine production, which helps in the removal of kidney stones as well.
How did the word “Pashanbhed” originate?
Using Pashanbhed is important but also knowing the origination of the word “Pashanbhed” is also necessary. In Sanskrit, the word Pashanbheda means stone breaker, literally. There are numerous other names for Pashanbheda. The other names of Pashanbhed are Pasanaberu, Pakhanabhed, Alepgaya, Hittulaka, etc. Knowing the origin of the herb is very important.
Historical uses of Pashanbhed
The perennial herb, Pashanbhed, has been used since the past for a long time now. It was and is still used in both the scientific treatment and the Ayurvedic treatment. In Ayurveda, Pashanbhed is used to treat patients with Ulcers, ear pains, teething problems for kids, constipation, cough, fever, etc.
Although Pashanbhed is used to treat various innumerable diseases, it is specially used to treat stones in the kidney. The herb, Pashanbhed, has been used in Unani treatments as well. This herb is too good for a lot of diseases and health problems.
The one more added advantage of consuming Pashanbhed is that it lowers the blood pressure and protects the liver from getting infected. These are some of the diseases for which the herb Pashabhed has been used since the past period and is continued to be used in the treatment of both science and Ayurveda.
Benefits of using Pashanbhed in Ayurvedic treatment
The medicinal values and the benefits of Pashanbhed are numerous that the list is not going to stop as it is endless. The Bergenia ligulata or Pashanbhed is used to cure patients or people suffering from kidney stones. Kidney stones are caused due to inadequate water levels in a body and also for several other reasons. The root of the herb Pashanbhed has phenolic compounds bergenin, Tannic acid, Flavonoids, Benzenoids, gallic acid, Lactone, and glucose that help treat various other diseases.
Due to these constituents present in Pashanbhed, the treatment of diseases related to Kidney stones, fever, ulcer, cough, blood pressure, etc., are all easily and effectively treated. This is one of the most important benefits as every other disease can be treated and prevented with the same herb. In short, it is an all in one treatment.
Treating diseases or health issues using Pashanbhed
As I have mentioned earlier, the Pashanbhed or Bergenia Ligulata is being used to treat innumerable diseases. Under this section, we will know about the diseases and the health problems to which the herb Pashanbhed is being used from both the scientific view and the Ayurveda view.
● Kidney Stones
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Numerous scientific experiments have proven that the consumption of Pashanbhed is very good for treating the stones in the kidney. Due to the presence of antiurolithiatic activity in Pashanbhed, it easily breaks the kidney stones and prevents stone formation.
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According to Ayurveda, the roots of Pashanbhed are bitter, acrid and thus helps in balancing the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and also because of its Mutral properties. Kidney stones occur due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha. By increasing the urine production, easily eliminates the stones present in a kidney.
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● Ulcers
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Science
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Ayurveda
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According to science, due to the presence of cytoprotection activity that protects the body from harmful toxins, the consumption of Pashanbhed prevents and cures Ulcer.
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In Ayurveda, ulcers occur due to the imbalance of the doshas Vata and Pitta. As the Pashanbheda has the quality to balance both Vata dosha and Pitta dosha, it prevents and cures ulcers without leading to constipation and also by preventing indigestion.
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● Fever
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Science
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Ayurveda
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According to science experts, the consumption of Pashanbhed helps a person suffering from fever by inducing sweat and makes the body temperature normal. This is because of the antipyretic activity in Pashanbhed.
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In Ayurveda, it is believed that due to the balancing nature of doshas present in Pashanbhed, it prevents one from fever and cures a person with a fever. It clearly balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.
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● Piles
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Science
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Ayurveda
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The roots of the Pashanbhed are said to have a cooling property, and so this helps one by preventing indigestion and constant constipation that are the causes for piles. It prevents the swelling of veins in the rectum.
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In Ayurveda, the piles are known as the Arsh. Indigestion and an unhealthy diet causes constant constipation and leads to piles, as the usage of Pashanbhed balances Vata and Pitta dosha. The laxative or rechana property also prevents one from piles.
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● Cough
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Science
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Ayurveda
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According to scientific experts, the Pashanbhed has antitussive property. This helps by removing the unnecessary stuff from the lungs and allows a free and easy way to breathe. Due to this property, the consumption of Pashanbhed in a recommended dosage prevents and cures cough.
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According to Ayurveda, cough occurs due to the excessive accumulation of mucous. The balancing nature of pashanbhed aids in removing the mucous from the air passage and helps one to breathe freely. The usage of pashanbhed balances the Kapha dosha that has been the reason for coughing.
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● Diabetes
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Science
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Ayurveda
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In science, it is understood that the roots of pashanbhed have anti-diabetic activity. So, due to this, diabetic people are treated by using Pashanbhed as it acts by lowering the glucose levels in a person.
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Ayurvedic experts believe that since the Pashanbhed balances Vata and Kapha doshas and prevents Ama's accumulation, it is best suitable to treat diabetic people. It does not let the body to accumulate toxins and maintains by balancing the doshas.
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● Wounds
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Science
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Ayurveda
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As we know that the roots of Pashanbhed have the astringent and cooling property, it cures any bleeding, inflammation, and wounds that are caused by an external force.
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In Ayurveda, wounds occur due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. And since the pashanbhed balances the Vata and Pitta doshas, the wounds are easily healed. The Kashaya and Sita properties aid in wound healing.
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Forms of Pashanbhed in Ayurvedic treatment with Recommended Dosage
There are different forms in which the herb Pashanbhed is made available. These different forms help one to mix and make a paste or a tea or juice. Some of these forms are used in the Ayurvedic treatment to a limit. An excessive amount of anything is not good. The forms that Pashanbhed are made available are in the form of powder, paste, Pashanbhed Rhizomes.
● Pashanbhed Root Powder: About 1-3 gm of root powder has to be taken. Twice a day.
● Pashanbhed Paste: about 2-6 gm of powder to be taken and mixed with water to make it into a paste. This has to be used externally.
● Pashanbhed Decoction: Boil about 20-30 gm of powder with water. Use it twice a day.
These are the recommended dosages followed in the Ayurvedic treatments. You can either follow this or if you have consulted with your doctor, you can follow it as prescribed for you by your doctor.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Pashanbhed
Here are a few instructions or tips that have to be followed for each form of Pashanbhed and for what they are used for and how they are used.
1. Pashanbhed root powder
The root powder of pashanbhed is the form that is widely used by a lot of people and also to treat a lot of diseases and health problems. This root powder is used to make tea or juice or to make a paste. The root of pashanbhed has phenolic compounds bergenin, Tannic acid, Flavonoids, Benzenoids, gallic acid, Lactone, and glucose. These constituents help to cure or prevent any disease.
Tips:
- Use 1-3 gm of root powder.
- Drink it either with lukewarm water or milk.
- Consume it only twice a day
2. Pashanbhed paste
The paste of Pashanbhed is made using the Pashanbhed root or root powder. This is used to apply something externally. For instance, to heal wounds or allergies, this form of Pashanbhed is being used.
Tips:
- Use 2-6gm of root powder
- Add it to a little amount of water or honey.
- Apply the paste to heal wounds or for teething problems in babies.
3. Pashanbhed decoction
This form of Pashanbhed is made by boiling and reducing the volume used initially to half of it. It has to be used internally. It is also easy to drink this up. This can be used to cure urinary problems or for kidney stones as well.
Tips:
- Use 20- 30 gm of root powder.
- Add it to 2-3 glasses of water.
- Boil and wait until the volume is being reduced to half
- Consume it as instructed by your doctor.
Side effects of Pashanbhed
After reading all the good points and great medicinal values of Pashanbhed, we are about to know the negatives as in the side effects that Pashanbhed has on people. It is shocking to know that such a good medicinal herb has such bad effects. Some of the after-effects of using Pashanbhed are:
● Diarrhea
● Oedema
● Depression
● Erythema
These are all the side effects that are possible to occur when a high dosage of Pashanbhed is being used. Side effects are something that is to occur rarely when using Pashanbhed. But still, certain other side effects are possible to occur apart from the things mentioned above.
Precautionary guide while using Pashanbhed
A precautionary guide is something that has huge significance when using a product or medicine or anything new. It is necessary to know who can use this and when and how to use it for better results.
For Pregnant Women
- View of Science Experts
Although it is said that it is safe for pregnant women to consume pashanbhed, it is best to consult her doctor before consuming any form of Pashanbhed.
For people with heart problems
- View of Science Experts
It is better if a person with a heart problem ignores the consumption of Pashanbhed in any form as there are not enough scientific experiments or sources to prove this point. Even better option will be to consult his or her doctor before consuming any form of Pashanbhed.
For people with sensitive skin
- View of Science Experts
The usage of Pashanbhed externally on sensitive skin can have an allergic reaction. It is better if one consults their doctor before using any form of Pashanbhed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pashanbhed
Does the herb Pashanbhed have an all in one quality?
Absolutely, yes. The Bergenia ligulata or Pashanbhed has numerous medicinal values that it is used in curing and preventing a lot of diseases and health problems. Some of the diseases that pashanbhed cures are Kidney stones, fever, cough, ulcer, teething problems, ear pain, constipation, dysentery, and also to treat wounds.
When can one consume any form of Pashanbhed?
Any form of Pashanbhed can be consumed after lunch and dinner. But one must remember to consume it only twice a day. If consumed more than twice, it might lead to some bad health. As the excessive dosage of pashanbhed can cause depression, diarrhea, etc. It is better if one consumes pashanbhed in a recommended dosage or as prescribed by their doctor.