Shalparni Health Benefits: Shalparni, scientifically known as 'Desmodium gangeticum,' is bittersweet in taste. It is one of the Dashamoola herbs; a famous Ayurvedic medicinal preparation made using the roots of ten medicinal herbs. The roots of Shalparni are one of those used in preparing Dashamoola.
Historical Uses of Shalparni
Shalparni has been used over the centuries to treat many different types of ailments and diseases. It is known to show antipyretic properties; that is, it helps control and manage fever and its symptoms. It's anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties help in clearing the trachea to make breathing easier, so it has also been used to help relieve respiratory problems.
According to Ayurveda, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and other sexual health problems faced by men can be resolved using Shalparni. This is due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties. The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of Shalparni also help in treating piles. Its Pitta dosha and Shothhar balancing nature reduce inflammation at the anal site to effectively counter piles.
The antiseptic properties of Shalparni help in quickly treating wounds and cuts. It prevents infection and reduces inflammation. Applying Shalparni to the scalp is known to be an effective remedy for dandruff, while applying it to the forehead is known to reduce headaches.
What Are the Other Names of Shalparni?
Scientifically known as 'Desmodium gangeticum,' Shalparni is also known by many other different names like Shalpaani, Saalvan, Sameravo, Sarivan, Saalapaani, Salpan, Murelchonne, Kolakannaru, Orila, Saalvan, Sarvan, Saloparnni, Salpatri, Sarivan, Shalpurni, Pulladi, Orila, Moovilai, Kolakuponna, Kolaponna, Shalwan.
Shalparni Benefits: Treating Diseases/Health Issues Using Shalparni
Shalparni can be used to treat several medical problems. It can be used in many forms. Conscious consumption of Shalparni provides several long-term health benefits. Some of them are listed below.
• Bronchitis
Bronchitis is known as Kasroga in Ayurveda and is believed to be caused by poor digestion and insufficient diet as they lead to the accumulation of Ama or excessive bodily toxins in the lungs in the form of mucus. The Ushna (hot) nature and Kapha balancing properties of Shalparni reduce Ama by removing extra mucus from the lungs. This makes it effective in overcoming bronchitis and providing relief from its symptoms.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dry Shalparni root.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder, mix it in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or till only half of the original amount is left.
- Take 4 to 6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same amount of water to it.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
- This remedy proves to be effective in overcoming bronchitis and its symptoms.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. It is believed to be caused by an unbalanced Vata dosha and weak digestive fire, which leads to the accumulation of Ama or excessive bodily toxins in the joints. The Ushna (hot) nature and Vata balancing properties of Shalparni reduce Ama from the joints. This makes it effective in overcoming rheumatoid arthritis and providing relief from its symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dry Shalparni root.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder, mix it in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or till only half of the original amount is left.
- Take 4 to 6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same amount of water to it.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
- This remedy proves to be effective in overcoming rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms.
• Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in male partners can be of various types, like loss of libido, that is, having no interest in engaging in sexual activity, low erection time, and premature ejaculation. The Vrishya or aphrodisiac properties of Shalparni help ensure satisfactory male sexual performance by increasing the blood flow to the penis and increasing the quality and quantity of semen.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dry Shalparni root.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder, mix it in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or till only half of the original amount is left.
- Take 4 to 6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same amount of water to it.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
- This remedy proves to be effective in overcoming sexual dysfunction in men and their symptoms.
• Headache
External application of Shalparni helps in managing headaches due to stress due to its Vata balancing properties. Applying Shalparni leaves powder on the forehead or fresh juice extracted from the leaves on the nostril helps relax the muscles, alleviate headaches, and provide relief from related symptoms such as fatigue.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dried leaves of Shalparni.
- Grind them thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with plain water or rose water.
- Apply it on the forehead and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash with plain water.
- Do this once a day.
- This remedy proves to be effective in overcoming headaches and its symptoms.
Advised Dosage of Shalparni
1. Shalparni Root Powder
1/4th to half a teaspoon is the advised dosage of Shalparni root powder.
How to Consume Shalparni?
Shalparni proves to be most effective when eaten regularly in controlled amounts. As the old proverb goes, excess of anything is bad. Some of the most common and easiest ways to prepare Shalparni for consumption are as follows –
1. Shalparni Powder
- Take some dried root of Shalparni.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with plain water.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
2. Shalparni Kwath
- Take some dry Shalparni root.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder, mix it in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or till only half of the original amount is left.
- Take 4 to 6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same amount of water to it.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
How to Use Shalparni for External Application?
Shalparni is beneficial to the skin and can be used for the same in a variety of ways. Some easy methods are listed below, which can be made at home without much difficulty.
1. Shalparni Leaves Paste
- Take some dried leaves of Shalparni.
- Grind them thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with plain water or rose water.
- Apply it to the affected area and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash with plain water.
- Do this once or twice a day for maximum results.
Precautionary Expert Advice
Even though consumption and external application of Shalparni produces a lot of health benefits in people, irrespective of age, it is essential to keep a few points in mind concerning its safe use, which can become problematic if not adhered to.
• Patients Who Breastfeed
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate whether or not the consumption of Shalparni is advisable if you breastfeed. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or consume Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Suffering from Diabetes
According to modern science, the consumption of Shalparni by diabetic patients who already take antidiabetic drugs is shown to reduce blood glucose levels even further. Therefore, it is recommended to consume Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Suffering from Heart Disease
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate whether or not the consumption of Shalparni is advisable if you suffer from heart ailments. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or consume Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Who Are Pregnant
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate whether or not the consumption of Shalparni is advisable if you are pregnant. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or consume Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Suffering from Allergy
According to modern science, consumption or application of Shalparni is known to result in allergic and skin irritant reactions in some people, especially those who have hypersensitive skin. Therefore, it is recommended to consume or apply Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions are answered below to help with better understanding and to clarify common doubts.
1. How to store Shalparni?
According to modern science, you should dry and then grind to obtain the powder of whichever Shalparni plant part you want to store. It is advisable to store it in an airtight container, at an ambient temperature and away from direct heat and light.
2. What will happen in case of an overdose of Shalparni?
According to modern science, it is not advisable to consume Shalparni or its products more than the specified dosage because overdosage of Shalparni is known to be poisonous or cause some serious toxic side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consume or apply Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only.
3. Is Shalparni good for bronchitis?
According to modern science, the bronchodilator property of Shalparni can help treat bronchitis and avoid its symptoms as well. It helps dilate the trachea, which increases the flow of air to and from the lungs and eases breathing. The anti-inflammatory property of Shalparni reduces inflammation and infection, thus providing relief from bronchitis and its painful symptoms.
4. Can Shalparni help in rheumatoid arthritis?
According to modern science, Shalparni oil has certain compounds that show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit inflammatory compounds' action, thereby providing relief from pain and inflammation in the joints. This reduces stiffness and increases mobility. Therefore, the application of Shalparni oil on the affected area and slight massaging helps relieve the pain, stiffness, and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and obtain some relief.
5. How is Shalparni useful in erectile dysfunction?
According to modern science, Shalparni can help in resolving erectile dysfunction. This is due to the aphrodisiac property it shows. It releases nitric oxide gas into the smooth cells of the penis, which acts as an activator of an enzyme which dilates and relaxes the smooth muscle cells around the penis. This results in increased blood flow to the penis, which helps maintain an erection for a longer time.
6. Is Shalparni good for nausea?
According to Ayurveda, Shalparni is good for improving the process of digestion. It helps to properly digest the consumed food due to its Ushna or hot nature. Therefore, Shalparni is good for nausea and also prevents vomiting. It helps gain some relief from related irritable symptoms as well.
7. Is Shalparni good for fever?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, Shalparni proves to be effective in controlling and managing fever and its symptoms due to its antipyretic property. This helps lower the elevated body temperature and gain some relief.
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According to Ayurveda, there are many different types of fever depending upon the type of dosha that has been unbalanced, resulting in elevated body temperature.
Usually, fever results from low-quality digestion resulting in the accumulation of Ama or excessive bodily toxins. Consumption of Shalparni helps reduce Ama by improving the digestive process due to its Ushna or hot nature. Moreover, Shalparni also helps in preventing infection due to its Rasayana or rejuvenating property.
Therefore, consumption of Shalparni can prove to help control and manage fever and its symptoms, such as reducing elevated body temperature to gain some relief.
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8. Can Shalparni act as a pain reliever?
According to modern science, Shalparni can be used to relieve pain effectively. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Research and scientific studies show that consumption of Shalparni inhibits the action of some types of pain mediators, which helps reduce bodily pain and inflammation to a great extent. Therefore, Shalparni can be used as an effective pain reliever.
9. Does Shalparni show a neuroprotective effect?
According to modern science, Shalparni constitutes of some specific compounds that show antioxidant properties. This helps it fight against free radicals and significantly reduce the risk of oxidative stress. These actions shown by the consumption of Shalparni improves the function of neurons and reduces brain damage effectively, thereby exhibiting a neuroprotective effect overall.
10. Does Shalparni help in protecting the heart?
According to modern science, Shalparni constitutes of some specific compounds that show antioxidant properties. This helps it fight against free radicals and significantly reduce the risk of oxidative stress. These actions shown by the consumption of Shalparni protect the cardiac tissues from any damage and increase the flow of blood to the cells of the heart, thereby increasing the efficiency of its functioning. Thus, Shalparni proves to be effective in protecting the heart against ailments and cardiac diseases.
11. Is Shalparni good for Leishmania infection?
Leishmania infection or Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites, which spread due to the bite of infected sand flies. This parasitic disease is found mostly in the tropics and subtropics. There are many different types of Leishmania infections that humans can contract.
According to modern science, consumption of Shalparni provides certain compounds that help in the activation of an enzyme that increases the production of nitric oxide gas and effectively kills Leishmania parasites. Therefore, Shalparni protects Leishmania effectively. Hence, Shalparni is good for Leishmania infection.
12. Is Shalparni good for dementia?
Dementia refers to a group of conditions that are characterized by the impairment of thinking and social behavior that inhibit the proper daily functioning of an individual. This mental disorder usually leads to a gradual but significant loss of memory.
According to modern science, consumption of Shalparni provides certain compounds that possess bio-active constituents that show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This improves the transmission of brain signals and consequently reduce neurological issues to a great extent. Therefore, Shalparni proves to be effective in managing and controlling dementia and its related symptoms, such as regressive memory loss.
13. Is Shalparni useful for Alzheimer's disease?
According to modern science, Alzheimer's patients show a characteristic increase in a certain kind of protein, which leads to the formation of clusters in the brain, thereby inhibiting its proper functioning. Consumption of Shalparni helps in reducing these clusters and improves memory to a great extent. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Shalparni can prove to be useful in controlling and managing Alzheimer's disease and related symptoms, making it a potential therapy for treating Alzheimer's effectively.
14. Is Shalparni good for asthma?
According to modern science, the anti-inflammatory property of Shalparni helps in minimizing the inflammation in the lungs. It also helps to reduce the production of excessive mucus in the air passage, which helps in easy breathing as the congestion is cleared. Therefore, Shalparni can prove useful in controlling and managing asthma and related symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
15. Is Shalparni good for peptic ulcers?
According to modern science, Shalparni helps in strengthening the stomach wall and its cells by reducing the secretion of the gastric juices. This confers anti-ulcer properties to it and helps protect the stomach against peptic ulcers. Therefore, Shalparni can prove to be useful in controlling and managing peptic ulcers and related symptoms such as burning sensations in the stomach, indigestion, and so on.
16. Does Shalparni help in wound healing?
According to modern science, the antiseptic properties of Shalparni help in quickly treating wounds and cuts. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties prevent infection and reduce inflammation, as well. The antioxidant properties help in quicker regeneration of new skin cells, collagen formation, and consequent wound closure. Therefore, Shalparni can prove to be useful in quickening the process of wound healing.
17. What are the benefits of Shalparni in the case of diabetes?
According to modern science, the consumption of Shalparni by diabetic patients who already take antidiabetic drugs is shown to reduce blood glucose levels even further by increasing insulin secretion and preventing cell damage to the pancreas due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is recommended to consume Shalparni under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
18. Can Shalparni be used in diarrhea and dysentery?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, some constituents of Shalparni show astringent properties, which help in solidifying the stool by reducing mucus production. This helps provide relief from diarrhea and dysentery. Therefore, Shalparni proves to be effective in managing and controlling diarrhea and dysentery and its related symptoms such as stomach pain, loose stool, and so on.
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According to Ayurveda, the root causes of diarrhea and dysentery are weak digestive power and Mandangi or low digestive fire. The Ushna or hot nature of Shalparni combined with its rejuvenation properties helps in improving the Agni or digestive fire. Therefore, Shalparni proves to be effective in managing and controlling diarrhea and dysentery and its related symptoms such as stomach pain, loose stool, and so on.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dried root of Shalparni.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder and mix it with plain water.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
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19. Is Shalparni beneficial in lumbago?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, there is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Shalparni in treating or reducing lumbago.
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According to Ayurveda, the Ushna and Rasayana properties of Shalparni help provide warmth to the affected area and balance the aggravated Vata dosha. This helps in providing relief from lumbago and its symptoms.
Tips for Usage –
- Take some dry Shalparni root.
- Grind it thoroughly to obtain its powder.
- Take half to one teaspoon of this powder, mix it in 2 cups of water and let it boil.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes or till only half of the original amount is left.
- Take 4 to 6 teaspoons of this Kwath and add the same amount of water to it.
- Drink this concoction once or twice a day after having light food.
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20. Can Shalparni be used in snake bites?
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Modern Science View
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Ayurvedic View
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According to modern science, there is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Shalparni in treating or reducing the effect of snake bites.
However, external application of Shalparni may be beneficial in counteracting the effect of the poison.
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According to Ayurveda, snake bites imbalance the Vata dosha due to its poison causing pain and inflammation. The Vata balancing, Rasayan or rejuvenating, and Vishaghna or anti-venom properties of Shalparni help manage and control the poisonous effect of some particular types of snake bites scorpion stings as well. This promotes recovery quickly by reducing the effect of the poison on the body.
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21. Can Shalparni help in premature ejaculation?
Yes, Shalparni can help in effectively treating premature ejaculation, according to both modern science and Ayurveda. The Vrishya or aphrodisiac properties of Shalparni help in ensuring satisfactory male sexual performance by increasing the blood flow to the penis and increasing the erection time. It also increases the quality and quantity of semen, ensuring that it is not ejaculated too soon while engaging in sexual activity.
22. Does Shalparni help in headaches?
According to modern science, there is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Shalparni in treating or reducing headaches; however, external application of Shalparni can be beneficial.
23. How does Shalparni help in easy parturition?
Parturition refers to the process of giving birth. According to modern science, the application of Shalparni root paste externally on the pelvis, vulva, and navel helps in the fetus's easy ejection from the uterus. Therefore, Shalparni proves to be effective in achieving easy parturition, especially in difficult natural birth.
24. What are the benefits of Shalparni for eczema?
According to modern science, there is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Shalparni in treating or reducing eczema, which is a skin condition in which the skin becomes very rough and itchy.
25. What are the benefits of Shalparni for dandruff?
According to modern science, research and studies suggest that the external application of Shalparni helps reduce dandruff and hair fall. This is because of the antibacterial and antifungal properties that it possesses.