Jhau, an evergreen shrub, holds many medicinal properties in its leaves, flowers, and roots. The presence of constituents like saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, etc. helps in providing many beneficial properties to Jhau.
The liver-protecting properties of Jhau roots help prevent damage to liver cells due to antioxidants' presence. Gastric relief, along with the strengthening of the digestive system, is also achieved by the carminative property of Jhau. There are many flavonoids present in the Jhau providing anti-inflammatory properties to the same, which helps in reducing spleen inflammation and hepatic inflammation.
Ayurvedic studies suggest that wounds are healed properly by the external application of the Jhau shrub. Ropan and Kashaya or healing and astringent property of the Jhau also restores the inflamed tissue and strengthens the muscles. Skin damage is prevented from infections due to the antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
What are the other names for Jhau?
Jhau is known by different names in different parts of the world. Apart from these, it is also known as Tamarixdioica, Tamarixgallica, Indian Tamarisk, Jhao, Pichul, Pakke, SiruSavukku, Jhabuk, Aphalah, Bahugranthih, Jhavukah, Pichulah, Ciru-cavukku, Kotai-c-cavukku.etc.
Benefits of using Jhau in various treatments
Many studies conducted till now have shown the beneficial effects of Jhau in several ways. Be it a low-risk or high-risk disease, Jhau has been acting as a catalyst in treating these diseases. It also acts as a blessing for the treatment and ailment of many diseases and health problems like microbial infections, worm infections, liver disease, fever, and digestive problems, etc. Here are some of the wonderful uses of Jhau:-
Beneficial for liver diseases
Jhau cures liver problems as it is filled with hepatoprotective properties. Antioxidant or flavonoid content in the Jhau acts as a shield against free radicals, hence preventing liver damage.
Helps in curing fever
Antipyretic properties of Jhau roots help in curing the fever. The body temperature is lowered, and fever symptoms are relaxed with the consumption of Jhau roots powder.
Heals the wounds
Jhau is used for wound healing by applying its leave or flowers externally on the affected area. Antioxidants or terpenoids present in Jhau helps in strengthening the skin by restoring the tissues. It also increases the blood supply to the affected area for healing the wounds quickly.
Cure the bleeding gums
Jhau possesses Kashaya or astringent and Grahi or absorbent property. These properties of Jhau help in reducing the swelling and sponginess of the bleeding gums.
Treating diseases/health problems using Jhau
Below are some scientific and Ayurveda claims about the use of Jhau in curing and treating health problems:
Kidney Stone
Science
Ayurveda
As per the scientific study, there is a lack of evidence which proves the role of Jhau in treating kidney related issues. However, some kidney problems like renal stone formation can be managed with the diuretic property of Jhau. The increased production of urine helps in flushing out the toxins and hence cures the kidney stone issue.
Ayurveda suggests that Jhau is helpful in reducing the stone formation chances in the kidney. A kidney stone is known as Mutrashmari, which occurs due to Vata and KaphaDosha in the body. Mutral or diuretic property of Jhau helps in removing the renal stone and hence increasing the urination. The increased urination helps in flushing out the stone.
Forms of Jhau in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage
Jhau in the Ayurvedic treatment is used in seeds, fresh leaves, powder, kwath, or sharbat form. Each of these forms of Jhau can be used to create different types of herbal tonics or can be applied externally on the affected area to treat the disorder or disease.
If you have not consulted with your doctor regarding the dosage amount for each Jhau form, you can then follow these dosage recommendations:
For Internal Consumption
JhauChurna or powder: 1-2 grams of Jhaupowder should be consumed daily for all the kidney and liver-related issues.
JhauKwath: - Take 1/4 or ½ teaspoon of Jhau powder added to 2 cups of water. Boil the contents to reduce the quantity to half. Filter the Kwath and use it once a day for bleeding gums.
External Application
Jhau powder: - Mix ¼ - 1 teaspoon of Jhau powder with rose water to make a paste. Apply the same on the affected area for 2-4 hours for quick healing of inflammation, burn or wound infections
Jhau leaves paste: - ½ - 1 teaspoon Jhau paste with rose water and honey can be used on affected area 2-3 times a day for microbial and fungal infections.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Jhau
Jhau Powder
Jhau is available in powder form, taken from the seeds as a means to prevent or lower the risk of many diseases like skin problems and kidney-related issues.
As prescribed by your doctor, you can mix the Jhau seed powder in honey and swallow it.
You can use the Jhau powder to make Jhaukwath.
JhauKwath
Jhau seeds or powder can be taken in the form of tea or kwath in curing ailments like liver issues, skin problems, etc.
-Boil 2 cups of water in a pan.
-Add 1-2 teaspoons of Jhau powder.
-Let it mix completely in water.
-Boil till the mixture reduces to half.
-Take 4-5 teaspoon of the same and gargle for bleeding gums
Precautionary guide while using Jhau?
Before the consumption of Jhau, it is recommended to know the precautions which should be taken for different ailments. Apart from consulting a doctor if using Jhau, below are some specific precautions are taken: -
For Pregnant Ladies
View of Ayurvedic Experts
Pregnancy calls for extra care and precautions. Hence, it is advisable to consult the doctor before consuming Jhau during pregnancy.
View of Scientific Experts
According to scientific experts, consumption of Jhau is not advisable for pregnant women. In the case of an urgent situation, it is strongly advisable to consult the doctor before consuming Jhau.
For Ladies, while Breastfeeding
View of Science Experts
According to scientific experts, the consumption of Jhau is safe for breastfeeding women. However, it is still advisable to consult the doctor before consuming Jhau if it is urgently required for any breastfeeding women.
FAQ's about Jhau
1.Is Jhau useful in gas?
Jhau leaves are useful in gastric problems. The carminative property of Jhau can help to cure gas. Carminative property help in giving relief as it reduces the accumulated gas and flatulence. It also helps in the release of gas from the alimentary canal.
2.Can Jhau reduce inflammation?
Inflammation can be reduced with the use of Jhau, especially in the liver and spleen. This occurs due to the presence of certain constituents like flavonoids and saponins in Jhau, which provides its anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory property helps in providing relief by curing hepatic and spleen inflammation.
3.Is Jhau beneficial for fungal infections?
Jhau is beneficial for cutting fungal infections if applied externally. The antifungal property of Jhau acts as a shield against fungal growth and inhibits it too. Apply it on the affected area for curing any fungal infection.
4.Can Jhau be useful for wound healing?
Jhau is used for wound healing by applying its leave or flowers externally on the affected area. Antioxidants or terpenoids present in Jhau helps in strengthening the skin by restoringthe tissues. It also increases the blood supply to the affected area for healing the wounds quickly.
5.Can Jhau be proved beneficial for microbial infections?
All the microbial infections and fungal infections can be cured with the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of Jhau. The inhibition of microbial growth and activity can be achieved with Jhau. Apply Jhau leaves paste on the affected area to prevent infection.
