In Hindi, Akashbail is frequently referred to as Amar Bael or Cuscuta. It is referred to as an herb that twines endlessly, grows as a parasite on other trees, and has the potential to completely envelop the host plant.
Cuscuta can grow for its whole lifecycle while living parasitically on the host plant, without coming into contact with the soil.
Cuscuta is a plant with tremendous medical significance in conventional medicine and natural treatments, and it's well-known for its dramatic effects on infertility, inflammatory diseases, and the gastrointestinal tract. Cuscuta reflexa, also known as Cassytha Filiformis, is the scientific name for this plant, which is a member of the Convolvulaceae family.
Other Names
- English name - Cuscuta or Hell Weed, Devil's gut, Beggar Weed, Scald weed, etc
- Bengali name - Akasbel, Swarnalatha
- Marathi Name – Nirmuli, Nirmuli Akashvela
- Assamese name - Honborialoti, Akashilata
- Arabic name - Kasuth, Tikhme kasus
- Hindi name - Akashbel, Amal bel, Kasus, Agas Bel
- Sanskrit name - Akashvalli, Akashbhavana, Akashpavana, Amarvalli, etc
- Telugu name - Lanjasavaramu, Savarapukada, Sitammapogunulu, etc
Occurrence
It is a fairly widespread plant in India, growing in a variety of habitats from semi-arid plains to hilltops rising to a height of 3000 meters. The plant's fleshy stems and branches have a few fruits and blooms on them.
Properties
|
Particular |
Hindi / Sanskrit |
English |
|
Rasa (Taste) |
Kashaya, Tikta |
Astringent, Bitter |
|
Guna (Quality) |
Picchila |
Slimy nature |
|
Virya (Potency) |
Sheet |
Cold |
|
Vipaka (Post-Digestive Taste) |
Katu |
Pungent |
Special Activity
According to Ayurvedic research and expertise, several herbs have unique actions apart from their typical qualities. These herbs' effects can occasionally be helpful in treating serious health conditions that might not be treated as easily in other circumstances.
The term "Prabhava" in Ayurveda refers to this activity carried out by specific plants.
Cuscuta hence has a unique activity through which it functions as a "Stambhana" herb, having a particularly restorative and restricting effect on the body and its many constituents.
The active chemical elements in this plant are believed to be Dulcitol and Laurotetanine.
Common Properties
- Cuscuta is a highly effective plant for treating gastrointestinal issues. Its overall anti-inflammatory effects aid in the prevention and management of any edema or inflammation across the entire gastrointestinal system.
- In cases of constipation and other similar issues, it works well as a purgative and colon cleanser. When there are worm infestations, the herb's potent purgative activity aids in the colon's cleansing process by expelling worms and feces.
- Basically, it's a plant that works wonders for treating minor indigestion, constipation, mild belching, intestinal inflammation, and other issues
- As part of this procedure, the liver is detoxified and its toxic burden is reduced, aiding in the improvement and restoration of normal liver functions.
- Its decoction can assist in controlling bleeding and normalizing bowel motions in cases of related digestive issues like piles or hemorrhoids. resulting in an improvement in that person's quality of life and the prevention of symptoms getting worse.
- Its powder can be applied topically to open wounds, skin allergies, and rashes by combining it with honey and other herbs for external use.
- It can be applied in a number of ways to stop hair loss and treat dandruff in humans.
- The literature also mentions the plant's anti-fertility effects, which could be explained by its "Stambhana" qualities.
Dosage
The entire plant section can be utilized to make the juice, which can be ingested in doses of 10 to 20 ml.