The perennial herb Inula racemosa grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. The stem is extremely hairy, rough, and grooved. This plant has huge, elliptical leaves that are 2-3 cm wide, 3-6 cm long, and have long petioles. The fruits are 0.4 cm long, thin achenes that are covered in 0.75 cm long pappus hairs. The flowers have several heads that are 0.5–1 cm in diameter and are a vivid yellow color.

The young root is yellowish within and has a dull brownish skin tone. When it dries, it turns gray. It tastes bitter and has a pleasant, camphoraceous smell.

July through September is when it blooms, and in the early winter, it dries to a beautiful bronze color. It thrives in gardens with meadows or beside the water. The roots of Saussurea lappa are employed as an adulterant in Kashmir.

General Description

One herb that helps balance the body's Kapha (water) and Vata (air) Doshas (humors) is called pushkaramula. Due to its numerous therapeutic benefits, it is frequently used in Ayurveda treatments for conditions like Ardit (facial paralysis), Pandu (low hemoglobin level), Kasa (cough), Jvara (fever), Hikka (hiccups), Parsvashula (chest pain), and Sosh (edema).

Since ancient times, its primary uses in Ayurvedic medicine have been as a bronchodilator and expectorant. Root powder has a pungent, camphor-like scent.

This plant's rhizome has a neutral potency and tastes sweet, bitter, and acrid. It also has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and moderate diuretic properties.

Lantalactone, isoalantalactone, inunolide (germacranolide), dihydro isoalanlactone, beta-sitosterd, D-mannitd, dihydroinundide, neo-alantolactone, inunolise, sesquiiterpene, lactone (inunol), alantadiene, and octadecanoic acid are the main chemicals present in these plants that have therapeutic benefits.

Classification

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Subkingdom - Tracheobionta
• Super division - Spermatophyta
• Division - Magnoliophyta
• Class - Magnoliopsida
• Subclass - Asteridae
• Order - Asterales
• Family - Asteraceae
• Genus - Inula
• Species - racemosa

Habitat

This herb thrives in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan highlands, which have moderate and alpine climates.

At an elevation range of 2800-3200 meters, it can be found in India in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Additionally, in areas outside of India like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Alternative Names

• Latin name – Inula Racemosa
• Hindi name - Pohkarmool, Pushkarmool
• Sanskrit name - Poushkara, Puskara mula, Sugandhikam, Kashmira
• Assamese name – Pohakarmul, Puskar
• Kannada name - Pushkara Moola
• Punjabi - Pokhar Mool
• Malayalam name - Puskara
• Tamil name - Pushkarmulam
• Telugu name - Pushkara Mulamu
• Marathi name - Pokhar Mool
• Oriya name - Puskara
• Persian name – Gharsa
• Arabic name - Rasan
• Italian name – Azurro, Iride ralvatica
• French name – Lis sauvage, Flambe
• German name – Blaweiris, Dentsche lisch

Chemical Composition

High-quality powder made from wild-harvested herbs grown without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides, containing isoalantolactone, alantolactone, and inulin.

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects on Doshas

It balances Vata and Kapha doshas.

Properties and Practical Uses

The herb known as pushkaramula has several beneficial medicinal properties. The definition of the medicinal characteristics is provided below. It has both internal and exterior applications. It helps the body to remove additional Kapha (water).

Properties

Due to its remarkable properties, pushkaramula has been used for a wide range of medical purposes. These include antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-diabetic, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, antiseptic, antihistaminic, diuretic, expectorant, cardio-protective, stomachic, hypotensive, rejuvenator, and immunomodulator.

• Its application in the treatment of respiratory conditions like asthma, tonsillitis, and cough has been documented historically due to its hot, strong, and expectorant properties.
• has beneficial effects in pleurisy, TB, and chest discomfort as well.
• It functions as an anti-anginal and anti-ischemic tonic for the heart, making it an excellent choice.
• It is appropriate for reducing blood pressure.
• It can be applied externally to treat bruises and sprains. recess
• The root powder helps with dental issues.
• Because it's a good diuretic, it can help any patient's edema.
• When treating mental disorders, it works well.
• Additionally, It relieves skin conditions and menstruation issues.
• Beneficial in keeping total lipid, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels within the normal range.
• It is beneficial in nervous system-related conditions.
• By reducing the discomfort and swelling, it relieves.
• Moreover, it can treat anorexia.

Parts Used

Root