Pashanabheda- Bergenia ligulata

Pashanabheda (meaning ‘stone breaker’) is a well-known Ayurvedic drug, used mainly as diuretic and lithotrophic. It is a herb of temperate zones of Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasi Hills of Assam. It is a controversial drug as it is assigned to various plants.

Ayurvedic Action

Health benefits.

Urolithiasis and Kidney stones

Pashanabheda helps to dissolve the oxalate crystals that form stones due to its antilithic property. One of the foremost important and powerful health benefits of Pashanabheda is its ability to treat kidney stones. It is one among the simplest Ayurvedic herbs to get rid of kidney and tract stones thanks to its antilithic property.

Wound healing

Anti-inflammatory property of Pashanabheda helps manage wounds and other skin problems, boils, scratches and inflammation on the skin.

Cough

Antitussive agents present in Pashanabheda help provide relief from cough by promoting the removal of sputum from the airways. This helps ease breathing and reduces cough.

Heart health

Pashanabheda is an excellent herb for heart health. It acts as a cardiac tonic and helps in maintaining a healthy heart. It is also beneficial in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. The root aids in reducing high blood glucose levels.

Pashanabheda is an excellent diuretic. The original extract of the Pashanabheda plant is given to patients who suffer from bladder inflammation and urinary retention to promote urination.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

Part used - Rhizome

Dosage - Decoction 50-70 ml

Generally there are no side effects of this herb, but should be taken under the guidance of a physician even for Pregnant and lactating women.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061584/#ref8
2. http://www.ccras.nic.in/content/pashana-bheda-medicinal-ayurveda-herb
3. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.