Shalaparni

Shalaparni  has a Botanical  name  as Desmodium gangeticum DC. Shalaparni is one of the constituents of the famous  Ayurvedic preparation Dashamoolakwatha. Common species found on lower hills and plains throughout India, ascending to 1500m in the Himalayas. 

It is  frequently found in outer Himalaya. Punjab,  in forest and west land of Bihar and Orissa, Palghat in M.P., in open and  wasteland forests of Rajasthan, forest of Ganjam to Godavari, W. Ghats from south Canara to Travancore and Madras.

Ayurvedic Actions

Health Benefits

Benefits for respiratory system

Shalaparni helps manage bronchitis due to its bronchodilator activity. It helps in dilating the respiratory air passages and increases the flow of air to the lungs. It also reduces inflammation in the lungs due to its anti-inflammatory property. This helps in ease breathing.

Heart Health

Shalaparni helps to strengthen the heart muscles. It maintains good blood flow in the body by dilatation of blood vessels. It helps to maintain good HDL level in the body by maintaining LDL level.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Shalaparni helps to reduce joint pain and swelling associated with Rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps to provide relief in joint stiffness which improves mobility.

Fever

Shalaparni helps in the management of fever due to its antipyretic activity. A scientific study suggests that these antipyretic agents help in reducing the elevated body temperature.

As a pain reliever 

Shalaparni can be used to reduce pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

In diarrhoea and dysentery

Shalaparni might be used in diarrhea and dysentery due to the presence of certain constituents that have astringent properties. These constituents reduce mucus secretions and help bind the stools. This provides relief from loose stools in case of diarrhea and dysentery

Piles management

Beneficial for piles as it has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

It might help reduce inflammation at the anal site by narrowing the cells or tissues. This helps relieve burning, itching and pain associated with piles.

Deworming

Anthelmintic: anti-parasitic, expel parasitic worms (helminths), and other internal parasites from the body.

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

Part used - Whole plant , root

Shalaparni does not produce any toxic effect in recommended doses.

Dosage - Decoction - 50-100ml.

References

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324246901_Shalaparni_Desmodium_gangeticum_DC-A_Sarvadoshahara_Dravya
2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.