Medicinal properties of Black Musli (Curculigo orchioides)
Ayurveda
medicinal plants > Medicinal properties of Black Musli (Curculigo
orchioides)
Medicinal properties of Black Musli (Curculigo orchioides)
Black musli (Curculigo orchioides) is a herb that belongs to the
family Hypoxidaceae. It is a native of temperate regions such as
Chota-Nagapur plateau and Deccan plateau in India.
The medicinal properties of this herb are elucidated in several
texts of ayurveda. It is also a major ingredient of several
medicinal preparations in the Unani system of medicine. The
ancient inhabitants of China were well aware of the medicinal
properties of Black Musli and extensively used it in herbal
preparations. The rhizome of this plant is utilized extensively
for medicinal purposes.
Ayurveda describes the medicinal properties of black musli as
follows:
Mushali madhuraa vrishyaa veeryoshna
brimhanee guruhu
Tiktaa rasaayanee hanthi gudajanya anilam tatha ||
According to Ayurveda , Black Musli is bitter-sweet to taste with a
peculiarly sweet after-taste that remains even after digestion. The
tuber is heavy to digest and has the property of ‘stickiness’ (snighdha,
picchila). Owing to these properties, Black Musli increases kapha
and reduces
vata and pitta..
The Ayurveda preparations of this herb are used in the treatment of
several health conditions. The major uses can be classified as
follows:-
In Respiratory Problems : Black Musli
is used along with other herbs to treat bronchitis, chronic cough
and asthma.
In Digestive Problems: Black Musli is
effective in the treatment of hepatitis. It rejuvenates the liver
and normalizes its function. It acts as a good appetite- stimulant
and stabilizes digestion. The preparations of this herb are useful
in treating piles and
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
In Reproductive Problems: Ayurveda also
elaborates upon this herb’s
aphrodisiac
properties. Black Musli preparations are widely used in treating
erectile
dysfunction,
low libido,
low sperm count
and low sperm motility. Ayurvedic texts immensely praise its
properties of enhancing
quality and
quantity of semen.
In Urinary problems: Black Musli acts
as diuretic and boosts the resistance of urinary system against
infections.
In Skin Problems: The tuber of Black
Musli is ground into paste and applied externally as an effective
cure for several
skin diseases.
In addition to such specific medicinal uses, Black Musli is also
used as a general systemic health enhancer (rasayana).
It strengthens the body and boosts immunity levels. Contemporary
research has resulted in the discovery of new medicinal properties
of Black Musli. The most noteworthy of these are:
• It is effective in prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis.
• It is a very good anti-oxidant.
• Its rhizomes have antibacterial properties.
In the light of the above facts, it is evident that the Black Musli
is a herb that must be protected and preserved for medicinal use.
But it is also a fact that this precious herb is facing imminent
threat of extinction due to over-grazing by livestock and
unsustainable rates of exploitation by over-zealous pharmacists.
Thus, the need of the hour is comprehensive training and education
in sustainable means of farming and preserving this priceless gem of
the plant kingdom.
This article is copyrighted. This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com .
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