KAPHAL Specialties (Not Less than a Medicine)
Myrica esculenta (Myricaceae) commonly known as box berry or kaphal is an important Indian medicinal plant
This herb is commonly referred to by the name Kaiphula in Sanskrit and Box Myrtle and Bay Berry in English. In Hindi, it is known as the Kafal.
“There is a wide scope for utilization of this species, as bio-active compounds of the tree have several pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihelmintic, anti-microbial, anxiolytic, chemopreventive, mast cell stabilising, hypertension, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-asthmatic,” .HISTORICAL DETAILS
The bark that grows on the tree Myrica Esculenta is aromatic in nature and owing to it; the tree has been in use for its aromatic properties for ages.
AREAS OF CULTIVATION
The plant is native to the Hilly regions of the countries Nepal and India. It is found extensively in the northern region of India, especially in the state of Himachal. It also grows wildly in the Garhwal and Kumaon region.
PARTS USED
The only part of the tree that has therapeutic value and is used for medicinal purposes is its bark. The bark of Kafal contains Myricitrin which kills bacteria and so the bark is used for arresting bleeding, removing wind from the stomach, arresting secretion, stimulating bile, and for the retention of potassium in the body. It is also used as an anti- septic.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MYRICA
The tree can grow up to 10 meters high and the leaves are long and either pale or rust- colored. The tree has many hairy branches. The flowers that bloom on them are few and far apart and quite small in size as well. The seeds of the plant own a wrinkled appearance.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES USEFUL AGAINST DISEASES
Studies showed that kaphal had a good nutritional value so it could be used in a specific quantity for human beings’ nutrition and adequate protection could be obtained against diseases arising from malnutrition,.
The nutritional parameters were found for percentage ash value, moisture, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber and carbohydrate. “The fruit also contains many minerals such as Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Manganese, Copper, Iron and Zinc,”
“Kaphal is an important constituent of Ayurvedic formulations such as Pushyanuga Churna, Katphaladi Churna, Khadradi Gutika, and Usheeradi Churna,”
ITS USES ARE GIVEN BELOW IN DETAIL:
INTERNAL USES:
Fever– A decoction prepared from the herb can be taken to relieve fever.
Cold– The decoction prepared from the herb is also effective when it comes to relieving colds.
Hemorrhage– Medicines that have the herb Myrica as one of the ingredients prove to be successful in providing a huge amount of relief in case of a hemorrhage.
Leucorrhea– A decoction made using the bark is also used to wash the vagina regularly to relieve Leucorrhea.
Intestinal Disorders– Bay Berry is also used in the management of Intestinal Disorders.
Asthma– Bay Berry also proves to be a great relief provider in case of Asthma.
Bronchitis– It has also be known to provide relief in Bronchitis as well as other lung diseases.EXTERNAL USES:
Teeth Disorders– A paste made from the bark of the tree must be applied on the teeth and gums regularly so as to strengthen them.
Wounds and Ulcers– A paste made using the bark of the tree can also be used in the management of wounds and ulcers. It should be applied regularly over the affected area.
USE OF Kaphal IN AROMATHERAPY
The oil that is extracted from the bark of the tree Myrica is used in various perfumes, tinctures and oils that are used in Aromatherapy.
PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY MEASURES WHILE USING MYRICA
Although Kaphal is a herb that is very safe to use, it should not be consumed before taking advice from a medical practitioner. It is wise to consult a doctor or a practicing medicine man before going ahead with the process of taking in any sort of herbs or herbal extracts. Planet Ayurveda provides customers with the option of obtaining medical advice from their medical practitioners online. Also, all products at Planet Ayurveda are 100 percent vegetarian; contain only herbs and have never been tested on animals.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and genuineness of this information, although its moral responsibility is not that of Jesante Organics.We humbly request you to contact your doctor before trying any remedy.Our aim is just to provide you information.
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