INDRAJAO (Kutakappaala)
| Name in Malayalam | : | കുടകപ്പാല |
| Name in Hindi | : | कडवा इंद्रजव |
| Botanical Name | : | Holarrhena antidysenterica |
| Medicinal part | : | Leaf, Root ,stem, Fruit |
| Medicinal properties | : | Indrajao is a medicinal plant that has antidysenteric, antidiarrheal, and anti-amoebic properties |
Description
Indrajao the coral swirl or tellicherry bark, is a flowering plant in the genus Wrightia. Wrightia antidysenterica is sometimes confused with the species Holarrhena pubescens due to a second, taxonomically invalid publication of the name Holarrhena pubescens. It has long been known in Indian Ayurvedic tradition.Characteristics:
Indrajao is a deciduous shrub or a small tree, growing up to 3 ms high. Short stem has pale bark and several branches. Oppositely arranges, ovate, obtusely acuminate leaves are 10-20 cm long. Leaf stalks are very short. White flowers appear in corymb-like cymes, 5-15 cm across, at the end of branches. Flowers have five white petals 2-3 cm long which turn creamish yellow as they age. The flowers are beautiful with oblong petals which are rounded at the tip, and remind one of frangipani. Indrajao is native to Africa, Indian Subcontinent to Indo-China. It is also found in the Himalayas up to altitudes of 1500 m. Flowering: April-July.Medicinal Uses:
It is a medicinal plant in Ayurveda. One of its botanical synonyms Holarrhena antidysenterica says it all. It is one of the best drug for Diarrhoea. In chronic diarrhoea & to check blood coming from stool,it should be given with Isobgol, caster oil or Indrayav. According to Ayurveda, the bark is useful in treatment of piles, skin diseases and biliousness. The bark is used externally in case of skin troubles. The bark is mostly mixed with cow urine and apply it in affected parts. In treatment of urinary troubles, the bark is given with cow milk. The fresh juice of bark is considered good to check the diarrhoea. In Bleeding piles Decoction of Kutaj bark with sunthi checks mucus & blood. Application of this herb is useful in Rh. Arthritis & Oestioarthritis.
