Talk:Bhumyamalaki
Bhumyamalaki (also known as Tamalaki; Latin: Phyllanthus amarus) is a small, erect annual herb belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae. Highly revered in Ayurveda, it is renowned for its hepatoprotective, diuretic (Mutrala), anti-inflammatory, and Pitta-pacifying (Pittasamana) properties.[1]
Botanical & Vernacular Names
- Latin Name: Phyllanthus amarus
- Family: Phyllanthaceae
- English Name: Carry me seed / Gale of the wind
- Sanskrit / Classical Names: Bhumyamalaki, Tamalaki
Synonyms in Classical Texts
- Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
- Shiva – Highly potent medicine and regarded as one of the best therapeutic herbs.
- Tamalaki – A very small and tender herb.
- Bahupatra – Characterized by numerous small leaves.
- Bahuphala – Yields a large number of tiny fruits along the branchlets.
- Bahuvirya – Endowed with potent and multi-faceted medicinal efficacy.
Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Bhumyamalaki are summarized below:[1]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Cold (Sita) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Sweet (Madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Mutrala (diuretic), Rochana (appetite and taste enhancer), Dahanashini (reduces burning sensation), Pittasamana (pacifies Pitta dosha) |
References in Charaka Samhita
Bhumyamalaki (Tamalaki) is widely referenced across numerous clinical contexts and therapeutic formulations in the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charaka Samhita | Activity / Indication / Formulation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/36 | Cough-relieving group (Kasahara Mahakashaya) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/37 | Anti-dyspneic / respiratory-easing group (Swasahara Mahakashaya) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/63 | Key ingredient of Chyavanprasha |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita Yoga) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/225 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita Yoga) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/119 | Ingredient of Trayamanadi Ghrita |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/70 | Dietary article in the management of tuberculosis / wasting (Rajayakshma) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/108 | Ingredient of Duralabhadi Ghrita |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/112 | Ingredient of Jivantyadi Ghrita |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/37 | Ingredient of Amritaprasa Ghrita |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/102 | Ingredient of Dashamuladi Yavagu |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/123 | Ingredient of Shatyadi Churna |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/130 | Ingredient of medicated nasal formulation (Nasya) |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/142 | Ingredient of Tejovatyadi Ghrita |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/40 | Ingredient of Tryushanadi Ghrita |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/101 | Indicated in the management of Pitta-dominant cough (Pittaja Kasa) |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/120 | Indicated in the management of Kapha-dominant cough (Kaphaja Kasa) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/127 | Ingredient of Kantakari Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/178 | Ingredient of Padmakadi Leha |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/87 | Indicated in the management of Vata-dominant heart disease (Vataja Hridroga) |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/170 | Ingredient of Maha Mayura Ghrita |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/159 | Ingredient of Amritadi Taila |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/58 | Ingredient of Parushaka Ghrita |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/93 | Ingredient of Madhuparnyadi Taila |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/153 | Indicated in the treatment of gout / arthritis (Vatarakta) |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 12/19 | Ingredient of Baladi Sneha Basti (unctuous enema) |
Therapeutic Uses
Bhumyamalaki is clinically indicated in the management of:[1]
- Amlapitta (Gastritis / Hyperacidity)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Kshaya (Chronic debility / Wasting)
- Kushtha (Dermatological disorders / Skin diseases)
- Pandu (Anemia)
- Prameha (Urinary disorders / Diabetes mellitus)
- Trushna (Excessive thirst / Polydipsia)
- Mutra Roga (Urinary system disorders)
Dosage & Administration
- Fresh Juice (Swarasa): 10 – 20 ml of the expressed juice.[1]
- Powder (Churna): 3 – 6 g of the dried drug powder.[1]
Important Formulations
- Chyavanprasha
- Chitraka Haritaki
- Madhuyastyadi Taila
- Pippalyadi Ghrita
- Shatavari Guda [1]
Habitat & Availability
- Status: Available
Current Research
- Phytochemical profile & research database: IMPPAT Phytochemical Profile: Phyllanthus amarus
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1: 70.
- ↑ Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Guduchyadi varga, verse no. 277.