Template:Infobox plant

Talisapatra (Latin: Abies webbiana, English: Himalayan yew / Himalayan silver fir) is an evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the family Pinaceae (Coniferae). In Ayurveda, its aromatic leaves are widely used as a potent respiratory tonic, bronchodilator, and carminative agent.[1]

Botanical & Vernacular Names

  • Latin Name: Abies webbiana
  • Family: Coniferae (Pinaceae)
  • English Name: Himalayan yew
  • Sanskrit / Classical Name: Talisapatra

Synonyms in Classical Texts

  • Synonyms in Bhavaprakash Nighantu:[2]
    • Talisa
    • Patradhya – The plant bears dense, plentiful leaves.
    • Dhatripatra – The leaves resemble those of the Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) tree.

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Talisapatra are summarized below:[1]

Sr. No. Pharmacological Criteria Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes)
1 Taste (Rasa) Sweet (Madhura), Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
2 Potency (Veerya) Hot (Ushna)
3 Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) Pungent (Katu)
4 Qualities (Guna) Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
5 Actions (Karma) Pacifies Vata and Kapha (Vatakaphahara)
6 Specific Action / Potency (Prabhava) Digestive stimulant (Dipana), Cardioprotective / pleasing to the heart (Hrudya)

References in Charaka Samhita

Talisapatra is documented across various sections of the Charaka Samhita:

Sr. No. Reference in Charaka Samhita Activity / Formulation / Therapeutic Use
1 Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/41 Used as an ingredient in the procedure for retained placenta removal post-delivery
2 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/143 Ingredient of Tejovatyadi Ghrita
3 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/192 Ingredient of Kalaka Churna
4 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/30 Used as a formulation drug (Yoga Dravya)

Therapeutic Uses

Talisapatra is therapeutically indicated in the management of:[1]

  • Kasa (Cough / Bronchitis)
  • Agnimandhya (Digestive impairment / Loss of appetite)
  • Hikka (Hiccups)
  • Krumi (Worm infestation / Helminthiasis)
  • Ksaya (Chronic debility / Phthisis / Wasting)
  • Mukharoga (Diseases of the oral cavity)
  • Swasa (Dyspnea / Breathlessness / Asthma)
  • Gulma (Abdominal lumps / tumors)
  • Amadosha (Disorders caused by endotoxins / undigested food metabolites)
  • Chardi (Vomiting / Emesis)
  • Aruchi (Anorexia / Loss of taste)

Dosage & Administration

  • Powder (Churna): 2 – 3 g of the drug powder.[1]

Important Formulations

  • Draksadi Churna
  • Talisadi Churna
  • Bhaskara Lavana
  • Pranada Gutika
  • Jatiphaladi Churna
  • Puga Khanda
  • Talisadi Modaka

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 4: 58.
  2. Prof. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Karpuradi varga, verse no. 114.
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