Medicinal values of ‘Patri’ used in festivals
| Date :10-Sep-2019 |
By Rajendra Diwe :
Arka Patra: It is very popular as Raktarka or Arka in North India. It is known as Shallow Wort or Sodom Apple or Dead Sea Apple in English. In Hindi it is known as Aak, Mudar, Alarka or Mandar. In Sanskrit, it is called as Arka, in Telugu as Jilledu and in Marathi as Aark or Aarki or Mandar. The roots, leaves, flowers and latex are used as medicines since ancient times. The whole plant contains: Cardiac steroid glycoside-terpenoids, resin, glycosides, carbohydrates, aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium etc. Pharmacologically it acts as analgesic, resolvent (to complete solution), anti-inflammatory, emetic, expectorant, stomachic and digestive. It is used in skin diseases like leucoderma, eczema, ulcer, splen-omegaly, dropsy, anthelmintic; fresh leaves are used in Rheu-matoid arthritis, inflammation, dried and yellow leaves are used in cough and asthma.
Arjuna Patra: In English it is called as White Marudah while in Hindi it is known as Arjun Vriksha or Kauha or Koha or Kahu; in Sanskrit it is known as Arjuna Vriksham while in Telugu it is popular as Tella Maddi or Yerra Maddi. In Marathi it is known as Arjun Vriksha. Its bark leaves and fruits are having medicinal values. The bark contains-Beta Sitosterol, Arjunic Acid, Friedlene, Glucoside (Arjunetic), Tannins, Sugars, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminum, Calcium Carbonate etc. Pharmacologically it acts as diuretic, astringent, cooling agent, heart tonic, spasmogenic, wound healing.It is used in heart and liver diseases, significantly effective on cardiovascular system, styptic, tuberculosis, cough, dyscrasia, polyuria, fever and ulcer.
Agastya Patra It is known as Hummingbird Tree or Agathi in English. In Hindi, it is known as Agastya or Hatiya or Agusta; in Sanskrit it is known as Agasthya while in Telugu it is called as Avisa and in Marathi it is popular as Agasti or Agasta. There are two varieties of agathi leaves. One variety has white flower and the other one has red flower called as red august tree leaves. The common variety is white flower august tree leaves. Leaves, stem, root and flower of august tree leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
They contain Fiber, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin C, B complex and Minerals. The vitamins and rich calcium iron content provides more strength to bones. Agathi leaves strengthen the nerves of eyes. They are also used in constipation, to relieve burning sensation of body, eyes, stomach, legs and feet. Reference: Ayurved Ka Pran, Vanaushadhi Vidnyan, published by Department of Garden and Herbs, Shri Vedmata Gayatri Pariwar Trust, Shantikunj, Haridwar (Uttaranchal)