Kokilaksha – Brief Introduction to the Medicinal properties of Asteracantha longifolia

कोकिलाक्षस्तु काकेक्षुरिक्षुरः क्षुरकः क्षुरः।

भिक्षुः काण्डेक्षुरप्युक्त इक्षुगन्धेक्षुबालिका॥

क्षुरकः शीतलो वृष्यः स्वाद्वम्लः पिच्छिलस्तथा।

तिक्तो वातामशोथाश्मतृष्णादृष्ट्यनिलास्रजित्॥ {भा.प्र.नि}

Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia) is an important herb which is used in the management of Vatarakta (Gouty arthritis) and also Amavata (inflammatory arthritis – Rheumatoid Arthritis). Its herbal decoction form Kokilaksham Kashayam is very popularly prescribed in Arthritis and disorders due to Vayu dysfunction.

Synonyms:

• Kakekshu
• Ikshura
• Kshura
• Bhikshu
• Kaandekshu
• Ikshugandha
• Ikshubaalikaa

Popularly known as:

• Latin: Hygrophilia auriculata, Hygrophilia spinosa, Asteracantha longifolia (Family: Acanthaceae)
• Hindi: Taalamkhana
• Kannada: Kulugolike
• Telugu: Golimidi chettu
• Tamil: Nirimulli
• Marathi: Taaleekhaana
• Bengali: Kuliyaakhaaraa, Kulekhaada
• Gujarati: Ekharo

Properties:

• Rasa (Taste): Sweet, Sour and Bitter
• Guna (Property): Cold, Unctous, Slimy in nature

Medicinal Uses:

• Vayuhara: Alleviates Vayu and thus eradicates the diseases which are manifested due to vitiated Vayu
• Vatraraktahara: Unparalled in acute and superficial arthritis especially Vatarakta (gouty arthritis) especially Uttana Vatarakta (Inflammatory or crystal arthritis limited to skin and blood) and Amavata (inflammatory arthritis viz Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Amahara: Eradicates Ama (endo-toxins / intermediate products of digestion / metabolites)
• Shothagna: Reduces swelling and inflammation and thus useful in inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis
• Ashmarighna, Mootrala, Mootrakrichrahara: Good diuretic and helps in elimination of gravel and calculi (kidney and bladder stones), Relieves dysuria, Relieves cystitis
• Trishnahara: Relieves thirst
• Netrarogajit: Beneficial in eye disorders
• Udararogajit: Beneficial in Ascitis, Hepatomegaly, Spleenomegaly and other abdominal disorders
• Kamalahara: Alleviates Jaundice
• Stanyajanana: Galactogogue (Enhances breast milk production)
• Shukrashodhana: Purifies / cleanses Semen
• Santarpana: Provides Nourishment
• Balya: Strength promoter
• Vrishya: Aphrodisiac

Useful Parts:

• Roots, Seeds, Leaves and Alkali are used for their medicinal properties in various disorders and in various combinations

Used in the form of:

• Moola Kwatha: Decoction (of roots)
• Beeja Choorna: Powder of seeds
• Kshara: Alkali
• Bhasma: Ash

Caution:

Kindly consult your doctor before using any herb, herbal compound or medicines

Dr Raghuram Y.S.

MD(Ay), Ayurvedic Rheumatology

Consultant Ayurvedic Physician

Speciality: Joint and Spine care

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Ph: +91-9480071422

Email: drraghuramys@gmail.com

Skype: raghuramsastry1973