Ayurveda provides us with different herbs and spices but it does not limit its benefits there. Besides, it gives us goodness from a plant with dangerous properties too!!! Isn't it great? This plant is known as Devil's trumpet or Dhatura, which is also used in Hinduism as it is the Shiva Shekhara or the crown of Lord Shiva because it emerged out of his chest after he drank the deadly poison. Read the article to know about its amazing properties that can cure different health issues.
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Datura |
| Common names | Thornapple, Jimsonweed, Hell's bell |
The plant Dhatura can reach to 2m in height, the leaves of this plant are 10-12cm long and 5-18cm broad, the flower is trumpet-shaped, the fruit is 4-10cm long and 2-6cm broad that splits open when it is ripe to release more seeds. In addition, the colour can vary from white to yellow, pink and also pale blue.
It also has different types like Datura stramonium, Datura alba, Datura fastuosa, Datura inoxiamill etc.
Fact- The name of this plant originally came from Sanskrit word, Dhatura 'thorn-apple'.
Dhatura in ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Dhatura is classified as Upavisha because it is less toxic and shows its side effects on consumption only. This plant is harmful without the Sodhana process because it is the process of purification. It is mentioned in several Ayurvedic books that it can cure certain problems such as, Deepana (treatment of hypo functioning of Jataragni/digestive fire), Pachana (helps in digestion and neutralize Ama), Kustha (treats skin problems), Hridaya (treats heart problems), etc. This plant has Katu(pungent), Tikta Rasa(bitter taste), Laghu (light), and Ruksha Guna(dry quality) which helps to pacify the Vata dosha and controls Kapha dosha to get the balance among all the three doshas and to make our body balanced. As it has Ushna Virya(hot potency) so can lead to more heat in the body by increasing the Pitta dosha.
Health benefits of dhatura
It has properties that can be hazardous to the body because of its poisonous nature but most importantly, it still has so many usages that can cure different problems of the body, skin, and hair. Have a look at several benefits of this plant:
1.Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties it helps to improve respiratory health. Moreover, with these usages, it also has an expectorant (Kapha Hara) that helps to remove the mucous and makes it easier to breathe.
2. It is a cardioprotective plant and it also has anti-oxidants which straightens the heart muscles, lowers the cholesterol, and prevents lipid to build up.
3. With high hypnotic (Madukari) and sedative properties it relaxes the mind.
4. It can reduce anxiety by reducing uneasiness, restlessness, cold hands and feet, etc.
5. After a painful delivery it calms the uterine muscles and reduces pain. It also simulates reproductive hormones. As a result, in men, it helps to increase energy and stamina. In other words, it has aphrodisiac properties.
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6. Its ascorbic acids, anti-oxidants, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties help to stimulate the production of white blood cells.
7. It has anti-parasitic properties and can reduce the temperature of the body.
8. Its Vitamin-C and anti-oxidants help from sun rays that damage the skin, give wrinkles, and fine line spots. In short, helps to have healthy skin.
9. For hair, it can help with many issues like male pattern baldness, premature greying, scalp infections, etc.
Kanakasava for fever and cough
Kanakasava is an Ayurvedic treatment to deal with problems like asthma, cough, fever, etc. Besides other ingredients, the main ingredient is Dhatura because it has anti-spasmodic properties and is an expectorant. Here is a procedure as to how one can make it:
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| Ingredients (Ayurvedic Names) | Quantity (in parts) |
| Datura | 4 parts |
| Vasaka | 4 parts |
| Pippali | 2 parts |
| Kantakari | 2 parts |
| Nagkesar | 2 parts |
| Sonth | 2 parts |
| Bharangi | 2 parts |
| Talispatra | 2 parts |
| Dhataki flower | 16 parts |
| Munakka | 20 parts |
| Water | 512 parts |
| Sharkara | 100 parts |
| Sahad/honey | 50 parts |
Preparation Method
To begin with, the process of Kanakasava is simple and easy, you just have to take lukewarm water in Asava Vessel and put honey and sugar into it. Next, mix it well, and then add crushed Munakka. Then add Dhataki Flower powder and mix it in the mixture. Take all other ingredients and put them in the mixture to mix them. After that, leave it for about 25 to 30 days and then pour the liquid and preserve it in food-grade bottles. Tadaaaaa!!! your Kanakasava is ready.
Uses and Benefits
It is helpful for so many different respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, pertussis, rhinitis, persistent hiccup, chronic fever, etc. This plant can also help to release the pain of biliary colic, which is a dull pain in the middle to the upper right area of the abdomen.
Risk factors of dhatura
As it can be a harmful plant that could also lead to death if used in extra quantity. Therefore to use it one needs to also know its side effects and risk factors that can lead to:
- increases heartbeat
- high fever
- allergic reactions
- muscle stiffness
- dry mouth
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dhatura/Devil's trumpet has all the benefits from curing skin issues to tackling the problem of hair because it has properties like vitamin C and antioxidants. It has all the properties that can help with respiratory problems and even sexual problems like anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac. In Ayurveda, it helps in many issues. However, it can be hazardous to health because it is a plant with deadly properties. Therefore it can also lead to death if it is taken in more quantity. Lastly, the amount in which it should be used is upon the one who is taking it and should be used accordingly but it should always be under the doctor's approval.
References- 1. Datura: Benefits, Uses, Formulations, Ingredients, Method, Dosage and Side Effects
2. Kanakasava (Kanakasavam): Drug of Choice for Asthma, Biliary and Renal Colic
