Naregamia alata, also known as Goan ipecacuanha, is an Ayurvedic herb used in various medicinal preparations. The whole plant is used for its therapeutic properties, including:
- Dysentery
- Asthma
- Visha chikilsa (poisoning treatment)
- Hair care (to make hair oils)
The herb is also used to treat:
- Sinusitis (as per Dr. Ajayan Sadanandan)
- Jaundice (as per Indu Dileep, due to its srothoshodhana action)
Preparations made from Naregamia alata include:
- Tambuli (a dish similar to Sambar, prepared with buttermilk as the base)
- Oil for head application
- Kalka (external application)
The herb is also known by various names in different languages, including:
- Sanskrit: Triparni (तीनपर्णी), Aamalavalli
- Hindi: Pitmari (पित्तमारी)
- Bengali: Kamini
- Malayalam: Nilanaragam, Malayamukki
- Kannada: Nelabevu, Nelakanchi
It is important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using this herb, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
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