Curing fevers (cholera, jaundice) like an antipyretic, setting digestive disorders right, healing wounds, bites and bruises like an antiseptic, treating arthritis, rheumatism, diabetes and boosting immunity in general. This plant has got it all. Its a medicine mall!
Tinospora crispa commonly known as Petawali, Makabuhai or Liane quinine is a woody, climbing liana native to South Asia. It's closely related species Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy/ Guduchi) is widely cultivated by Ayurveda practitioners for its wide range of medicinal applications. Both species have immense medicinal value and are used as a general tonic and immunity booster.
The plant's stem is flexible when young turning woody when old, with numerous warty protuberances known as tubercles, that get increasingly closely spaced and prominent as the stem ages. Leaves are heart shaped, borne alternately along stem.
Propagated by stem cuttings, which remain viable for around 1 year if stored in a sealed container.
This plant can be seen climbing up some trees in natural habitats and needs support to climb when cultivated.
Considered to be a universal medicine by local people in the Philippines who give it the name 'makabuhai', which means 'to give life'
The plant is commonly prescribed as a decoction or in powder form in the treatment of fevers, stomach trouble, indigestion, and diarrhoea.
A preparation made with coconut oil is an effective cure for rheumatism and is also used in the treatment of flatulence in children
This preparation is made by chopping the stem into pieces 2 - 5cm long and placing them in a jar with coconut oil,. This jar is then left out in a sunny position to 'cook' and is then stored for 12 months until it is ready to use.
The stem is antimalarial, parasiticide, tonic and vulnerary
It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers.
Taken externally, a decoction of the stem is considered an effective cure if used as a wash for tropical ulcers, external parasites, and is also an excellent vulnerary for itches, ordinary and cancerous wounds.
An infusion of the stem is drunk in Malaysia and Indonesia as a vermifuge and of the whole plant to treat cholera; it is also used to treat diabetes mellitus.
Externally it is applied against scabies and to heal wounds. In Brunei, the plant is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and to relieve abdominal pains. In Indo-China, an infusion of the stem is drunk to treat fever (also when caused by malaria) and jaundice. Powdered stems are used to fatten horses and cattle by stimulating their appetite.
Tinospora crispa is a very commonly used medicinal plant in the Philippines. In Thailand, an infusion from the stem is used to treat jaundice, cholera, malaria, and against worms in children.
Coiled and dried sections of the Tinospora stems can sometimes be found for sale in Chinese medicinal shops.
-A cold infusion of the seed is helpful for ridding intoxication due to alcohol and drugs.
-Infusion made with stem is used to wash aching eyes and syphilitic sores.
-A poultice of crushed leaves can be applied on wounds or as a dressing for itch.
A poultice of stem powder with coconut oil is used for treatment of arthritis.
- It can also be useful to treat septicemia, bruises, scabies.
The stem powder is useful in general for stimulation of appetite.
In Bangladesh, juice of stem is used for treating intestinal disorders, rheumatism, jaundice, skin disease, paralysis, body pain and leprosy.
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