🌿ETYMOLOGY
The plant is native to India where its name in Hindi is Kanghai , that means comb-like referring to the comb-like appearance of the fruit. The Sanskrit name used for this plant in Ayurveda is Atibala, which means extremely powerful. The genus name Abutilon is said to be derived from Arabic word aubutilon which was given to the flower by a Persian astronomer and physician Avicenna. Another of its common name "Flowering Maple" is obtained for the maple-like leaves of the plant, although the plant is not related to the true maples.
🌿THE PLANT
Abutilon indicum is a much branched, erect velvety-pubescent subshrub growing up to 2.5 m. Leaves are simple, heart-shaped with crenate margins and soft, velvety and pubescent on both sides. Solitary yellow flowers, with 5 petals are produced in leaf axils. The flowers only open in the evenings. The fruits are round flat topped capsules with 11-20 radiating carpels. The seeds are reniform, pubescent and dark brown or black in colour.
🌿CULTIVATION
The plant is easily grown from seeds. It prefers fertile & well-drained soils and bright sun to partial shade.
🌿HEALTH BENEFITS
Abutilon indicum is a powerful therapeutic herb with immense medicinal qualities. The plant as a whole contains mucilaginous compounds, asparagines, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and certain essential oils.
It has many healing properties like
Demulcent (heals ulcers)
Laxative (improves digestion)
Diuretic ( relieves urinary disorders)
Aphrodisiac ( maintains reproductive health)
Anti-diabetic and Hypoglycaemic (lowers blood sugar)
Antipyretic ( cures fevers)
Anthelmintic ( cures skin diseases like ringworm)
Nerve tonic and Sedative ( has a calming effect on nerves)
Anti-inflammatory
Antihyperlipidemic (lowers cholesterol)
Antimicrobial ( prevents infection)
Hepatoprotective ( protects the liver)
Immunomodulatory ( boosts immunity)
Analgesic ( relieves pain) and
Wound-healing properties.
🌿REMEDIES MALNUTRITION
Malnutrition,chiefly occurs due to the lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Atibala improves digestion and coupled with inherent nourishing components it significantly tackles malnutrition and mineral deficiencies.
🌿DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Extract of dried seeds is used as purgative. The seeds are powdered & ingested to treat dysentery & stomach ache. Seeds are laxative, diuretic & emollient. Tea from dried leaves is also used to treat dysentery & fever. Flowers are used as a laxative for treating piles.
🌿PROMOTES REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Atibala plays a significant in improving men’s sexual health. The herb has powerful spermatogenic properties that are extremely beneficial for treating asthenozoospermia (i.e., sperm motility), teratospermia (i.e., abnormal sperm shape), oligospermia (i.e., low sperm count), hypospermia (low volume of semen), and enhances spermatogenesis (i.e., sperm production). Enriched with antioxidants, it enhances the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone. It also deals with conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation and increases libido.
🌿CURES LIVER ANOMALIES
Atibala inherently possesses potent anti-biliary and hepatostimulative properties, which makes it a magical remedy during conditions like jaundice, in which the liver gets most affected. The plant supports the liver by secreting bile, which in turn helps the liver enzymes to tone down to normal levels. It also cleanses and detoxifies the liver and enhances liver functioning.
🌿RELIEVES PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Atibala is extensively used to provide relief in painful conditions like arthritis, muscle spasms, body pain, etc. The pain due to Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis can be alleviated by using formulations containing this plant.
🌿IMPROVES KIDNEY FUNCTIONS
The traditional herb promotes the healthy functioning of the kidneys by aiding in the excretion of excess uric acid and maintaining the uric acid level in the kidneys, thereby preventing and treating gout. Due to its anti-lithiasis property it prevents the formation of kidney stones, and helps to break or reduce the size of the formed ones, and in turn prevents various underlying health conditions like kidney stones, gout, cystitis, and polycystic kidney disease. Tea from dried roots is used to treat urine incontinence & also dysentery & fever.
🌿SKIN HEALTH
Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, Atibala is used for treating oxidative free radical damage due to the sun rays and hence arrests the various signs of aging like wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines, spots, and dark circles, etc. It is also highly effective in reducing acne, pimples, and different skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, etc., and bequeaths smooth and glowing skin.
🌿PREVENTS ULCERS
The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the Atibala root play a chief role in treating different types of ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, canker sores or mouth ulcers, etc. The bioactive constituents in Atibala help in mending mouth and gastric ulcers. It also helps speed up the healing process in the inflamed mucosal layer and retrieve the skin's original texture. Crushed leaves taken with small amount of water to relieve abscess inflammation, boils, gingivitis, toothache & ulcers.
A paste of Atibala powder and coconut oil is applied to the affected skin to speed up healing of wounds.
🌿SIDE-EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Avoid using concomitantly with antidiabetic drugs as it may cause hypoglycemia.
Use with caution along with diuretic medicines.
No studies are available on usage of atibala in pregnant, or lactating mothers, so they should avoid it.
There is no study available on safety of atibala in use for children.
🌿OTHER USES
Fibres from stems are harvested to make jute & paper. Fibres also used in rope-making - coarse but flexible, strong & take dyes well. Seeds contain approximately 19% of a semi-drying oil.
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