Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by admin
Introduction
Pashanbhed, also known as stone breaker or Bergenia ligulata, is a traditional Indian herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for treating kidney stones and other ailments. The most utilized part of the plant is the rhizome, which contains compounds that help dissolve kidney stones and enable their passage out of the body through increased urine production.
Beyond its antilithic properties, Pashanbhed also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, which allow it to treat fevers, wounds, ulcers, and coughs when applied topically or ingested. With a wide range of therapeutic benefits, it is easy to see why this climbing plant native to the Himalayas has earned a place in indigenous medical systems. Pashanbhed offers a natural alternative to modern medicine for combating various urological and other health conditions.
Pashanbhed Plant Name in Different Languages:
- Sanskrit : Pashanbhed, ashmabhed, giribhed, ashmaghn,
- Hindi: Pashanbhed, Pashan bed;
- Odia : Kanabhindi, Pethe,
- Uttarakhand : Silphada,
- Assamese : Tuprilata,
- Kashmiri : Pashanabheda,
- Kannad : Alelgaya, Pashanabhedi,
- Gujrati : Pashanabheda,
- Tamil : Vattitriuppi,
- Telugu : Telanurupindi
- Bengali : Himasagara,Pathakucha, Patharchuri,
- Marathi : Pashanbheda,
- Nepali : Sohap soa,Silparo,
- Punjabi : Banpatrak,Phota,
- Meghalaya: Jejive gaun racesong
- Mijoram : Kham-demdavi
- English : Saxifrage, Stone breking, Indian rock foil yam,
- Arabi : Jantiane,
- Persian : Kushad,
Pashanbhed Plant Structure:
Pashanbhed is the kind of bush. It is found in the rocks of mountain regions. So, it is called Pashan Bheda. Its leaves are green, thick, and sharp form sides. There are two types of it, Small and Big. Both are same by size and type but height is different.
Pashanbhed Medicinal Properties:
Pashanbhed, scientifically known as Bergenia ligulata, is a highly regarded medicinal Ayurvedic herb. Here are some of its medicinal properties based on Ayurvedic texts and recent research:
- Urolithic Properties: Pashanbhed is renowned for its ability to dissolve kidney stones. It’s often referred to as a herb that breaks stones, which is evident from its name “Pashan” meaning stone and “Bhed” meaning to break.
- Cooling, Bitter, and Astringent: In Ayurveda, Pashanbhed is described as cooling, bitter, and astringent in taste. It is believed to alleviate problems associated with the urinary bladder.
- Therapeutic Benefits: The herb is known to break hardened feces, alleviate vata and other doshas, and cure conditions like hemorrhoids, intestinal growths, dysuria, urinary stones, and gastric/heart problems. It’s also beneficial for female genital diseases, urinary diseases, splenic diseases, spasms, and ulcers.
- Active Ingredients: Recent studies have identified various active ingredients in Pashanbhed, including a C-glycoside called Bergenin, beta-sitosterol, gallic acid, tannic acid, and amino acids like iso-leucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine. These compounds contribute to its wide range of pharmacological properties.
- Pharmacological Properties: The herb exhibits several pharmacological properties such as anti-urolithic, hepato-protective, anti-viral, anti-pyretic, cardio-protective, and anti-fungal.
- Traditional Uses: Traditionally, Pashanbhed has been used for its diuretic properties and its efficacy in dissolving stones formed in the urinary tract. It’s also been associated with properties that calm the Vata dosha in the body and is considered beneficial for urinary tract infections and disorders.
This herb has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic benefits, especially concerning urinary tract disorders and kidney stones. However, as with any herb or medicine, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Recommended Dosage of Pashanbhed:
The standard dosage of Pashanbhed powder is 1-3 grams taken twice daily or as prescribed by a doctor.
How to use Pashanbhed:
To consume Pashanbhed powder, measure out 1-3 grams of the powder and swallow it with warm water two times per day or follow the dosage guidelines provided by your physician. This can help manage diabetes.
To make a Pashanbhed decoction, take 20-30 grams of Pashanbhed root powder and add it to approximately 2 cups of water. Boil the mixture and let it reduce to half the volume. Consume this decoction as recommended by your doctor to treat urinary conditions like kidney stones or painful urination.
Pashanbhed Uses and Benefits:
1. Stomachache: Taking 1 to 2 teaspoon Pashanbhed with lukewarm water removes stomachache.
2. A medicine that increases appetite: Take roots, barks and stem of Pashanbhed as remedy; it increases appetite.
3. Loose motions: Taking 7 to 14 ml juice of Pashanbhedleaves with honey thrice a day provides relief to stops loose motion.
4. Stone, Anuria and Dysuria: Take 3 to 6 grams powder of Pashanbhed panchang (roots, leaf, fruit, flower and stem), it removes anuria and dysuria and breaks stone.
5. Prolapsus-ani: Taking about ¼ gram Pashanbhed regular twice a day (in the morning and evening) is useful to cure the diseases that are caused by the weakness of intestine and prolapsus-ani.
6. Bloody urine: Grind Pashanbhed with milk and lick it twice a day (morning and evening). It cleans the urine.
7. Stone:
- Make the powder by grinding 3 grams Pashanbhed, 3 grams holy garlic pear bark, 3 grams caltrop bark, 3 grams castor roots, 3 grams wild eggs plant and fox nut together. Take 2 pinches of this powder twice a day (in the morning and evening) regularly, it breaks stone, and throws out it.
- Taking 10 to 20 grams Pashanbhed twice a day (in the morning and evening) regularly is helpful for the patient of stone.
8. Burning sensation of urine: Prepare a decoction by boiling Pashanbhed, gochurphala, dry ginger and varunatvak together in equal quantity. Take about fourth ml of this decoction after mixing about fourth nitrate of potash in it twice a day (in the morning and evening), it removes retention of urine, burning sensation of urine, and breaks the stone of urinary bladder.
9. Stomachache: Take the juice of Pashanbhed leaves after mixing dry ginger powder in it, it ends stomachache.
10. Boil: Grind Pashanbhed or silafada with honey and apply it on the boils to cure them.
11. Epilepsy: Put 5 to 6 drops of Pashanbhed on the sugar and take, it cures epilepsy.
Side Effects of Pashanbhed:
- Oedema – swelling
- Depression – feelings of sadness
- Erythema – skin redness
These side effects may occur when taking high doses of Pashanbhed.
Precautions When Taking Pashanbhed:
For Pregnant Women
- Although considered safe, best to consult a doctor before use
For People with Heart Problems
- Better to avoid Pashanbhed due to lack of research
- Consult a doctor before use
For People with Sensitive Skin
- May cause allergic reactions when applied topically
- Consult a doctor before use
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new herbal treatment.
