tikshnaksha :

Plants growing in a herbal garden in southern India Photograph by: Thamizhpparithi Maari

General Use:

The whole plant is aromatic or hot and pungent, and used as a bitter or aromatic tonic. It is used to boost digestive function and to treat fevers

The fruit is used as a cough remedy

The roots are used in the treatment of indigestion and influenza
The root and its bark have been used as a remedy for fever, malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and rheumatism.

The leaves are used in the treatment of lung diseases and rheumatism. An infusion is used as a treatment for asthma

Therapeutic Uses:

Root bark considered antimalarial, antiperiodic, antipyretic, tonic and carminative.
- Volatile oil from the leaves have a pleasant odor resembling verbena of basilicum.

Systemic Use:

The plant is used medicinally by many African peoples, including the Maasai, who use it for malaria, cough, and influenza. The roots contain coumarins that have antiplasmodial activity. Extracts of the plant have demonstrated antiviral activity against H1N1 influenza in the laboratory

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha, hemiplegia, malaria, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, wounds, ulcers, epilepsy and poison insect bites

Administration:

Root extract

Pharmacological:

Studies have shown antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, repellent, antioxidant, anti-diarrheal, antihyperglycemic properties.