Akarakaraba
Anacyclus pyrethrum (Compositeae)
Sanskrit Names: Akarakaraba
English Name: Pillitory root, Spanish chamomile, or Mount Atlas daisy
Hindu Name: Akarakara
Botanical Name: Anacyclus pyrethrum
Synonyms: Akallaka, Akkalkara
Family: Compositeae
Description
Anacyclus pyrethrum (pellitory, Spanish chamomile, or Mount Atlas daisy) is a perennial herb much like chamomile in habitat and appearance. It is in a different family (Asteraceae) from the plants known as pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria officinalis) and spreading pellitory (Parietaria judaica). It is found in North Africa, elsewhere in the Mediterranean region, in the Himalayas, in North India, and in Arabian countries.1
An annual, hairy plant with marigold eye, flowers pale rose having a yellowish center, stem is hairy, roots are long and finger like, brittle, aromatic, rough, pungent taste. Flowers and fruits summer onwards.
Principle Constituents
Classical Categories (Gana)
This herb belongs to the following classical groups:
Energetics
Chemical Constituents
Contain an essential oil and pelliterene and pyerethrin
Ayurveda Actions
Important Actions
External. Paralysis, weakness, chewed for dental infections, mouth disorders, pains (Vāta decreasing), abscess, watery nasal discharge, sinus + nasal colds, impotency, Stimulant in speech disorders, gingivitis (not for ptta infections but for candida), headaches, lethargy, pains, parasitic disorders, chewing root irritates the tongue and creates salivation, it can irritate the stomach lining, causes blisters and aggravates pitta.
Internal. Epilepsy, paralysis, Parkinson's, rheumatoid arthritis, weakness, agnimandya, shotha, dries excess secretions. Irritating to the tongue causing excess saliva flow
Indications
External use
Oil for massage in hemiplegia and nervine debility. Decoction of Akarkarabh root is used for gargling in dental cavities, toothache, tonsillitis. In abscess it is applied externally for assimilation and draining. By its application, skin becomes reddish, and boils occur. It is applied externally as an analgesic.
Its nasya is given in chronic rhinitis and cold. It is used in various aphrodisiac oils prepared in Unani
medicine.
Internal use
For Vāta disorders. Small dose acts as an appetite stimulant in indigestion and pittashaya. Increases heart rate. Used in sexually transmitted diseases and inflammation. Useful in cough and hoarseness of voice. Useful in diabetes. Also helps in impotency caused by weakness of nerves, Used as rasayana in kapha diseases.
Precautions
Pitta pacifying diet and anupana is advised to avoid complications.
Safety
No drug-herb interactions are known.
Parts Used
Parts used: Roots
Dosage: 250mg for oral use.
Important Combinations
Akarakarabhadi churna, vati, Danta manjana churna.
Research
