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Talamuli

Tue, 11/02/2010 - 16:18 — john

Curculigo orchioides

Curculigo orchioides (Hypoxidaceae)


Sanskrit Names: Talamuli
English Name:
Hindu Name: Black Musli, Kali Musli
Botanical Name: Curculigo orchioides
Synonyms:
Family: Hypoxidaceae

Description

Talamuli (Curculigo orchioides) is a perennial herb with a long tuberous root and yellow flowers. It is found in temperate regions such as Chota-Nagapur plateau and Deccan plateau in India.

It is first mentioned by Caraka in the treatment of respiratory disorders (C.S.Ci 18/74). Susruta quoted it in the treatment of urilithisis (S.S.Ci 7/18) and in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (S.S.Ut. 51/30). Vagbhata for the first time introduced the term Musali in the context of hyper pigmentation of the skin as external application (A.H.Ut 32/21).1

The medicinal properties of this herb are elucidated in several texts of ayurveda. It is also a major ingredient of several medicinal preparations in the Unani system of medicine. The ancient inhabitants of China were well aware of the medicinal properties of Black Musli and extensively used it in herbal preparations. The rhizome of this plant is utilized extensively for medicinal purposes. 2

Also available in other countries and used in Chinese medicine (Xian Mao). 3

Principle Constituents

Energetics

Rasa (taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
Guna (quality): Guru (heavy), Snighdha (slimy), Picchila (sticky)
Virya (energy): Ushna (heating)
Vipaka (post digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
Prabhava (Special quality):
Dosha Effect: VP- K+
Dhatus: Rasa, Rakta
Srotas (channels): Rasavaha

Chemical Constituents

Curculigol; curculigo saponins K, L & M; curculigenins B & C; curculgoside A, B & C etc.4

Ayurveda Actions

Brimhana - promoted growth
Rasayana - rejuvenation tonic

Indications

Klaibya (impotency), arshas (piles), Kasa (cough), Grahani

Internal use

The Ayurveda preparations of this herb are used in the treatment of several health conditions. The major uses can be classified as follows:-5
Respiratory system: Black Musli is used along with other herbs to treat bronchitis, chronic cough and asthma.
Digestive system: Black Musli is effective in the treatment of hepatitis. It rejuvenates the liver and normalizes its function. It acts as a good appetite- stimulant and stabilizes digestion. The preparations of this herb are useful in treating piles and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Reproductive system: Ayurveda also elaborates upon this herb’s aphrodisiac properties. Black Musli preparations are widely used in treating erectile dysfunction, low libido, low sperm count and low sperm motility. Ayurvedic texts immensely praise its properties of enhancing quality and quantity of semen.
Urinary system: Black Musli acts as diuretic and boosts the resistance of urinary system against infections.
In Skin system: The tuber of Black Musli is ground into paste and applied externally as an effective cure for several skin diseases.
In addition to such specific medicinal uses, Black Musli is also used as a general systemic health enhancer (rasayana). It strengthens the body and boosts immunity levels. Contemporary research has resulted in the discovery of new medicinal properties of Black Musli. The most noteworthy of these are:
  • It is effective in prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis.
  • It is a very good anti-oxidant.
  • Its rhizomes have antibacterial properties.
In the light of the above facts, it is evident that the Black Musli is a herb that must be protected and preserved for medicinal use. But it is also a fact that this precious herb is facing imminent threat of extinction due to over-grazing by livestock and unsustainable rates of exploitation by over-zealous pharmacists. Thus, the need of the hour is comprehensive training and education in sustainable means of farming and preserving this priceless gem of the plant kingdom.
It helps in wound healing and joining due to astringent property. It is haemostatic. The bark paste can be applied to wounds, ulcers and specially used in promoting the union of fractures.

Precautions

None known

Safety

No known drug/herb interactions.

Parts Used

Parts used: Tuberoius root
Dosage:Bark - Powder 3-6 gms.

Important Combinations

Preparations: Musalyadi churna

Research

C. Orchiodes was found to be more effective when compared to L. Kasturi (A. esculentus) in a clinical trial 9Joshi, 1988)6
The effects of C. Orchiodes on spermatogenesis was studied in a clinical trial and found to be significant (Puranik, 1991)7

References

  • 1. Sastry Dr J.L.N; Dravyaguna Vijana, Vol 11, page 993; Second Edition, published 2003 by Chaukambha Orientalia
  • 2. By Dr.SavithaSuri, Ayurvedic Physician http://www.ayurhelp.com
  • 3. Details of use in Chinese medicine available on M Didea Website
  • 4. Sastry Dr J.L.N; Dravyaguna Vijana, Vol 11, page 993; Second Edition, published 2003 by
    Chaukambha Orientalia
  • 5. By Dr.SavithaSuri, Ayurvedic Physician http://www.ayurhelp.com
  • 6. Sastry Dr J.L.N; Dravyaguna Vijana, Vol 11, page 993; Second Edition, published 2003 by Chaukambha Orientalia
  • 7. Sastry Dr J.L.N; Dravyaguna Vijana, Vol 11, page 993; Second Edition, published 2003 by Chaukambha Orientalia
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