kokilaksha

Description

Morphology of Asteracantha longifolia: Kokilaksha is a small plant growing to a height of 3-5 feet with small thorns or hairy parts all over the plant. The stem resembles that of sugarcane. The flowers of the plant are of purple color. The seed is black in color and it swells and becomes slimy when it comes in contact with water or saliva. Flowers and the fruits are seen in the month of September to November. The plant is found all over India near water sources, fields and marshy land. Hygrophila auriculata is also used as a synonym for Asteracantha longifolia.

Useful Parts

Root, seed

Benefits

Kokilaksh is well appreciated in the treatment of Vatarakta – Gout (gouty arthritis) and biliary stones (especially, Kokilaksha kshara). Seeds are proclaimed as best aphrodisiacs and improve sperm count and increase viscosity of semen. The seeds and plants are cold in potency and sweet mixed bitter in taste. The seeds are slimy, heavy and tonic in nature. The drug is effective in Vata disorders, edema, calculi, thirst and blood borne disorders. Kokilaksha kashaya, Talimkhana choorna, Vrishya yoga, Ikshurakadi yoga etc are the unique classical preparations of this drug.

Pharmacological Action

Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Respiratory stimulant, Antispasmodic, hypotensive

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Madhura

Guna: Guru, Snigdha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Madhura

Dosha Karma: Vatapitta shamaka