Pakhra پکھڑا

Description

Pakhra at sknatural is Eclipta prostrata. It belongs to family “Compositae/Asteraceae”. Generally, people use its leaves and seeds. It is warm and dry in second order. It contains phytochemicals, such as coumestans, polypeptides, polyacetylenes, thiophene derivatives, steroids, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids.

Characterized by cylindrical, grayish roots, this plant boasts solid, circular, purplish stems adorned with fine white hairs, reaching heights of up to 0.8m. Its leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, featuring a hairy texture on both sides, and are lanceolate with serrated edges, measuring 2–12.5 cm in length and 5-35 mm in width. The solitary flower heads, measuring 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) in diameter, are adorned with white florets. Its seeds, known as achenes, are bumpy, compressed, and narrowly winged

Properties:

Aphrodisiac, ophthalmic tonic, resolvent, cholagogue, tonic and alterative, emetic and purgative. Extract of leaves is hepatic tonic and deobstruent, carminative, blood purifier.

Other names:

• Arabic Name(s): Zufar, Aklibata
• Urdu Name(s): Bhangra
• English Name(s): Eclipta, Common Perilla

Recommended dosage:

Leaves 5-7 g., seeds 1-3 g. Described as harmful for individuals with warm temperament in large doses or prolonged use

Medicinal uses:

The paste from the root powder of pakhra effectively addresses spleen and liver hardness and enlargement. This remedy frequently applies to manage blood disorders, particularly those causing chronic skin conditions such as leprosy, vitiligo, leucoderma, and urticaria. When applied to inflamed body areas, it soothes and offers relief.

Additionally, when applied to the head with a small quantity of oil, it benefits in alleviating headaches, and when used as snuff, it relieves cephalgia. Combining it with black pepper and honey effectively treats liver-related catarrh and syphilis, while administering two drops of honey with it benefits newborns suffering from catarrh. Furthermore, it relieves earache when directly applied to the ears as juice.

Both the juice and decoction of its leaves effectively combat jaundice, fevers, and uterine hemorrhages. Moreover, an extract or infusion in water serves as useful gargles for dental issues, particularly in alleviating pain and gum complaints. Boiling the herb’s extract together with coconut and sesame oil, and preserving only the oil for application on the hair, results in black, shiny, and lengthy hair. Additionally, using the herb’s water as drops effectively treats ophthalmia.