Javanese Wood Plant
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Botanical Name
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Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss.
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Common Name
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Javanese wood plant, Chaya (Hindi), Cherupulai (Tamil), Bhadra (Sanskrit)
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Distribution
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Throughout India
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Religious association
The flower of this plant is one among the ten auspicious flowers or ‘Dashapushpams’. *
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Uses
The plant is described in Ayurveda as one of the best-known remedies for bladder and kidney stones. A decoction of the plant is consumed to dissolve the stones. The plant is used to eliminate intestinal worms and acts as an antidote for snake poison. It is also used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus. The roots are used in headaches and its decoction is given as a tonic to pregnant women. The young shoots are eaten by cattle.
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* Dashapushpam (Ten auspicious flowers used for the worship of Hindu deities)
| Sl. No. |
Botanical Name |
Common Name
(Hindi) |
Common Name
(Tamil) |
| 1 |
Cynodon dactylon |
Durba |
Arukampillu |
| 2 |
Aerva lanata |
Chaya |
Cerupulai |
| 3 |
Vernonia cinerea |
Sahadevi |
Puvamkurundal |
| 4 |
Evolvulus alsinoides |
Vishnukranta |
Vishnukranti |
| 5 |
Biophytum sensitivum |
Lajjalu |
Teendanazhi |
| 6 |
Emilia sonchifolia |
Hirankhuri |
Muyalchevi |
| 7 |
Curculigo orchioides |
Musli |
Nilappanaikkizhangu |
| 8 |
Eclipta alba |
Bhringraj |
Kaikeshi |
| 9 |
Cardiospermum halicacabum |
Kaanphuti |
Mudukkottan |
| 10 |
Mandragora officinalis |
- |
Thiruthaali |