Botanical Name: Vernonia anthelmintica (Seed)
Tamil Name: காட்டுசீரகப் பொடி / Kaattu Jeerakap Podi
Malayalam Name: കാറ്റ് ജീരകം / Kaattu Jeerakam
Telugu Name: అడవి జిలకర / Adavi Jilkara
Hindi Name: कालीजीरी / Kalijeeri
Description:
Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. (Syn: Centratherun anthelminticum, Family: Asteraceae) is a tall, robust, stout, erect annual herb, 60-90cm in height with pubescent branches.
Traditional Uses: Seed is traditionally used as stomachic, anti-asthmatic, anthelmintic and treatment of various skin infections like leucoderma and psoriasis. The plant has been reported for anthelmintic, analgesic & antipyretic, diuretics, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic & hypolipidemic, antiarthritic, antidepressant, nephrolithiasis, larvicidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antifilarial, anticancer and traditionally used in the treatment of leucoderma, psoriasis and other skin infections. According to Ayurveda, seeds are hot, acrid, astringent, anthelmintic; cure ulcers, vatha and kapha; use in skin disease, leucoderma and fever. According to Unani system of medicine, the seeds are anthelmintic, purgative; used for asthma, kidney troubles, hiccough, inflammatory swellings, to remove blood from the liver, sores and itching of the eyes. The seeds are anthelmintic, stomachic, tonic, diuretic and antiperiodic.
Therapeutic Uses: குன்மம் (Painful gastro intestinal disorder), குடற்புழு, வெள்ளை (Leucorrhoea), வெண்புள்ளி.
Dosage: At morning empty stomach, take 1 teaspoon (3g) powder mix with honey or boiled with water & drink (or) as directed by physician.