Akarkara, botanically known as Anacyclus pyrethrum, is a powerful medicinal herb celebrated for its numerous health benefits. It is commonly referred to as Pellitory in English and Akarakara in Hindi, while in Marathi, it is known as Akkalkara. In Tamil, the herb is called Akkirakaram, and in Sanskrit, it is referred to as Vacha. The herb is also recognized as Pyrethrum Root in English, Akarkara in Urdu, and Nuphar in Persian. These diverse names reflect the widespread use and significance of Akarkara across different cultures and regions
Akarkara: An Ancient Herb with Greek Origins and Medicinal Uses
Akarkara, a well-known herb in Arabia and India, is curiously absent from ancient Ayurvedic texts such as those by Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. However, it finds mention in medieval texts like Bhavprakash and Sharngdhar, suggesting that its knowledge might have been brought to India by Greek sages. The Greek physician Dioscorides referred to this herb as “Peon,” a name that evolved into the Latin term “pyrethrum.”
In Greek medicinal texts, Akarkara is categorized alongside four similar herbs in the Babuna class, including Baboona jarumi and Baboona stinko, known as Chamomile Gavachashan and Chamomile Spanish in Greek, and Pyrisma in Latin. Among these, Spanish chamomile, identified as Anacyclus pyrethrum in Latin, is recognized as the true Akarkara. This potent herb is cultivated in northern Algeria and select regions of India.
In India, two varieties of Akarkara are commonly found: Spilanthes oleracea and Spilanthes acmella. Akarkara is a small herb that thrives with the first rains of the monsoon. Its hairy branches bear yellow, beehive-shaped flowers, and its roots, measuring 2 to 4 inches long, have thick, brown, furrowed bark. Notably, this herb retains its potency for up to seven years, making it a valuable addition to traditional medicine.
Chemical Composition and Benefits of Akarkara
Chemical analysis of Akarkara has identified the presence of an alkaline compound called ‘alka-lide akarkarmin,’ along with resin and two types of oils—one permanent and one volatile. These elements give Akarkara its powerful anti-inflammatory, expectorant, aphrodisiac, carminative, and decongestant properties, making it an effective natural remedy for enhancing strength and vitality.
Ayurvedic Properties of Akarkara
In Ayurveda, Akarkara is recognized for its Ushnavirya (heating effect), Balakaraka (strengthening), and Charpara (stimulating) qualities. It is highly valued for its ability to reduce swelling, alleviate cold symptoms, and soothe coughs.
Greek Perspective on Akarkara
Greek scholars, including Punani Grampkar, classify Akarkara as dry and hot in the second stage of processing. Some experts extend this classification, considering it to remain dry up to the third or even the fourth stage. However, there are differing opinions, with some suggesting that it becomes cool in the third and fourth stages. It’s important to note that this herb’s effect on the lungs can be harmful, according to some Greek views.
Uses: Neurological Disorders
Akarkara is highly effective in treating neurological conditions due to its beneficial effects on the nervous system. It has shown significant benefits for nerve-related disorders such as Boshiti Pakshadham and Adit (facial paralysis). By enhancing neural function and clearing impurities caused by contaminated doshas, this herb supports the overall health of the nervous system.
Moreover, Akarkara’s potent Vata-balancing properties make it an excellent remedy for various joint and muscle-related ailments. When ground and mixed with olive oil for massage, it provides relief from conditions such as gouty arthritis, Vata-related headaches, frontal pain, hunchback, neck pain, and joint pain. Its soothing effects help alleviate discomfort and improve mobility in those suffering from these conditions.
Dosage:
For therapeutic use, the typical dosage of Akarkara powder is around 250 mg to 500 mg, taken twice daily. It is often recommended to take it with honey, ghee, or warm water to enhance its effectiveness and reduce any potential irritation.
When used in oil form for topical application, as in the treatment of joint pain or muscle aches, Akarkara can be ground and mixed with olive oil. Apply the mixture to the affected area and gently massage it in for relief.
It’s important to note that dosage may vary based on the individual’s health condition, age, and overall constitution. Consulting with a healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new herbal treatment is advised to ensure proper dosage and safety.
Fever and Cold Relief
Akarkara possesses strong diaphoretic properties, meaning it can induce sweating, which is beneficial in treating fever and cold symptoms. When cooked with olive oil and used for massage, it promotes sweating, helping to alleviate fever and clear congestion. Additionally, applying a warm decoction of Akarkara on the forehead or rubbing it on the palate can effectively relieve cold and cough symptoms, providing soothing relief and speeding up recovery.
Akarkara: A Versatile Herb for Dental Health, Respiratory Relief, Neurological Wellness, Paralysis and Epilepsy
Akalkara is also very beneficial in treating dental diseases. Keeping this decoction in the mouth strengthens the loose teeth. Similarly, soaking its root in vinegar and pressing it under the tooth destroys caries. Rubbing its powder on the tongue removes stiffness of the tongue and eliminates stuttering.
This medicine is also beneficial in treating whooping cough. By making a decoction of it and inhaling it helps in curing chronic whooping cough. Similarly, by inhaling its fine powder, the blockage caused due to blocked nose is removed.
This medicine also shows its effect on diarrhea and stomach related diseases. Use of this medicine is beneficial in diseases like diarrhea, teething problems, colic etc. in children. Taking its full powder with dry ginger helps in getting rid of heartburn and restlessness. Its use also helps in ascites. By swallowing its fourteen ratti dose, it forcefully removes phlegm through laxative. If barkra is chewed before drinking any laxative or purgative medicine, it removes the danger of drinking the medicine. By taking this herb, the voice of children and singers becomes melodious.
According to Karmal Chorash, the root of this plant is considered nutritious. It is given in case of paralysis, it is also given in case of paralysis. It is also used for epilepsy and epilepsy. This is also given in Kampavat. It is considered to sharpen the speech power of children. But there is no scientific barrier to all these assumptions. If taken as a gargle to cure rotten teeth, the root of its root proves useful. In case of throat diseases and inflammation of palatine glands and tonsillitis, it is cured.
Uses and preparations – Suvmi Akalkara 1 tola, Indrayan root 6 masha, Nausadar 1 masa, Syahu cumin 6 masa, Kutki 1 tola, black pepper 1 tola, take the powder of all these medicines daily in the morning and evening to remove the accumulated defects.
Akarkaradi bati-Akarkara four parts, nutmeg three parts, cloves two parts, cinnamon three parts, peep lamool two parts, saffron two parts, opium one part, bhang four parts, liquorice four parts, figure bark five parts, bivibund three parts- After completing all this, mix five parts of honey and the remaining water in it and grind them to make tablets ranging from half ratti to 22 ratti. These pills can be used to cure teething troubles, diarrhoea,
It is beneficial for colic and yaman. Ratti enhancing paste – Nutmeg, Taj, Malkangani, Bakalkara, Bhimsenikapur, Jaipatri, Clove, all these one each.
Take five parts of rangamahi and finely powder it and filter it in a cloth, then add the essence of rose to it.
Pour one portion and fill it in a bottle. For sexual arousal, this medicine is mixed with honey and applied on the penis. Child control paste-mercury, sulphur, balkar and camphor, and Suhani, all these things should be used by Anjana.
Making the same fine powder and applying it with honey before sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy. Both the pastes should be used except the front part of the penis. Tincture of Pyridhum Tincture of Pyridhum is made aseptically by fermentation.
Which is beneficial in many diseases like toothache, arthritis, epilepsy, paralysis, phlegm, spasticity, etc. According to the opinion of Bhav Prakash, anti-syphilis tablets, half tola of pure mercury, half tola of plum powder, half tola of goatberry powder, taking the tablets made by filtering all these with water, cures syphilis disease.
(Syphilis) is destroyed. Aloe vera oil – one teaspoonful of aloe vera powder should be taken with two seers of water.
When one-fourth of the water is left, then it should be drained and filtered, put in ten rupees worth of pure black sesame oil and returned from the slow fire. When the weight of the water gets burnt and only the oil is left, it should be cooled and filled in a bottle. Use of this oil cures all types of cold and cough.
Akalkaradi powder – Akalkara, rock salt, Chitrak, Amla, Ajwain and myrobalan, one parrot blossom and two tola dry ginger, all these should be sieved and powdered and then the spirit of Bijora or lemon juice should be added to it. Taking this powder three times a day in the morning and evening provides relief in diseases like pinnus, epilepsy, mania, cough, dyspnea, dyspepsia, anorexia etc.
Magic Yoga – Grinding Bakkara with Nausadar and rubbing it extensively on the palate and mouth creates such a void in the mouth that even if we fill the mouth with bungara, it does not burn. Many jugglers use this
They show amazing game of stuffing embers in the mouth. Representatives – For the treatment of liver diseases, in the absence of Akarkare, their representatives are Popper and Gahav and in case of stomach diseases, their representatives are Rasta and Agar. Munakka and Katira gum are prominent among the medicines that eliminate the symptoms of Akalkare.
While this medicine provides many types of divine benefits when given in appropriate quantity, when given in excess quantity it causes irritation in the mucous membrane of the intestines and causes problems like bloody diarrhea, convulsions etc. Therefore, it should be used wisely and in appropriate quantities only.
The Role of Akalkare in Sexual Health
Akarkara is renowned in Ayurveda for its potent stimulant properties, making it one of the most important herbs in the category of natural aphrodisiacs. These properties make Akarkara highly effective in enhancing sexual health and vitality, particularly for individuals with a cold constitution.
When Akarkara is used in combination with two other complementary herbs, it can significantly boost semen production, promote relaxation, and improve erectile function. This synergistic effect underscores its value in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for sexual wellness.
Moreover, Akarkara oil, when applied topically to the male organ like a balm, further strengthens sexual power and enhances performance. This external application is particularly beneficial in increasing circulation and promoting overall sexual health, making Akarkara a versatile and powerful herb for those seeking natural solutions to sexual dysfunction.
Given its targeted benefits, Akarkara is especially recommended for individuals with a cold nature, as it balances and warms the body, supporting overall reproductive health. Its effectiveness in these areas has solidified its reputation as a vital herb in Ayurvedic practices focused on enhancing sexual well-being.
