Cordia myxa (Boraginaceae) - Glue Berry

Das K
6 hours ago
4 min read

Species: Cordia myxa

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Cordia

Related Herbs from the same family:

Cordia dichotoma (Indian Cherry) - A closely related species with significant overlap in medicinal uses and phytochemistry, widely used in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine across the Indian subcontinent.
Onosma bracteatum (Gojihva, Sravani) - A Pan-Indian herb used in Ayurveda for its cooling, demulcent, and blood-purifying properties, often used for respiratory and skin conditions.
Heliotropium indicum (Hastishundi, Indian Heliotrope) - Common in South India and across the tropics, used in traditional medicine for wounds, ulcers, and inflammation, though it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids and must be used with extreme caution.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:

Demulcent, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Antitussive, Diuretic, Astringent, Antipyretic, Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Hepatoprotective.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action:

Mucilage and Gum: A polysaccharide-rich substance. This is the primary component responsible for the plant's potent Demulcent and Expectorant actions. It soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat and respiratory tract.

Tannins (Catechin, Gallic acid): These polyphenolic compounds are Astringent, helping to tighten tissues and reduce secretions. They also contribute significant Antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Lutelin): Powerful Antioxidants that also exhibit Anti-inflammatory and Antitussive (cough-suppressant) properties. They help modulate the immune response and reduce bronchial spasms.

Triterpenes and Sterols (β-sitosterol, Cordialin): These compounds are studied for their Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. β-sitosterol is also known for its potential benefits in supporting prostate health.

Alkaloids and Volatile Oils: Present in smaller amounts, they may contribute to the plant's Anthelmintic (worm-expelling) and mild antimicrobial properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Demulcent & Antitussive (for Coughs, Colds, and Sore Throat)

Formulation: Fruit decoction or fruit paste.

Preparation & Use: The ripe or dried fruits are boiled in water to make a sweet, mucilaginous decoction. This is consumed with honey to soothe a dry, hacking cough, bronchitis, and sore throat. The gum from the bark is also used similarly.

Reasoning: The high Mucilage content coats the throat, providing immediate relief from irritation. The Anti-inflammatory flavonoids and Antioxidants help reduce underlying inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic (for Joint Pain and Inflammation)

Formulation: Poultice of leaves or bark paste.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves or bark are ground into a paste and applied topically to swollen joints affected by arthritis (rheumatism) or to areas of local pain and inflammation.

Reasoning: The Triterpenes (like Cordialin) and β-sitosterol have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to reduce swelling and pain.

Astringent & Diuretic (for Urinary and Digestive Issues)

Formulation: Unripe fruit decoction or bark decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from unripe fruits or the bark is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery due to its Astringent properties. The same decoction acts as a Diuretic, helping in urinary tract infections and difficulty in urination.

Reasoning: The Tannins cause the tissues to contract, reducing intestinal secretions in diarrhea. The diuretic effect helps flush the urinary system.

Hepatoprotective (For Liver Health)

Formulation: Fruit pulp or leaf extract.

Preparation & Use: The fruit pulp is consumed, or a leaf extract is prepared and taken to support liver function and in cases of jaundice.

Reasoning: The Antioxidant flavonoids and phenolic compounds help protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage and support regeneration.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Lasora is a versatile ingredient, used both as a food and medicine, especially in North Indian cuisine.

Soothing Lasora Decoction for Cough and Cold

Purpose: A natural remedy for dry cough, sore throat, and chest congestion.

Preparation & Use:

Take 10-12 dried Cordia myxa fruits and wash them.
Boil in 2 cups of water until the water reduces to about one cup and becomes slightly viscous.
Strain the decoction, add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of black pepper powder.
Drink warm, twice a day for relief.

Nutritive Pickles and Chutneys

Purpose: To aid digestion and add nutritional value to meals.

Preparation & Use: The unripe fruits are commonly used to make tangy pickles in India. The ripe, sweet fruits are used to make chutneys. The mucilage aids in digestion while the spices used stimulate appetite.

Healing Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To reduce inflammation and pain in arthritic joints.

Preparation & Use:

Take a handful of fresh Cordia myxa leaves.
Grind them into a fine paste with a little water.
Apply the paste directly to the swollen or painful joint.
Leave it on for 30-45 minutes before washing off. Repeat daily as needed.

7. Disclaimer:

Cordia myxa fruits are generally safe when consumed in culinary quantities. However, the leaves, bark, and seeds may have stronger pharmacological effects. Due to its potential hypoglycemic and diuretic properties, individuals with diabetes or those on diuretic medication should use it medicinally with caution. As with any herbal medicine, consultation with a healthcare provider or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before using it for therapeutic purposes, especially during pregnancy, lactation, or for pre-existing health conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni
Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda by Prof. P.V. Sharma
Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants by R.N. Chopra, S.L. Nayar, and I.C. Chopra

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis): Family: Malvaceae. While not native to India, it is the quintessential demulcent herb in Western herbalism. It shares a very high mucilage content with Cordia myxa, making it exceptionally soothing for coughs, sore throats, and digestive irritations.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra): Family: Ulmaceae. Another powerful demulcent from a different continent, its inner bark is used in a very similar way to Cordia myxa for respiratory and digestive inflammation, highlighting the convergent use of mucilaginous plants across traditional medicine systems.
Holy Basil (Tulsi - Ocimum tenuiflorum): Family: Lamiaceae. A Pan-Indian sacred herb. While not mucilaginous, it shares strong Antitussive, Expectorant, and Anti-inflammatory properties with Cordia, making it another primary herbal choice for managing respiratory ailments in Ayurveda.