Pavonia zeylanica (Malvaceae)

Pavonia zeylanica

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Pavonia zeylanica

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Pavonia

The Malvaceae, or mallow family, is characterized by mucilaginous plants that often have demulcent, tonic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Sida cordifolia (Bala): The quintessential Balya (strength-giving) herb in Ayurveda, used as a rejuvenative tonic for muscles, nerves, and the reproductive system. It is a primary herb for Vata disorders.

• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Japa): The flower is a renowned cooling agent, used for hair care, menstrual disorders, and as a natural dye.

• Abelmoschus moschatus (Latakasturi): The seeds are used as a cardiac tonic, antispasmodic, and in perfumery for their musky fragrance.

• Gossypium herbaceum (Karpasa): Cotton plant roots and seeds are used in Ayurveda for fertility issues and as a galactagogue.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Pavonia zeylanica | English: Ceylon Swamp Mallow | Sanskrit: Atibala, Kharayashti | Hindi: Jangli Bhendi, Siribili | Tamil: Sittamutti, Peramutti | Telugu: Tellabenda, Kondabenda | Kannada: Kadu Bende, Tuttura Benda | Malayalam: Sheethamutti, Kurunthotti | Marathi: Ran Bhendi | Bengali: Bonpat, Bhuin Bhenda | Sinhala: Kiri-hibiscus |

3. Medicinal Uses:Bala (Strength Promoter), Vata Shamaka (Balances Vata), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Mutrala (Diuretic), Jwaraghna (Antipyretic), Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac), Rakta Shodhaka (Blood Purifier).

Medicinal Parts:The root is the most prized medicinal part, followed by the leaves and the whole plant.

• Root: The primary part used in classical formulations for its tonic and anti-Vata properties.

• Leaves: Used for poultices and in decoctions for fevers and inflammation.

• Whole Plant: Used in some traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Alkaloids (Pavonin, Vasicinone): These contribute to its Bronchodilator and potential Anti-inflammatory actions.Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): Potent Antioxidants that provide Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic effects.Sterols (β-Sitosterol): Known for its Anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for prostate health.Mucilage: Provides a Demulcent (soothing) effect on mucous membranes.Fatty Acids (Linoleic, Palmitic): Contribute to its nutritive and tissue-building (Brimhana) qualities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Balya (Strength Promoter) & Vata Vyadhi (Nervous System Disorders)

Formulation: Balarishta or Bala Churna (powder).

Preparation & Use: Pavonia zeylanica (often as Atibala) is a key ingredient in tonic formulations like Balarishta, an Ayurvedic fermented tonic. The root powder is given with milk or ghee to combat debility, neurological weakness, muscle wasting, and fatigue, especially in Vata constitution individuals.

Reasoning: It is considered a Brumhana (nourishing) herb that directly nourishes the Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue) and Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue), providing strength and stability, thereby pacifying Vata dosha.

Shotha (Inflammation) & Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis)

Formulation: Root decoction or external poultice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction (kashayam) of the root is consumed to reduce internal inflammation, such as in arthritis or cystitis. A paste of the leaves or root is applied topically to swollen joints and inflamed areas.

Reasoning: Its anti-inflammatory and Vata-pacifying properties help reduce pain and swelling in the joints and tissues.

Jwara (Fever) & Raktadosha (Blood Impurities)

Formulation: Leaf or whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is used in folk medicine to treat fevers, especially those associated with Pitta imbalance. It is also considered a blood purifier for skin conditions.

Reasoning: The antipyretic and blood-purifying properties help cleanse the system and reduce heat associated with fevers and skin eruptions.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a common culinary herb. Its use is strictly medicinal.

Strength Tonic Decoction

Purpose: For general weakness, fatigue, or during convalescence.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried Pavonia zeylanica root.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink ½ cup, twice a day, preferably with a teaspoon of cow's ghee.

Anti-inflammatory Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To reduce swelling and pain in arthritic joints.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a handful of fresh leaves or a small piece of the root with a little water to make a paste.

• Warm the paste slightly and apply it to the affected joint.

• Leave on for 30-45 minutes before washing off.

7. Disclaimer:

Pavonia zeylanica is generally considered safe when used in recommended medicinal doses. However, due to its potent nutritive and tonic properties, it may not be suitable for individuals with severe Ama (toxins) or Kapha-type obesity. Its use in pregnancy and lactation should be under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner. As with any herb, consultation with a qualified practitioner is advised for therapeutic use. This information is for educational purposes only.

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

• Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Wealth of India by CSIR

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

1. Sida cordifolia (Bala)

• Species: Sida cordifolia | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Sida

• Similarities: This is the most closely related herb in terms of traditional use. Both are classified as Bala and Atibala in Ayurveda, with Sida cordifolia being the prime Bala. They are used interchangeably or together in many formulations as potent Vata-pacifying, strengthening, and rejuvenative tonics for the nervous and muscular systems.

2. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

• Species: Withania somnifera | Family: Solanaceae | Genus: Withania

• Similarities: Though from a different family, Ashwagandha shares the primary actions of being a powerful Balya (strength promoter) and Rasayana (rejuvenative), specifically for muscles, nerves, and stress adaptation. Both are cornerstone herbs for treating debility, weakness, and Vata imbalance.

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