Triumfetta rhomboidea(Malvaceae) Bur Bush

Triumfetta rhomboidea (Bur Bush)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Triumfetta rhomboidea

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Triumfetta

Related Herbs from the same family:(Refer to the list under Malvastrum coromandelianum, as the family is the same. Key related herbs include Sida cordifolia and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Triumfetta rhomboidea | English: Bur Bush, Chinese Bur | Sanskrit: - | Hindi: Gungi, Chikti | Tamil: Siru-urinci | Telugu: Gungu | Kannada: - | Malayalam: - | Marathi: - | Bengali: - | Tamil: Siru-urinci | (Note: Common names are highly regional and not well-standardized.)

3. Medicinal Uses:Demulcent, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Anthelmintic (expels worms), Emollient (softens skin), Febrifuge (reduces fever).

Medicinal Parts:The leaves, roots, and bark are used in traditional medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Mucilage: Found in the leaves and stems. Its primary action is Demulcent and Emollient, soothing irritated skin and mucous membranes.

Tannins: Astringent compounds. Their actions are Astringent, Antimicrobial, and Wound Healing.

Flavonoids: Plant-based antioxidants. Their actions are Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant.

Saponins: Soapy compounds that can have Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic effects.

Phenolic Compounds: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant capacity of the plant.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Eruptions)

Formulation: Leaf paste or poultice.

Preparation & Use: The leaves are crushed and applied directly to wounds, boils, and skin ulcers to promote healing and reduce infection.

Reasoning: The mucilage soothes the area, while the tannins and antimicrobial compounds help tighten tissues and prevent infection.

Jwara (Fever) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Root or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the roots or leaves is consumed to reduce fever and alleviate internal burning sensations.

Reasoning: The plant is considered to have cooling properties, which help pacify Pitta dosha, the primary cause of fever and burning.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Ashmari (Stones)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The juice from the leaves or a decoction of the plant is taken as a diuretic to ease urination and help flush out small urinary stones.

Reasoning: Its diuretic property increases urine flow, while its demulcent nature soothes the irritated lining of the urinary tract.

Krimi (Worms) & Atisara (Diarrhea)

Formulation: Root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the roots is taken to expel intestinal worms and, in some cases, to treat diarrhea due to its astringent property.

Reasoning: The plant possesses anthelmintic properties, and the tannins can help firm up loose stools.

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

This herb is used primarily in traditional medicine.

Skin Soothing Poultice

Purpose: To treat boils, wounds, and inflamed skin.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean a handful of fresh Triumfetta leaves.

• Grind them into a fine paste.

• Apply directly to the affected area and secure with a clean cloth. Change twice a day.

Diuretic Decoction

Purpose: To support urinary tract health.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of the whole plant (leaves, stems, roots).

• Boil in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup.

• Strain and drink once a day.

Fever-Reducing Tea

Purpose: To alleviate fevers, especially with a burning sensation.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a few fresh leaves.

• Steep in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink once it has cooled to a warm temperature.

7. Disclaimer:Triumfetta rhomboidea is a plant with a history of traditional use, but its scientific validation is limited. It is generally considered safe for topical use. Internal use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner, as the dosage and effects are not well-documented in modern literature. Proper plant identification is essential.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.R. Kirtikar and B.D. Basu

• Ethnobotanical Leaflets

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

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

1. Malvastrum coromandelianum (False Mallow)* Species: Malvastrum coromandelianum | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Malvastorm* Similarities: As members of the Malvaceae family, both plants are mucilaginous and share demulcent, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used in very similar ways in ethnobotanical practice for skin issues and fevers.

2. Sida cordifolia (Bala)* Species: Sida cordifolia | Family: Malvaceae | Genus: Sida* Similarities: Sharing the same family, they both possess soothing (demulcent) properties. While Bala is more of a tonic, Triumfetta shares its application for skin conditions and as a topical anti-inflammatory agent.

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