Volkameria inermis (Lamiaceae) Wild Jasmine,Bhaneri

Volkameria inermis (Wild Jasmine, Glory Bower)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Volkameria inermis (Syn: Clerodendrum inerme)

Family: Lamiaceae (formerly placed in Verbenaceae)

Genus: Volkameria

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi/Holy Basil): The sacred basil of India, a premier adaptogen and Rasayana used for stress, immunity, and respiratory health. Native to the Indian subcontinent.

• Mentha spicata (Pudina/Spearmint): A widely used culinary and medicinal herb for digestion, nausea, and respiratory congestion. Commonly grown across India.

• Vitex negundo (Nirgundi): A highly important Ayurvedic herb for pain, inflammation, and female hormonal balance, native to Asia.

• Leucas aspera (Thumbai/Dronapushpi): A common medicinal weed used for colds, coughs, skin diseases, and as an insect repellent in Indian traditional medicine.

The Lamiaceae family, the mint family, is renowned for its aromatic herbs containing essential oils. Many species are foundational to culinary and medicinal traditions worldwide, especially for digestive, respiratory, and nervous system support.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Volkameria inermis | English: Wild Jasmine, Seaside Clerodendrum, Sorcerer's Bush | Sanskrit: Sanghusha, Vanajati | Hindi: Lanjai, Bhanwarphali | Tamil: Sangupoo, Peenari | Telugu: Gantubharangi, Sanghupushpam | Kannada: Gantubarangi, Bileekki | Malayalam: Sanghupushpam | Marathi: Bhaneri | Bengali: Bhuijam | Sinhala: Wal Wathu Sudu | Fijian: Salusalu | French: Volkaméria inerme |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic (Pain-relieving), Antipruritic (Relieves Itching), Antipyretic (Reduces Fever), Antirheumatic, Detoxifying (for venomous bites), Anthelmintic (Expels worms).

Medicinal Parts:The most commonly used parts of the Volkameria inermis plant in traditional medicine are the leaves, roots, and occasionally the flowers.

• Leaves: The primary part used, applied topically as a paste or poultice, or used in decoctions.

• Roots: Used in decoctions for internal detoxification, particularly in traditional antidote formulations.

• Flowers: Occasionally used in infusions.

• Whole Plant: Sometimes used in preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Phenylethanoid Glycosides (Acteoside/Verbascoside): These are major bioactive compounds. Their actions include potent Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Analgesic, and Neuroprotective effects, which underlie much of the plant's traditional use in pain and inflammation.

Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin): These contribute to the plant's antioxidant capacity. Their actions include Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, and Anticancer properties observed in studies.

Terpenoids and Sterols (Clerodermic acid): Specific diterpenoids have been isolated from the plant. Their actions include significant Anti-inflammatory and potential Cytotoxic (against cancer cells) activity.

Iridoid Glycosides: Common in the Lamiaceae/Verbenaceae families, these bitter compounds may contribute to the plant's detoxifying and febrifuge properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Visha (Toxic Conditions) & Keeta Visha (Insect/Animal Bites)

Formulation: Leaf paste or root decoction.

Preparation & Use: A fresh paste of the leaves is applied topically on scorpion stings, insect bites, and even on ulcers caused by venomous fish stings. A weak decoction of the roots is also given internally as a traditional antidote.

Reasoning: The plant is considered a powerful detoxifier ("Vishahara"). Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds help neutralize local toxins and reduce swelling and pain, confirming its folk use as an antidote.

Sandhivata (Arthritis) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or medicated oil.

Preparation & Use: Warm leaves or a paste made from them is tied over inflamed joints and swellings to relieve pain. The leaves are also boiled in oils like coconut oil to create a massage oil for rheumatic pains.

Reasoning: The high concentration of acteoside and other anti-inflammatory phytochemicals provides direct Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory relief when applied topically.

Kandu (Itching) & Skin Disorders

Formulation: Leaf paste or wash.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaf paste is applied on itchy skin conditions, eczema, and allergic rashes. A decoction of the leaves is used as a wash for infected wounds and ulcers.

Reasoning: The plant's Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin, while its antimicrobial compounds may help prevent secondary infection.

Jwara (Fever) & Krimi (Worms)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from a few leaves is administered to reduce fevers. It is also used traditionally as a deworming agent for children.

Reasoning: Its purported Antipyretic and Anthelmintic actions align with its use in managing fevers and parasitic infections, though these are less documented pharmacologically.

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

Volkameria inermis is primarily a medicinal plant, not a culinary herb.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice for Joint Pain

Purpose: To relieve arthritis, sprains, or localized inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh leaves.

• Warm them slightly over a flame or in a pan.

• Crush or grind them into a coarse paste.

• Apply directly to the painful joint and secure with a cloth. Leave on for 30-60 minutes.

Detoxifying Root Decoction (Traditional)

Purpose: Used in traditional systems as a blood purifier and antidote support.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 5-10 grams of cleaned root pieces.

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

• Strain. This potent decoction is taken in very small doses (e.g., 1-2 teaspoons) under the guidance of a traditional practitioner, especially in cases of poisoning.

Skin Itch Relief Paste

Purpose: To soothe itchy skin, insect bites, or rashes.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a few fresh leaves with a little water or rose water to make a smooth paste.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected area.

• Let it dry and wash off with cool water. Repeat twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:

The internal use of Volkameria inermis, particularly the root decoction, is potent and should only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a qualified traditional medicine practitioner. Self-medication, especially for toxic conditions, is dangerous. Its pharmacological profile is still under research, and its safety during pregnancy and lactation is not established. Topical application of the leaf paste is generally considered safe but may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. This information is for academic and educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Kiritkar and B.D. Basu

• Ethnobotany of India (Volumes) by T. Pullaiah and K. V. Krishnamurthy

• Plants of the Bible and Quran (for its historical context in related regions)

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (for specific research papers)

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

1. Vitex negundo (Nirgundi)

• Species: Vitex negundo | Family: Lamiaceae | Genus: Vitex

• Similarities: Both are shrubs in the Lamiaceae family with a profound reputation for treating inflammation and pain. Nirgundi is famously used for joint disorders, headaches, and skin inflammation, much like V. inermis. They share a similar topical application method (leaf poultice/medicated oil).

2. Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak)

• Species: Plumbago zeylanica | Family: Plumbaginaceae | Genus: Plumbago

• Similarities: Both are used in traditional detoxification protocols and for skin diseases. While Chitrak is a powerful internal stimulant and digestant, it shares the "Vishahara" (anti-toxic) classification in Ayurveda and is used cautiously for its potent bioactive compounds.

3. Aristolochia indica (Indian Birthwort, Ishwari)

• Species: Aristolochia indica | Family: Aristolochiaceae | Genus: Aristolochia

• Similarities: Both are traditional antidotes for snake bites and scorpion stings in folk medicine. CRITICAL NOTE: Aristolochia contains aristolochic acid, which is highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. Studying these plants together highlights the importance of safety validation in ethnomedicine—where V. inermis may be a safer alternative for some detoxification uses.

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