A Strong Beautiful Indian Herb: Abutilon indicum

A Strong Beautiful Indian herb? What does this even mean?

Atibala as its Sanskrit name suggests is a herb that imparts strength and vitality. Abutilon- its scientific name denotes that it has something to do with beauty and indicum reminds us of India. So here we go. Connect the unconnected and viola you have a good mnemonic- A unique way to remember difficult to remember taxonomic names.

Scientific Name: Abutilon indicum, Sida indica | English: Indian mallow| Sanskrit: Atibala| Hindi: Kanghi, Ban kukra | Tamil: Paniyaratutti | Marathi: Petari | Telugu: Tuturabenda | Bengali: Potari| Kannada: Kisangi, Gidutingi | Malayalam: Velluram |

Medicinal Uses: Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic and Antinociceptive ( Reduces the sensation of Pain), Protects from Gout, Antioxidant ( Protects from the negative effects of free radicals), Immunostimulatory ( Improves immunity by stimulating the immune system), Antibacterial, Diuretic and Kidney tonic. Mild Laxative (Helps with bowel movement).

Traditional uses:

1. For those with liver related issues e.g Fatty Liver, Jaundice, Elevated Liver enzymes: Boil the 20 gms of leaves and tender shoots of this plant in 400ml of water and reduce it down to 200ml. Consuming this decoction twice a day will help with liver related complaints.

2. For Diabetes: You can also add about 1/2 tsp of this powder to your regular herbal tea mixture while preparing your brew. This brew is also beneficial when there is inflammation in the body ( Elevated ESR and CRP levels)

3. For inflammatory disorders, arthritic afflictions, pains, aches, Urinary tract infections start taking 1/4th tsp of Atibala powder mixed in half a tsp of honey. Gradually increase the dose to about 1/2 tsp per day and then to twice a day. Once you experience relief, you can gradually taper the dose from 1/2 tsp of Atibala powder twice a day to once a day and then to about 1/4th tsp once a day.

4. Atibala leaves and shoots can be added to Onion Herbal tea as it enhances the benefits of the antipyretic beverage. About a tablespoon of freshly chopped leaves and shoots or 1/4 tsp of powder can be added to your Onion herbal tea recipe.

Disclaimer: For the untrained eye, many plants appear similar. Do not attempt to harvest and use herbs until and unless you are familiar with herb identification and usage.

If you want to use any of the herbs mentioned on these blogs, please do so under the guidance of a doctor or a holistic practitioner. You can also write to us at feedback@prehealing.com for usage information specific to your issue.