Kukraundha Blumea lacera

In Ayurveda, many plants are used as medicine. One of these plants is called Kukraundha. It may be small in size, but it has some powerful healing properties. Its scientific name is Blumea lacera, and it has a smell similar to camphor. It also has antiseptic properties and is known in Ayurveda as an effective remedy for piles, a medical condition. It’s sometimes called Kukundar, and it can help with various health issues like fever, piles, wound healing, and more.

Kukraundha plants have yellow flowers that look like cotton fibers, and these flowers get carried away by the wind. They usually grow during the rainy season and can be particularly helpful for skin-related problems during this time. You can find them in places like Nepal, India, etc. In this article, we’ll learn the medicinal properties of Blumea lacera and how to use it effectively.

Different names for Kukraundha

Every plant can have different names in different regions. Kukraundha is no exception. Some people might get confused between Kukraundha and Karonda. However, it’s important to note that Kukraundha is a plant, whereas Karonda (Carissa carandas) is a small tree that bears pink-colored, sour fruits. Kukraundha has green leaves and yellow flowers. It’s a small plant, and it goes by various names in different languages:

• In Hindi: Kukroda, Kukronda
• In English: Bloomia
• In Sanskrit: Kukundar, Tamrachud

Properties of Kukraundha

According to Ayurveda doctors, Kukraundha leaves and stems are used as medicine in Ayurveda, as described in the book Bhavprakash. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and possesses the following properties:

• Bitter Taste (Rasa): It has a bitter taste. In Ayurveda, bitter taste is associated with cleansing and detoxifying properties, which can help with various health conditions.
• Light to Digest (Laghu): Being light to digest means that Blumea lacera doesn’t burden the digestive system and is relatively easy to assimilate in the body.
• Drying (Raksha): The drying property of Kukraundha can be useful in managing conditions where excessive moisture or dampness is a concern, such as in wound healing.
• Bitter Aftertaste (Vipaak): It has a bitter aftertaste, which contributes to its ability to balance the body’s internal functions.
• Generating Heat (Virya): It is considered “Ushna”, which means it has a heating effect on the body. This property can help stimulate circulation and alleviate cold-related conditions.
• Phlegm Suppressant (Karma): It is known for its phlegm-suppressing properties, making it beneficial in respiratory issues where excess mucus or phlegm is a concern.

Uses of Kukraundha

Kukraundha has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. Here are some of its uses:

• Treating the Problem of Piles
• Kukraundha is highly beneficial for people dealing with piles. Piles can make it difficult for someone to sit, stand, or walk comfortably. It often leads to issues with bowel movements and can cause anal fissures. The Ayurveda doctor recommends using its leaves as a remedy. To prepare this remedy, boil Blumea lacera leaves until only 1/4th of the liquid remains. Let it cool and consume it in the morning and evening. Adults can take 30–40 ml, while children can take 10–15 ml.
• Treating Intestinal Worms in Children
• Children often suffer from stomach worms, and Kukraundha can be helpful in getting rid of these parasites. To do this, you need to make a decoction using Blumea lacera. Give 30–40 ml of this decoction to your child in the morning and evening. Crush the leaves and put them in water, and when the liquid reduces to 1/4th, give it to your child. Ensure that you prepare and consume the decoction immediately, and avoid using it if it becomes stale.
• Relieving Cough, Cold, and Headache
• Changes in weather can lead to issues like coughs and colds. Sometimes, a weak immune system can also be the cause. Drinking a decoction made from its leaves can provide relief from these symptoms. Prepare the decoction and drink it promptly. Avoid consuming stale decoctions.
• Reducing Swelling
• It is also effective in reducing swelling caused by injuries or sprains. It has properties that help alleviate inflammation. You can grind its leaves, make a paste, and apply it to the swollen area. This usually leads to the swelling and pain subsiding. The Ayurveda doctor says that if someone has conjunctivitis-related swelling, then apply the paste of Blumea lacera to the swollen area. The swelling will go away. But be careful not to apply the paste inside the eyes; only apply it around the eyes.
• Wound Healing
• If you have a wound due to an injury or an old infection that’s not healing properly, then you can use its leaves. Grind them into a paste and apply it to the wound. This paste can also be helpful in curing, even if there is pus in the wound. The Ayurveda doctor says that nowadays, betadine is commonly used to clean wounds, but using a decoction made from basil leaves and ground Blumea lacera leaves can expedite the healing process.
• Mouth Ulcers
• It can be beneficial for treating mouth ulcers. The Ayurveda doctor says that if someone has mouth ulcers, then make a decoction of its leaves and swish it in the mouth or keep it in the mouth for some time. After some time, spit out the decoction. This practice can help alleviate mouth ulcers.
• Fever Relief
• If you have a fever for any reason, then Blumea lacera is very beneficial. Make its decoction and drink it to relieve fever. Take this decoction in the morning and evening.
• Preventing Premature Gray Hair
• It can also be useful for those experiencing premature graying of their hair. People with this issue can make a decoction from Blumea lacera leaves and use it to wash their hair. This practice may help prevent gray hair.
• Supporting Liver Health
• Blumea lacera can be beneficial when dealing with an enlarged liver, especially in cases where alcohol consumption has led to a fatty liver. Consuming a decoction made from Blumea lacera leaves can be helpful. Additionally, Blumea lacera leaves can aid in managing bronchitis and respiratory issues.

Conclusion

Kukraundha can be used in various forms, and when used appropriately, it can provide fast relief for issues related to hair, stomach, liver, and more. It’s essential to use it in the correct quantities to maximize its benefits.