Botanical name : Heliotropium indicum Linn.
Family : Boraginaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Vrischikali
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Tikta
Guna : Lakhu, Snigda
Virya : Ushna
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Indian turnsole
Hindi : Siriyari, Hattasura
Malayalam : Tekkida, Telkada,
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small spreading slightly succulent foetid annual herb. Grows 15- 20 cm in height. Leaves are simple alternate, or subopposite, ovate, obtuse, hispid-pubescent, filled with veins in lower side. Flowers are pale violet, found in axillary scorpiod cymes. Fruits are nutlets combined in pairs
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, vata, ulcers, sores, wounds, skin diseases, insect stings, rheumatism, fever, cough, ringworm, erysipelas and eye pain. Seeds cure stomach distress.
Useful part : Whole plant.
Photo : Dr. Eby Abraham MD