Botanical name : Actiniopteris dichotoma Bedd.
Family : Polypodiaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Mayoorasikha
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya, Katu
Guna : Lakhu.
Virya : Ushna
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Peacock's tail
Hindi : Mayursikha, Morpamkhi
Malayalam : Nanmukhappullu, Mayurasikha, Mayilatum sikha
Distribution – Throughout the rocky hillsides of Western ghats.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
A small fern grows up to 20 cm high. Fronds fan-like with numerous dichotomous segments which are rush-like in texture, having few veins, sub-parallel, segments of fertile frond longer than those of the barren one, sori linear, sub marginal and elongate
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diarrhea, dysentery, worm infestations, skin discoloration, skin diseases, diabetes and fever.
Useful part : Whole plant.
Photo: Dr. Eby Abraham MD