Name: KEETAMARI Filename:
Aristolochia_bracteolata.jpg Description: Botanical name : Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Family : Aristolochiaceae SANSKRIT SYNONYMS Keetamari, Dhoomrapatra, Nakuli AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES Rasa : Tikta Guna : Lakhu, Rooksha, Teekshna Virya : Ushna Vipaka : Katu PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES English : Birth wort, Worm killer Hindi : Kitamari Malayalam : Atukottappala, Atutinnappala Distribution – Gujarat, South India, and in semi deciduous forests in Kerala. PLANT DESCRIPTION A perennial weak stemmed herb grows up to 40-45 cm length. Leaves simple alternate, ovate or reniform, chordate at the base; flowers solitary with large sessile bracts at the base; fruits oblong or ellipsoid capsules. Seeds compressed with cordate base. MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, vata, poison, intestinal worms, edema skin disease and indigestion. Plant decoction induces labor pain. Useful part : Roots, Leaves.