Botanical name : Exacum bicolor Roxb.
Family : Gentianaceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Akshipushpi.
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Lakhu
Virya : Seeta
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Country creet
Hindi : Darachiratta
Malayalam : Kannanthali
Distribution – Growing naturally in rocky grasslands of Kerala.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual herb grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves simple, opposite, corrugated, obtuse and scrubby on both surfaces. Flowers seen in long terminal panicles, with creamy colored petals marked with violet spot at the tip. Fruits small capsules, containing numerous small seeds.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, diabetes, inflammation, hemorrhage, fever and burning sensation, skin disease and ulcer. This plant is on the verge of extinction due to uncontrolled man made destructive activities.
Useful part : Whole plant.
Photo: Dr. Eby Abraham MD