Kalijiri
Kalijiri
Kalijiri, also known as Bitter Cumin, is a commonly grown plant in India and Southeast Asia. The seeds are brownish in color, with a sharp bitter taste. Raw seeds are difficult to consume directly. They are traditionally used as an ingredient of classical Ayurvedic preparations.
Kalijiri seeds are beneficial in respiratory problems like asthma due to the presence of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful in vitiligo due to its ability to promote melanin synthesis.
Kalijiri is used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic creams and oils used for managing skin infections due to its antibacterial properties. The antioxidants present in Kalijiri also helps in wound healing by accelerating the wound contraction. As per Ayurveda, applying Kalijiri seeds paste along with Neem or Coconut oil helps in early wound healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) property [10-12].
Kalijiri seeds are beneficial in respiratory problems like asthma due to the presence of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful in vitiligo due to its ability to promote melanin synthesis.
Kalijiri is used as an ingredient in Ayurvedic creams and oils used for managing skin infections due to its antibacterial properties. The antioxidants present in Kalijiri also helps in wound healing by accelerating the wound contraction. As per Ayurveda, applying Kalijiri seeds paste along with Neem or Coconut oil helps in early wound healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) property [10-12].
What are the synonyms of Kalijiri?
Centratherum anthelminticum, Vernonia anthelmintica, Somaraaj, Purple Flebane, Worm Seed Fleabane, Kaaleejeeree, Kadavijeeree, Kaalijeeree, Karajiri, Soharaai, Kaadujeerage, Kaarijirige, Krimishatru, Kattujirakam, Kadujire, Kaattuchirakam, Chittilai, Adavijilakaroa, Garetikamma, Somaraji[15].
What is the source of Kalijiri?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kalijiri
Wound Healing
Wound occurs due to any external injury and leads to certain conditions like pain, swelling or sometimes bleeding. This is because of aggravated Vata dosha at the site of injury. Kalijiri helps manage wounds due to its Vata balancing and Kashay (astringent) properties. It reduces the symptoms of wound like pain or bleeding and promotes quick healing.
Tips for using Kalijiri powder.
a. Take a few Kalijiri seeds.
b. Grind them to make powder.
c. Mix this powder with Neem oil or coconut oil.
d. Apply it on the affected area once a day to get quick relief in wound or skin infections.
Wound occurs due to any external injury and leads to certain conditions like pain, swelling or sometimes bleeding. This is because of aggravated Vata dosha at the site of injury. Kalijiri helps manage wounds due to its Vata balancing and Kashay (astringent) properties. It reduces the symptoms of wound like pain or bleeding and promotes quick healing.
Tips for using Kalijiri powder.
a. Take a few Kalijiri seeds.
b. Grind them to make powder.
c. Mix this powder with Neem oil or coconut oil.
d. Apply it on the affected area once a day to get quick relief in wound or skin infections.
Precautions when using Kalijiri
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Kalijiri during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Kalijiri during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Kalijiri during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Kalijiri during pregnancy.
How to use Kalijiri
Kalijiri Paste
a. Take a few Kalijiri seeds.
b. Grind them to make powder.
c. Mix this powder with Neem oil or Coconut oil to form a paste.
d. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day to get quick relief in wound or skin infections.
a. Take a few Kalijiri seeds.
b. Grind them to make powder.
c. Mix this powder with Neem oil or Coconut oil to form a paste.
d. Apply this paste on the affected area once a day to get quick relief in wound or skin infections.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Kalijiri seeds and seed powder is easily available in the market. It can be purchased either online or from the market.
Modern Science View
Kalijiri seeds have a bitter taste. Taking Kalijiri seeds alone is difficult so it is taken along with other herbs like Methi and Ajwain.
Modern Science View
No, Kalijiri and Jeera are not the same. Kalijiri is used for its medicinal value and not much for cooking due to its bitter taste. Jeera on the other hand have a strong aroma as well as flavor and is a commonly used spice in Indian kitchen.
References
- Arya A, Looi CY, Cheah SC, et.al.Anti-diabetic effects of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds methanolic fraction on pancreatic cells, β-TC6 and its alleviating role in type 2 diabetic rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2012;144(1):22-32.
- Shah J, Patel M, Patel K, et.al.Evaluation of Anti-diabetic and Anti-oxidant Activity of Centratherum anthelmintica in STZ – induced Diabetic Rats.The Internet Journal of Pharmacology.2007;6(1).
- Galani VJ, Panchal RR.Antiurolithiatic activity of centratherum anthelminticum (l.) kuntze seeds against ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats.IJPR.2014:4(1):29-38.
- Koti BC, Purnima A.Diuretic activity of extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum.Int J Green Pharm.2008;2(4):228-231.
- Shah S, Patel K, Suraj K. Evaluation of anti-asthmatic activity of Centratherum anthelminticum Linn. in experimental animals [Internet]. J Pharm Res. 2017;16(1):19-24.
- Purnima A, Koti BC, Tikare VP, et.al.Evaluation of Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) Kuntze Seed.Indian J Pharm Sci.2009;71(4):461–464.
- Srivastava A, Bartarya R, Tonk S, et.al.Larvicidal activity of an indigenous plant, Centratherum anthelminticum.J Environ Biol.2008;29(5):669-72.
- Zhou J, Shang J, Ping F, et.al.Alcohol extract from Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) wild seed enhances melanin synthesis through activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in B16F10 cells and primary melanocytes. J Ethnopharmacol.2012;143(2):639-647.
- Mital M, Desai T.In-vitro Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Activities of Fruits of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd (Asteraceae).Asian J Pharm Res.2014;4:186-188.
- Sahoo H, Sagar R, Kumar V.Wound healing activity of Centratherum anthelminticum Linn.Molecular & Clinical Pharmacology.2012;3(1):1-7.
- Paydar M, Moharam BA, Wong YL, et.al.Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze a Potential Medicinal Plant with Pleiotropic Pharmacological and Biological Activities.Int J Pharmacol.2013;9(3):211-226.
- Amir F, Chin KY.The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacology of Centratherum anthelminticum.IJPRIF.2011;3(3):1772-1779.
- Negi D, Semwal A, Juyal V, et.al.Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds Asteraceae (Compositae).IJPMR. 2014;2:136-139.
- Tupe PN, Dhodi JB, Nagmoti DM, et.al.Antidepressant Potential of Vernonia Anthelmintica Willd Extracts in Experimental Animals.JNR.2014;14(2):199-207.
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Paydar M, Moharam BA, Wong YL, and Looi CY. Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Kuntze a Potential Medicinal Plant with Pleiotropic Pharmacological and Biological Activities. Int J Pharmacol. 2013. 9(3).
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.