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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
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Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Kantakari
Kantakari is also known as “Indian nightshade or “Yellow-berried nightshade”. It is an important medicinal herb and is also a member of Dashmul (ten roots) of the Ayurveda. The herb is pungent and bitter in taste.
Kantakari is beneficial for the management of respiratory problems like cough and asthma due to its expectorant property. It helps to release mucus from the respiratory passages and prevent asthmatic attacks.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kantakari powder along with water or honey aids in digestion by improving the Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Applying a paste of Kantakari powder with water on joints helps to reduce joint pain due to its vata balancing property. Massaging your scalp with Kantakari juice mixed with equal quantity of water might prevent hair fall and promote hair growth[2].
Kantakari is beneficial for the management of respiratory problems like cough and asthma due to its expectorant property. It helps to release mucus from the respiratory passages and prevent asthmatic attacks.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kantakari powder along with water or honey aids in digestion by improving the Agni (digestive fire) due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Applying a paste of Kantakari powder with water on joints helps to reduce joint pain due to its vata balancing property. Massaging your scalp with Kantakari juice mixed with equal quantity of water might prevent hair fall and promote hair growth[2].
What are the synonyms of Kantakari?
Solanum xanthocarpum, Vyaghri, Nidigdhika, Ksudra, Kantakarika, Dhavani, Nidigdha, Katvaedana, Kantakar, Febrifuge plant, Bharingani, Katai, Katali, Ringani, Bhatakataiya, Chhotikateri, Nelagulla, Kiragulla, Kantakari chunda, Bhauringani, Kataringani, Bhejibaugana, Ankarati, Chakada Bhoji, Kandiari, Kandangatri, Kandankatri, Kandanghathiri, Nelamulaka, Pinnamulaka, Mulaka, Chinnamulaka, Vakudu[1].
What is the source of Kantakari?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kantakari
1. Cough and Cold
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kantakari acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
d. Continue this till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Asthma
Kantakari helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Kantakari helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of asthma.
3. Indigestion
Kantakari helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kantakari powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage digestive problems.
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kantakari acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel out mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
d. Continue this till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Asthma
Kantakari helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Kantakari helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of asthma.
3. Indigestion
Kantakari helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kantakari powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage digestive problems.
Precautions when using Kantakari
Breastfeeding
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Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari in case of diabetic patients.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari in case of patients with heart diseases.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Kantakari during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Kantakari
- Kantakari Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
- Kantakari Juice - 4-5 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Kantakari Tablet - 1-2 tablet once or twice a day.
How to use Kantakari
1. Kantakari Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
2. Kantakari Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Kantakari.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day after taking light food.
3. Kantakari Juice
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of Kantakari juice.
b. Add honey or water to it and drink once or twice a day before taking food.
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kantakari powder.
b. Mix with water or honey.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
2. Kantakari Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Kantakari.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water once or twice a day after taking light food.
3. Kantakari Juice
a. Take 4-5 teaspoons of Kantakari juice.
b. Add honey or water to it and drink once or twice a day before taking food.
Frequently asked questions
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Modern Science View
It is advisable not to take Kantakari on an empty stomach. It is better to take after meals as it aids in better absorption of the herb.
Modern Science View
Kantakari should be stored in a tightly packed container in a cool and dry place.
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.