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Wild Indigo (Sarphoka / Sharapunkha)
Tephrosia purpurea
କୁଳତ୍ଥୀ (Kulatthi) / ପୋଖାसरफोंका (Sarphonka) / शरपुंखाSharapunkha
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Origin
- Indian subcontinent & Africa
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Erect branched perennial subshrub to 80cm; imparipinnate leaves with 9-17 cuneate-oblong leaflets, and terminal or leaf-opposed racemes of pink to purple pea blossoms.
Traditional Uses
Cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, splenomegaly, and bleeding disorders
Parts Used
Whole plant, roots, seeds
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Protects hepatocytes, reverses liver damage, and clears splenomegaly and jaundice
Precautions
Safe botanical; avoid overdose in pregnancy
Interesting Facts
Called 'Sharapunkha' because if a leaf is broken across the midrib, it resembles the tail of an arrow