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Sea Holly (Harakancha / Harakusa)
Acanthus ilicifolius
ହରକଞ୍ଚ (Harakancha)हरकच (Harkach) / हरकुसाHarakucha
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Origin
- Tropical Asia & Australia
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Spiny shrub of coastal mangroves and estuaries; opposite stiff spine-tipped serrate holly-like leaves, and spikes of showy light-blue to violet two-lipped flowers.
Traditional Uses
Asthma, rheumatism, snakebites, and skin allergies
Parts Used
Leaves, roots, whole plant
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Cures bronchial asthma, relieves rheumatic pain, and treats snakebites
Precautions
Spiny margins can scratch skin during harvest
Interesting Facts
Thrives in intertidal salt marshes, sporting striking sea-holly leaves and lilac flowers