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Porcupine Flower (Vajradanti / Kurantaka)
Barleria prionitis
ଦାସକେରଣ୍ଟା (Dasakeranta)वज्रदंती (Vajradanti) / कटसरैयाKurantaka
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Origin
- Tropical Africa & Asia
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Prickly erect branched evergreen shrub with yellow sap; opposite elliptic leaves with long sharp spines in leaf axils, and bright golden-yellow tubular flowers.
Traditional Uses
Toothache, bleeding gums, localized pain, and boils
Parts Used
Whole plant, leaves, roots
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta, Madhura
- Guna: Laghu, Snigdha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Relieves severe toothache, strengthens gums, and clears skin boils
Precautions
Prickly spines must be handled carefully
Interesting Facts
Widely known as 'Vajradanti' ('Diamond Teeth') because chewing leaves instantly arrests gum bleeding