This comprehensive overview explores the multifaceted benefits of Calotropis, also known as Swallow wort, across various cultures and languages. From its healing properties to pain-relieving effects and moisture-inducing benefits, Calotropis emerges as a versatile remedy for an array of ailments. The article delves into the plant's effects on organs, detailing its stimulation of nerves, circulation, and secretion of fluids. Furthermore, it introduces a traditional remedy for tuberculosis, combining Calotropis sap with turmeric to combat the disease effectively.
Overview
Name in Different Languages
- English: Swallow wort, Calotropis
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Urdu: Ak
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Arabic: Ushar
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Persian: Fook, Poisonous
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Telugu: Mandramu
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Sanskrit: Madar
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Bengali: Akanda
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Gujarati: Akdo
Introduction
Calotropis is a well-known plant that typically grows to a height of one to two yards. The leaves are broad and thick, resembling those of a banyan tree. Each leaf is divided into two parts, with white veins radiating from the central seam like arteries, providing nourishment to the leaf. When a branch or leaf is broken, a completely white sap is released. If the sap is left out for a while, it solidifies, and later, like curd, the water separates from it. The branches and buds contain more sap compared to other parts of the plant.
The flowers of the Calotropis grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. Each flower is petaled, with a central protrusion resembling a clove head, which is called " Calotropis’s clove".
A fruit resembling a mango grows on the branches of the Calotropis plant. When it dries and splits open, cotton-like fibers emerge from inside, similar to the cotton of a thistle. These fibers contain seeds that are similar to the seeds of Moringa and are black in color.
Temperament
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Moist and hot, nervous and glandular
Corrective
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All types of sour substances
Habitat
Calotropis
grows naturally worldwide but is commonly found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Afghanistan, and from Iran to Africa.
Dosage
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Sap: 0.5 to 1 drop
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Root: 365 mg to 900 mg
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Flowers: 175 mg to 350 mg
Functions and Effects
Calotropis
has several medicinal properties:
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Sap: Caustic and corrosive
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Leaf Juice: Rubefacient (reddens the skin), laxative, generates fluids, expels
bile and heat, induces sweating, acts as a resolvent, and pain reliever.
Properties and Benefits
Healing Properties of Calotropis:
The sap of Calotropis, owing to its caustic and ulcerative properties, is renowned for its remarkable healing capabilities across a spectrum of ailments. When applied topically, it effectively treats ringworm, itching, alopecia, and hemorrhoidal warts, while also providing relief from toothaches and combating intestinal worms, particularly tapeworms. Additionally, the juice derived from its leaves, when mixed with one part mustard oil or sesame oil to three parts juice and burned, proves beneficial in alleviating joint pain, back pain, and various bile-related discomforts, including liver pain. Cotton soaked in this potent juice offers localized relief when applied to affected areas. Calotropis exhibits three significant effects: as a resolvent, it addresses various swellings, especially glandular ones, softens the body, and unties knots within. It is particularly beneficial for conditions like shrunken liver, kidneys, and glands, resolving obstructions such as liver blockages in jaundice and gallstones, and swiftly dissolving kidney obstructions, including kidney stones and bloating. Its use also provides unparalleled relief for dryness and inflammation of the intestines, effectively treating dysentery and halting blood flow upon initial use. In summary, Calotropis demonstrates a potent resolving effect, making it an invaluable remedy for diverse health concerns.
Pain-Relieving Properties:
Calotropis possesses remarkable pain-relieving properties, acting not through anesthesia but sedation. While the mechanisms behind these effects are understood by only a few experts, the tangible results are universally recognized. Whether massaged onto the body or applied to a decayed tooth, Calotropis sap swiftly diminishes pain, which rarely recurs once alleviated. Internally, it serves as a potential panacea for various ailments, including stomach and intestinal pain, gallstones, kidney stones, dysentery, gout, and migraines. When used externally, it effectively mitigates the pain and neutralizes the venom of insect or snake bites, making it a go-to remedy for countering poisonous effects. In cases of snake bites, immediate application of Calotropis sap to the bite site followed by ingestion of its buds can neutralize the venom, with cessation of consumption upon onset of nausea or vomiting. The timely application of Calotropis not only relieves pain but also counteracts the effects of venom, underscoring its dual efficacy both internally and externally.
Moisture-Inducing Benefits:
Calotropis stands out as an exceptional remedy for stimulating moisture production within the body. Whether administered internally or applied externally, its immediate effect is the stimulation of fluid secretion. This includes heightened saliva production in the mouth, activation of the stomach's nervous system leading to increased gastric fluids, and in some cases, inducing vomiting. Similarly, it promotes increased intestinal fluids, occasionally resulting in diarrhea. By boosting fluid levels throughout the body, Calotropis swiftly addresses conditions characterized by dryness, such as joint stiffness caused by depleted fluids, cracked hands and feet, as well as wounds and chronic sores. Its moisture-inducing properties make it particularly advantageous for managing dry asthma and dry cough. In dry asthma, where inflammation of the lungs is exacerbated by insufficient moisture, Calotropis's use promptly triggers the secretion of phlegm and fluids, offering much-needed relief.
Additional Secret: Chronic Constipation Remedy
Calotropis is an excellent remedy for chronic constipation, unmatched by other medicines in its ability to relieve constipation without causing diarrhea. This unique property makes it a panacea for hemorrhoids. Skilled physicians and experts utilize it for treating tuberculosis, asthma, hemorrhoids, and dysentery, benefiting from its diverse properties.
Calotropis possesses a myriad of medicinal qualities, making it a versatile remedy for various ailments. Its effectiveness in treating chronic constipation and hemorrhoids underscores its importance in traditional medicine. Increased awareness of its benefits could lead to the eradication of diseases like TB, asthma, hemorrhoids, and dysentery.
Effects of Calotropis on Organs
Stimulation of the Brain and Nerves
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Internal and External Use: Stimulates brain and nerves.
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Intensity of Stimulation: Increases with use.
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Alkaline Nature: Strong alkalinity leads to nerve stimulation, a common effect
of alkalis.
Circulation and Redness
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Blood Flow towards Nerves: Increases, leading to intensified redness.
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Warming Effect: Evidenced by warmth in the affected area.
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Boils and Ulcers: Formation due to intense stimulation.
Muscle Structures and Lymphatic Fluids
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Secretion of Lymphatic Fluids: Starts in muscle spaces and structures.
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Swelling: Gradual increase in lymphatic fluids leads to swelling.
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Calm and Coldness: State in the affected area due to swelling.
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Heart Rate and Body Heat: Decreases as a result.
Liver and Glands
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Increased Blood Circulation: Intensifies liver and glands.
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Warming and Expansion: Liver and glands warm up and expand.
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Activity of Tubular Glands: Increases, leading to secretion of fluids like
nasal mucus, saliva, nasal discharge, phlegm, and urine.
- Immediate
Cessation of Bleeding: Occurs from any part of the body.
Development of Tuberculosis Remedy
Based
on these actions and effects, a remedy for tuberculosis has been developed
using Calotropis. The confidence in this remedy stems from its ability to
stimulate various organs and bodily functions, which may aid in combating the
effects of tuberculosis.
Calotropis exhibits profound effects on organs and bodily functions, including stimulation of nerves, circulation, secretion of fluids, and cessation of bleeding. These effects form the basis of a remedy for tuberculosis, showcasing the potential of traditional medicine in addressing complex health conditions.
Ingredients:
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One part Calotropis sap
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Fifteen parts pure turmeric
Preparation:
1.
Grind the turmeric to a fine powder resembling flour.
2.
Mix the Calotropis sap into the turmeric powder thoroughly and grind the
mixture for half an hour.
4.
The medicine is now ready for use.
Dosage:
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350mg to 2.5g: As needed, four times a day.
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Constipation: Gradually increase the dosage to 2.5 g.
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Dysentery: 350 mg is sufficient.
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Always take it with lukewarm water.
Notes:
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Calotropis sap, though extremely irritating, possesses alkaline properties that
counteract acidity and bile production.
- It
does not cause bile production but rather expels it from the body.
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Alkalinity leads to relaxation and dissolves knots in the body, softening it
and eliminating hardness.
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Calotropis is moist and warm, affecting the nervous and glandular systems.
Additional Note:
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Despite its expellent, rubefacient, and anti-inflammatory properties,
Calotropis is not poisonous as it does not cause death and is not used for
killing.
- In
case of accidental overdose, administering something sour immediately
neutralizes its effects and reduces irritation.
