Herb with heart-shaped leaves linked to possible liver toxicity and death in humans
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Gulancha or Heart-leaved Moonseed, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Menispermaceae family. Native to tropical regions of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, this plant has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for its wide range of therapeutic applications.
In Ayurvedic medicine, Tinospora cordifolia is revered for its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic properties. The plant, often found in deciduous and dry forests, is characterized by heart-shaped leaves and a fleshy stem. It is used to treat various ailments, including chronic fevers, liver disorders, and infections.
This medicinal plant exhibits a wide therapeutic profile due to its constituents such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, and polysaccharides. Its primary uses include treating fevers, jaundice, rheumatism, skin diseases, and genito-urinary problems.
Tinospora cordifolia's immunomodulatory properties help enhance the immune system's function, while its antipyretic effects reduce fever. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties, which can help the body adapt to stress and promote recovery. Furthermore, it is hepatoprotective, providing support to liver health.
In the treatment of fever, Tinospora cordifolia is beneficial for managing both acute and chronic malarial fevers, chronic slow fevers, and the side effects of quinine. For urinary system issues, the plant can help manage frequent urination and pus in the urine, indicating an infection.
When using Tinospora cordifolia, it's essential to be aware of modalities, which refer to how symptoms may be affected by time of day or drugs. Symptoms, for example, may worsen in the afternoon or with the intake of quinine. Improvement is often observed with rest and cooling measures.
In terms of dosage, mother tincture should be taken in 10-15 drop doses two to three times daily, while potencies of 2x, 3x, and 6x can be administered in the same dosage depending on the severity of the condition.
Tinospora cordifolia has a lasting effect in the field of natural medicine due to its extensive therapeutic benefits. Its immunomodulatory, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and hepatoprotective properties make it a valuable addition to contemporary integrative medicine practices.
Tinospora cordifolia, a plant with immunomodulatory and antipyretic properties, is sourced from traditional Indian medicine and science, contributing significantly to health-and-wellness practices. By leveraging its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, Tinospora cordifolia can aid in managing chronic fevers, liver disorders, and genito-urinary problems, making it an essential component in contemporary health-and-wellness routines.
