Latin name: Curcuma caesia
Family: Zingiberaceae
Vernacular names
Sanskrit name: RajaniNishaa, Nishi, Ratri
Hindi name: Kali Haldi
Bengali name: Kala haldi
Malayalam name: Kari manjal
INTRODUCTION:
Curcuma caesia is a wonder herb and contains the highest content of curcumin among all curcuma or turmeric species, a chemical substance with many curative properties. It is perhaps one of the few medicinal plants that are used in herbal treatment. Curcuma caesia is used in Kali puja and many practitioners of ‘black magic’ also use it.
The herb is said to have the “spiritual ability” to drive away evil forces as well as wide-ranging herbal properties. It is prescribed for treatment of piles, impotency, menstrual disorders and epilepsy. It is used both externally and internally.
AYURVEDIC CHARACTERISTICS:
| RASA | GUNA | VEERYA | VIPAKA | DOSHGHNTA |
| Tikta, katu | Rooksha, Laghu | Ushna | Katu | vatapittakaphashamak |
AYURVEDIC ENERGETICS:
| TASTE | PROPERTY | POTENCY | POST DIGESTIVE EFFECT | DOSHA ACTION |
| Bitter, Pungent | Dry, Light | Heating | Pungent | Balances vata, pitta and kapha. |
MAJOR CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: curcumene, camphor, turmerone
THERAPEUTIC USES:
- Kanduhara- relieves itching sensation due to allergy.
- Kushthara- used in wide variety of skin diseases.