Tephrosia, Sharapunkha Wild Indigo, Purple Tephrosia, Yellow ThitsleSharapunkha (Ayurveda)Kolingi (Siddha)Sarphoka, Sarphuka (Unani) Tephrosia purpureaJ. Moninckx, Moninckx atlas, vol. 8 (1682-1709) Tephrosia purpurea(Photo by Dinesh Valke) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Tephrosia purpurea (syn. T. hamiltonii, Cracca purpurea, Galega purpurea, Galiga purpurea)There are several species of Tephrosia used. The white variety of Sharpunkhaa is equated with Tephrosia procumbens, and Tephrosia candida. In Unani, the White variety is collected from T. villosa. Parts used: Herb, Root Temperature & Taste: Warm, moist (by some Unani sources)Cool by some sources (including TCM) Uses: HERB:1. Clears Wind-Heat, Resists Poison: (Ayurveda, Unani, TCM)-Acne, boils, furuncles-chronic skin conditions eczema, dermatitis, leprosy-Wind-Heat Common Cold, Fever-Chronic Infectious diseases; Syphilis, Gonorrhea-effective against various toxins either consumed or from insect bites etc.-regarded as effective for the side effects of taking Bhasma or Kushta (mettalic ash medicines)-herb and root are both used for this function; also the ash2. Clears Damp, Opens Obstructions:-Jaundice-Breast swellings and inflammations-Hemorrhoids, Tumor, Cancer-Hepatoprotective3. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:-Edema, Ascites4. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough and Wheezing:-Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma-tightness and pain in the Chest-leaf is smoked to relieve Asthma5. Externally:-gargle for sore throat-paste of the whole plant is applied to skin diseases, eczema, boils, acne etc.-leaf juice is applied over swellings of the…

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