Shatpushpa
Shatpushpa (Anethum sowa)
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Shatpushpa
Shatpushpa which is also called Dill, garden Dill, Dill weed and Dilly is a plant that possesses a number of medicinal properties. The seeds of this plant are widely used in the form of a spice while the leaves are used as condiment for seasoning and flavouring different types of foods. In Ayurveda, Anethum sowa is used for the treatment of impaired digestion, colic and digestive troubles. The plant has been mentioned in ancient Ayurveda as Shatpushpa. The paste of this plant in combination with milk, castor seeds and flax seeds can be used for joint swellings and rheumatic arthritis.
Medicinal Properties of Shatpushpa
Shatpushpa or Asteracantha longifolia is a herb that is packed with some of the best and the most effective medicinal properties. It helps in healing a number of health problems and they are as follows:
- Cardio depressant
- Antispasmodic
- Antiseptic
- Carminative
- Antibacterial
- Diuretic
- Digestive, blood pressure lowering
- Laxative
- Breast milk stimulating
Medicinal Uses of Shatpushpa
The infusion of Shatpushpa is created by soaking its seeds in boiled water. The plant can have the following health benefits:
- Boiling a handful of the seeds or leaves of Shatpushpa in barley water and drinking this solution regularly can help in improving the quantity of breast milk.
- Chewing Shatpushpa seeds can help in improving bad breathe and in curing halitosis.
- Powder made from the seeds of Shatpushpa and fenugreek can be taken daily with a glass of water for controlling high blood pressure.
- Sleeplessness or insomnia can be cured by having a decoction of the seeds of Anethum sowa. The decoction can be made by boiling its seeds for some time.
- Shatpushpa tea can help in improving upset stomach and appetite.
- It can also be of good help in delaying menstruation.
- Painful menstruation can be warded off by having Shatpushpa on a regular basis.
- Grinding the leaves of Anethum sowa and transforming them into a powder that can be taken with water can helps in treating cough, arthritis and joint pain.