Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus Niruri) - One Wonder Herb, Twelve Actions

Bhumi amlaki, commonly called as "gale of the wind" is a medicine of choice in various diseases not only in the practice of Ayurveda but also broadly used in other systems of medicines like Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This herb merely not treats diseases but also restores the functions of the organs thus, revives life. But the potential and the main action of this herb is defined on the Liver by our ancient Scholars of Ayurveda. We, at "Planet Ayurveda" are also extensively using this herb in our regular practice in the treatment of various disorders related to Liver, Kidneys, Spleen, Pancreas, Joints, etc. We are using the standardized extract of the herb that potentially alleviates the disease and is 100% pure, free-from chemicals and is safe to use in all the age groups.

Usually we are utilizing Bhumi amlaki in the form of capsules by the name of "Phyllanthus niruri capsules" and in the form of "Bhumi amla powder."

IT HAS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES LIKE

• Rasa (Taste) – Amla (Sour), madhura (sweet), tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Qualities) – Ruksha (dryness)
• Veerya – Sheeta (Cold) in potency
• Vipaka - The end product of digestion is madhura (sweet)

Let us see the action of Phyllanthus niruri in various diseases.

Liver Disorders (Yakrit Vikara)

As per Ayurveda the main reason of all the disorders are "Mandagani" the weak digestive fire, just to define that the reference quotes as "सर्वे रोग: अपि मन्दाग्नौ". Liver is the prime site of Agni that is responsible for pachana (digestion) of various things such as food, toxins, medicines, etc. This herb helps to stimulate the Agni, acts as an appetizer, digests the toxins, increases the bile secretion and restores the functions of hepatocytes. This herb shows tremendous results in the treatment of diseases such as Jaundice, Hepatitis, Liver cirrhosis, Fatty infiltration of the liver, Gall stones, Hepatomegaly, etc. Even can reverse the certain disease conditions.

Kidney Disorders (Vrikka Roga)

This herb has renal protective properties hence protects the kidney from necrosis, strengthens the nephrons, maintains the GFR (Glomerular filtration rate), improves the kidney functions, eliminates the toxins from the body, and purifies the blood. This medicine is really effective in curing disorders like – Nephrosis, Renal stones, Reversible renal insufficiency, Glomerulo- nephritis, Pyelonephritis, Nephrotic syndrome. So, this herb can be used in all the patients of renal failure.

Auto Immune Disorders (Aamvisha Janya Roga)

Bhumiamlaki has antioxidant and immune-modulator properties that eliminate the free radicals from the body and modulates the immune cells to protect the body from autoimmune disorders. Thus this herb is widely used in the treatment of various autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, Ankylosing spondylitis, Multiple sclerosis, Psoriasis, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Diabetes mellitus, Grave's disease, etc.

Viral Infections (Vishanuj Sankraman Janya Roga)

This herb is loaded with antiviral properties hence can be useful to reduce the viral loads in various systemic infections. For example, Viral Hepatitis A / B / C, HSV - 1, HSV – 2, HIV, Viral fevers etc.

Hypertension (Uchha Raktachaap)

This herb has the potency to cure the Vata problems, as hypertension occurs due to vitiation of Vayana Vata dosha. This dosha is responsible for normal functioning of renin- angiotensin process, hence this herb corrects the renin- angiotensin system. On the other hand, it also acts as a diuretic hence eliminates the extra water from the circulatory system via urine, reduces the pressure on the blood vessels and treats high blood pressure. It also dilates the vessels due to vasodilatation properties.

Gout (Vatarakta) Or Raised Uric Acid Level

It has anti-inflammatory properties thus reduces the swelling of the joints. As bhumiamlaki has diuretic action hence reduces the accumulation of toxins in the joints and eliminates extra uric acid from the body and even because of its Rasayana property it modifies the surrounding area of the joint and avert the deposition of uric acid. This herb effectively treats inflammatory problems in the body. It is also used as a substitute for other anti-inflammatory herbs.

Diabetes Mellitus (Madhumeha)

This herb has rejuvenating properties. In case of diabetes the Islets of Langerhans of pancreas gets affected. This herb directly acts on these cells and improves the insulin production to meet the normal level of glucose in the blood by using up the extra glucose from the bloodstream. Moreover as per Ayurveda, toxins are accumulated in the pancreas which blocks the production of insulin thus this herb is helpful in the elimination of those toxins.

Moreover maintains the ojas in the body and increases the tissue sensitivity to insulin.

Dyslipidemias (Medo Dushti)

Bhumi amalaki is used in various kind of problems related to adipose tissues in the body such as LDL, Triglycerides, etc. Even helpful in thyroid problems, metabolic disorders, etc.

Bacterial Infections

It is helpful in fighting against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It perishes the flora of bacterial multiplication and growth.

Tumours (Arbuda)

Bhumiamlaki delays the degenerative changes and normalizes cell size and growth. Even inhibits the mitotic division of the carcinomatous cells hence prevents the tumour growth.

Malaria (Visham Jwara)

In visham jwara spleen and liver are involved, Bhumi amlaki helps in improving the function of both the organs hence beneficial in malaria.

Swelling (Shotha)

In all kind of inflammations phyllanthus is used. It reduces the accumulation of fluid in the cells.

Planet Ayurveda a renowned Ayurvedic clinic is widely using this herb in treating all the liver, kidney and systemic infections and inflammations in the body. This herb is used in the form of capsules and powder.

DOSAGE

• Capsules – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily, with plain water after meals.
• Powder – 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meals.

Phyllanthus Niruri – A Wonder Herb That Cures Many Ailments

Phyllanthus niruri is an herb that grows throughout India. It is a well-known herb for its potential action over the liver. It is an herb that grows up to 30 to 70 cm in height. Fruit of this herb resembles amla fruit but they are small in size. It has been cited in Guduchiadi varga, which helps to increase appetite and liver functions. It reduces cough, debility and splenomegaly.

SYNONYMS OF BHUMI AMLAKI

Reference – Bhava prakasha nighantu / Guduchiadi varga / Shloka no. 277

Bhumyaamliki – 'Bhuvi amlaki iti' – which is very small, grows at ground level and resembles amlaki plant (Indian gooseberry). Dhatri is a synonym of amlaki hence named bhudhatri

• Shiva – Auspicious one
• Tamlaki - Similar to amalaki (Indian gooseberry),
• Bahupatra – Has numerous leaves
• Bahuphala – Has numerous fruits
• Bahuvirya – Very potent herb,
• Ajata etc.

VARIETIES AND BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

There are some other varieties available by name Phyllanthus urinaria. It has bigger fruits and leaves as compared to Phyllanthus niruri. But for the medicinal purpose we are using the former one.

Kingdom - Plantae

Family – Phyllanthaceae

Species – Phyllanthus neruri

Varga –

• Charaka – Kasahara, shwashara
• Bhavaprakasha – Guduchiadi varga
• Dhanwantari Nighantu – Chandanadi varga

PROPERTIES

Reference – Bhava prakasha / Guduchiadi varga / Shaloka no. 278

• Guna (Quality) – Laghu (Light) and ruksha (Dry)
• Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), kashaya (Astringent) and madhura (Sweet).
• Virya (Potency) – Sheet (Cold)
• Vipaka (End result of digestion) – Madhura (end result after digestion is sweet)
• Dosha karma – Subsides Pitta – Kapha dosha in our body.
• Alleviate thirst, cough, itching and debility.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

It contains active principles like glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and phyllanthin etc. It has a chemical named – phyllanthin that mainly acts on the liver.

ACTION OF BHUMIAMLAKI ON OUR BODY

Hepatic disorders - It helps to alleviate jaundice, hepatomegaly, hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, Hepatitis, hepatotoxicity etc. It has as an anti-inflammatory action thus helps to reduce swelling of hepatocytes.

• It acts as a liver detoxifier. Eliminates the toxins which are accumulated in the liver. Thus helpful in the treatment of hepatotoxicity, hepatomegaly etc.
• As stated earlier it has Kapha pacifying property, thus helps to reduce cancerous growths.
• Beneficial in jaundice because it manages the extra production of bile and eliminates that extra bile from the body.
• Being a rejuvenator – Helps to rejuvenate the hepatocytes (liver cells) thus improves the function of the liver and helpful in cirrhosis.
• It prevents the growth of gall stones and maintains the uric acid level.

HERBAL USE OF PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI FOR CURING VARIOUS AILMENTS

1. Jaundice – Grind root of bhumiamla in milk and consume this twice daily in a quantity of 30-35 ml.
2. Malaria – Decoction made up of fruits of bhumiamalaki is beneficial in malaria, as spleen is the affected site, it will reduce the swelling of the spleen.
3. Urinary Tract Infection – It increases the glomerular filtration rate of the kidney by that it will increase the urine quantity and flushes out the toxins of the urinary tract. It has diuretic properties so it can be taken in all kidney problems.
4. Wounds and Ulcers – In case of infected wounds and ulcers you can apply the paste made up of shashtika shali (special rice) and bhumiamla powder locally.
5. Skin Infections – Paste of bumiamla leaves along with a pinch of saindhava lavana is helpful in skin problems. Even you can wash the infected area locally with the decoction of these leaves.
6. Diabetes – Bhumiamla fruits are helpful if taken along with other anti diabetic medicines.
7. Fractures – You can apply the paste locally over the fractured bones.
8. In Hyperacidity – It acts as an antacid. Hence, beneficial in bloating, chest pain due to acidity, nausea, if decoction is taken before food twice daily.
9. Eye Diseases – Juice can be instilled in nostrils in the form of nasya is helpful. You can instill 2 drops of fresh amlaki fruit juice in each nostril, twice daily.
10. You can consume decoction of phyllanthus niruri in Gastro-intestinal problems – like loss of appetite, vomiting etc.
11. Constipation – It also has laxative properties hence can be used to relieve constipation, bhumiamalaki kadha (decoction), preferably at bed time.
12. Tackles problems of the female reproductive system – It has the potency to subside all Pitta problems in our body. So, it will be helpful if used in the case of menorrhagia, leucorrhea, metrorrhagia etc. conditions.
13. Swelling – It has diuretic properties, so it will reduce body swelling. It also has anti - spasmodic property, hence relieves the tenderness and pains during inflammations.
14. Toxic Conditions – You can consume in powder form to eliminate toxins from the body.
15. Thirst – It alleviates thirst as it is cold in potency and pacify the Pitta dosha in the body.
16. Asthma – Bhumialaki’s fresh juice can be used along with sugar in dyspnea or asthmatic conditions.
17. General Debility (Kshat Sheena) – It is helpful to take in the form of leha. It is also an active ingredient of chaywanprash rasayana. It protects the body from degenerative changes. It also acts as an anti – aging herb because it is rich in antioxidants.
18. Rakta Vikara - In bleeding disorders we can utilize the decoctions and teas prepared from the leaves and fruits of this plant.
19. Side Effects of Alcohol – If due to alcohol, the liver is damaged, you can add bhumi amlaki in your diet, preferably in the form decoction or fresh juices. It will remove toxins from the liver and also rejuvenate the damaged cells.
20. High Cholesterol – It can be useful in lowering high level lipoproteins as it has lipid lowering properties. It is beneficial in artherosclerosis and cardio vascular disorder.
21. High Blood Pressure – Because of diuretic property it is useful in reducing blood pressure levels.
22. Immunity – Enhances immunity hence fights against all the viral infections, thus useful in viral fevers, viral hepatitis etc.

PART USED

Panchanga (a whole plant that includes leave, fruit, root, stem and flowers)

DOSAGE

If used in the form:-

1. Fresh Juice – 10-20 ml
2. Decoction – 30 to 50 ml
3. Capsules - 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
4. Powder – 3-6 grams