Different Names of Bryophyllum Pinnatum and Kalanchoe Pinnatum:-
Kalanchoe, which belongs to the Crassulaceae family is botanically classified with two main Latin names which refer to the same plant: Bryophyllum Pinnatum and Kalanchoe Pinnatum. It’s commonly known in English circles as ‘air plant’.
Plant-based medicinal drugs have the potential to combat diseases. The modern healthcare system also believes in the miraculous benefits of plants and herbs. For ages, Patharchatta Panfooti has been used in treating so many diseases. An Indian medicinal herb, this small succulent perennial herb has ornamental as well as medicinal value. Ayurveda practitioners also claim that this medicinal herb helps remove kidney stones.
Globally its known under various common names, such as cathedral bells, air plant, life plant, miracle leaf etc.
In India is commonly referred to as Patharchatta, Panfooti, Ranakalli, and much more such. In Sanskrit, Patharchatta is known as Pashanbheda, “Pashan” meaning stone and “bheda” meaning to break. It has diuretic and lithotriptic properties that breaks the stone present in the kidney.
In Spain, it is widely accepted as a medicinal herb and known as Siempre Vivo, which means ‘Always Alive’. Other common names are Flor-da-Fortuna, Folha da Santa, etc. Aakkapäna in Sri Lanka & Katakataka in Phillipines.
Ideal Soil and Climate to Grow
Patharchatta/Panfooti grows excellently in temperate regions as an indoor plant. Like other succulent perennial species, it does not survive in extreme weather conditions and frost. It needs well-drained sandy soil/loam soil for optimum growth. Although it is native to Madagascar, it has been naturalized in tropical climate regions such as Australia, Southeast Malaysia, India, and other temperate regions of the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific. In India, it is grown both in outdoor spaces and indoor spaces. Since this has ornamental value, many people grow this plant in their garden areas. It survives well in the temperature range of 20o-30oC. But the plant does not survive if the temperature drops below 10oC.
Physiology
Patharchatta/Panfooti a succulent is a perennial leafy plant that grows 3-5 feet tall (150 cm). Thick woody stems arise from the base are hollow & roots are adventitious and pointed at the end. The plant develops unique bell-like pendulous flowers which are red-orange-color. The leaves are 10-30 cm in length, thick, fleshy, curved, elliptical, have serrated margins and are generally present in the group of 3-4 leaves. The seeds are striated and have a smooth finish. Leaves can produce bulbils.
Principal Constituents
The phytochemical studies show that Patharchatta/Panfooti boasts secondary metabolites and drugs such as syringic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, ferulic acid, chalcones, aurones, taraxasterol, phenolic acid, triterpenes, phenanthrene, flavones, and flavonoids. Alkaloids, glycosides, lipids, bufadienolide, bryophillin A, and digoxin have anti-tumorous constituents, antibacterial properties, and insecticidal actions. The constituents act as CNS depressants, anti-inflammatory, anti-anaphylactic, anti-allergic, antibacterial and antiviral drugs.
Health Benefits of Patharchatta:
Patharchatta/Panfooti is a medicinal herb that helps in treating a variety of conditions such as bloody diarrhea, bronchial infection, diabetes, cough, insect bites, jaundice, epilepsy, whooping cough, painful micturition, tuberculosis, respiratory troubles, nephrolithiasis, gout, arthritis, hypertension, and many more.
1. Health Benefits of Patharchatta for Kidney Stones
One of the biggest benefits of Patharchatta is its ability to treat kidney stones. The leaf extracts of this plant are very good for removing kidney stones and multiple gall bladder stones. Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders that can happen to anyone. The crystalline minerals that form in the kidney can block the urinary pathway. Patharchata is also known as Pashanbeda in Sanskrit, which means stone break. In short, Patharchatta Panfooti is helpful in breaking the stones. The diuretic and lithotriptic properties of this herb ensure that the body gets rid of kidney stones completely through the urine.
2. Patharchatta for External Bleeding
Patharchatta is an excellent herb for treating wounds, cuts, and ulcers. Applying the juice of the leaves externally in the affected area helps in arresting bleeding. It is also effective in the treatment of boils and carbuncles. The astringent property of the plant causes contraction of the body tissue and skin cells, thus fastening wound healing. Its styptic property has the ability to stop bleeding when applied directly to the wounds.
Patharchatta has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve the pain faster. It can be consumed in the form of powder and applied directly to the wounds. Rubbing leaves on the insect sting promotes healing and reduces swelling. The juice of the leaves helps constrict the blood vessels, decreasing the platelet aggregation rate. It also helps in calming the affected area and irritation.
3. Patharchatta for Low Urine Output
Patharchatta is an excellent diuretic. The leaf extracts of the Patharchatta plant are given to patients who are suffering from bladder inflammation and urinary retention to promote urination.
4. Health Benefits of Patharchatta for Digestive Problems
As per Ayurveda, our well-being is directly related to gut health. If our digestive system is not well, we face many digestion problems such as bloating, gas, heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, etc. Consuming Patharchatta leaves helps in balancing Pitta Dosha. This helps in dealing with heartburn, reducing acid flux, and improving digestion. Patharchatta juice is very helpful for managing digestive problems including bloating, excessive gas, and acidity. Consuming the fresh leaves of Patharchatta also helps in digestion.
5. Patharchatta for Diarrhoea
Patharchatta has anti-dysenteric properties that are helpful for relieving and preventing dysentery. It is also useful for proving relief from hypertension, respiratory troubles, and diabetes. Individuals can drink juice from the leaves thrice in a day to get relief from diarrhea. It improves digestion and is helpful in maintaining electrolyte and water balance into the body.
Juice of the Pattarchatta/Panfooti leaves has anti-inflammatory and anti-dysenteric properties, which are helpful in treating the symptoms of dysentery. Regular consumption can help to recover faster.
6. Patharchatta for Inflammation and Pain
Patharchatta/Panfooti has analgesic properties which make it effective in pain relief, and the anti inflammatory properties help soothe muscle pain and joint pain. Over the ages, this medicinal herb has been used in healing pain. Leaves, when mixed with lukewarm mustard oil, create a heating effect. Gently tying these leaves to painful areas can help to get relief from the pain faster. It has an analgesic property that calms nerves and helps to get relief from the pain. Moreover, it helps to reduce swelling in the joint areas.
7. Patharchatta for Rhinitis
It has immunomodulatory property which generates a sudden immune response to health issues like cold, flu, cough, skin infection and rhinitis. The fresh leaves extracted are very useful in treating this problem. The juice of the leaves should be consumed twice a day for complete recovery.
8. Patharchatta for Treating Ulcers
The antiseptic properties of Patharchatta/Panfooti aid in inhibiting the growth of the infection agent. The leaf extract of the plant is helpful in treating ulcers in stomach. This is also helpful with post-traumatic ulcers if any injuries occur.
9. Patharchatta for Eyesight
Juice of the Panfooti helps in curing stye on the eyelids. Extract of the leaves must be heated and placed on the affected areas of the eyes for two minutes, thrice in a day. The extract of Patharchatta/Panfooti leaves soothes and relaxes the eyes.
10. Patharchatta for Oral Mouth Protection
Patharchatta/Panfooti juice is helpful in reducing the symptoms of stomatitis and gingivitis. Regular drinking is helpful in dealing with bad breath problems and killing bacteria in the mouth.
11. Patharchatta for Boils and Carbuncles
Paste of the Patharchatta leaves, roots, and stems can be applied to the boils and carbuncles. This helps to get instant relief from the pain caused by them. Regular use of the leaves extract can help to get rid of boils and carbuncles. The emollient properties of the plant not only soften the skin but also soothe the irritated muscles of the internal surfaces. Moreover, the disinfectant property of the plant helps to destroy bacteria as well.
12. Patharchatta for Warts
Patharchatta/Panfooti is effective in fighting against warts that occur on the skin. This is a form of skin lesions which occur due to human papillomavirus. The crushed leaves can be applied directly on the warts to suppress uneasiness and get instant relief.
13. Patharchatta for Burns
The anti-inflammatory properties of Patharchatta/Panfooti leaves help in healing wounds and burns faster. The extract of the leaves can be applied directly to the burn areas to get relief from the burning sensation.
Along with the above mentioned ones, Patharchatta Panfooti is also effective for the below mentioned diseases:
● Few studies have indicated that the cytotoxic properties of the plant can be helpful in preventing cancer.
● The antispasmodic property of the plant helps to relieve spasm of the involuntary body muscles.
● Patharchatta Panfooti possesses hemostatic property, which helps to stop and retard the flow of the blood.
• Moreover, consuming the plant is great for overall immunity as well because of its immunomodulatory property, which helps to improve the immune response.
Few Suggestions on How to Use Patharchatta Panfooti
• An individual suffering from a kidney stone problem can consume 100 gm of Patharchatta/Panfooti leaf extract. Make sure to consume it along with lukewarm water when your stomach is empty. It can also be consumed as a powder with water and also in the form of juices extracted from the leaves. Consuming this twice a day can help eradicate kidney stones through urine.
• Leaves of the Patharchatta/Panfooti are used as antiseptic, astringent, and counter-irritant against the bites of poisonous insects.
• Juice of the leaves, when consumed with (Syzygium cumin) Jamun, and Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk), helps deal with dysentery.
• Consuming 5-10 g of leaves powder with warm water helps in maintaining the digestive system and improving gut health.
• A freshly pounded leaf material is directly applied to skin burns, infections, sprains, eczema, carbuncle and erysipelas.
• The herb’s juice combined with lard is given to the people suffering from cholera, diarrhea, and phthisis. • Leaves can be applied to the wounds and used for treating bad ulcers and poultice • Leaves can be used in case of dislocation, callosities, and ecchymosis.
• Leaves, when mixed with salts, can be applied to the stomach to relieve enuresis. It is also used as plaster.
• For boils, the entire leaf of the Panfooti is pressed with hands on the affected area to moist it with its extract.
• For asthma, the leaves of the plant are dipped in hot water for more than 15 minutes. The juice of the leaves is squeezed out and drunk daily. This juice is also helpful in treating diarrhea.
• In Ayurveda, the leaves of this plant help treat wounds, cuts, and vitiated conditions of Pitta and Vata. It also helps deal with menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, burns, sloughing, ulcers, scalds, dysentery, bronchitis, and headache.
• Leaf juice also has diuretic properties. It can also be used for treating earache as well as ophthalmia. • In Brazil, the leaves of this plant are heated with oil and used as refrigerant and emollient for treating facial swelling that is associated with the tooth trouble and neuralgia.
• You can include this plant in your daily diet by consuming it fresh by including the leaves in salads. You can also consume it in the form of juice.
Side Effects
Although the side effects of the Patharchatta/Panfooti are less, you may feel nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea if you consume it in excess. Some research shows that Patharchatta Panfooti is highly harmful to pregnant women. So, it is advised to consume this herb with doctor’s advice.
Planting and Harvesting
Patharchatta/Panfooti thrives in a single pot. You can quickly propagate it through plantlets and cuttings. It is best to use plantlets that are growing on the margin of the leaves. In case of cuttings, take at least 4- 6 inches of leaves cutting from branches without flowers. Dry the cuttings for two days to transform them into a callus. Now plant the cuttings in the pot that has soil or soil media. Create a mist effect by covering it with a plastic bag. Place the pot under indirect sunlight and within a few weeks, new shoots will develop. It takes two to four weeks to develop roots.
Conclusion
Jaivik Farms is an agro-based organization that constantly looks for farmers who can organically grow and supply medicinal herbs like Patharchatta Panfooti. We encourage organic farming and strictly discourage chemical-based fertilizer and pesticides. Our organization always appreciates and supports farmers who can cultivate medicinal herbs in an organic way, without using chemicals and pesticides.
For More Information, write to us on info@jaivik-farms.in
OR WhatsApp us on – +919137057708