- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South and Southeast Asia)
- Sanskrit
- Alarka
- Other names
- Mudar
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 449
Calotropis gigantea
Herb · Asia
Crown flower
Calotropis gigantea
Traditionally attributed effects: root bark cleansing, tonic, antispasmodic, expectorant, emetic; for dysentery, bronchitis, leprosy, enlarged liver and spleen, oedema, worms; acts on the heart like digitalis.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Alarka. The madar is sacred to Shiva and Hanuman: garlands of its flowers are offered at temples. The milky sap is poisonous and caustic and is used in Ayurveda (arka) only after purification. The fibres were used for fishing nets and rope.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Root bark cleansing, tonic, antispasmodic, expectorant, emetic; for dysentery, bronchitis, leprosy, enlarged liver and spleen, oedema, worms; acts on the heart like digitalis.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: tincture, powder, juice (partly external).
Caution: Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- TincturePowder and kitchen