Herb · Asia
Porcupine flower
Barleria prionitis
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, diuretic, tonic, fever-reducing; catarrh in children, prevents cracked feet, bleeding gums, toothache, ear infection, oedema, whooping cough, snake bites.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Tea 14–28 ml; decoction 56–112 ml; leaf juice with honey; leaf paste with salt on the gums.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Kurantaka. In Hindi the spiny shrub is called vajradanti, 'diamond teeth', because the twigs were chewed for strong teeth; toothpastes still bear that name. The leaf juice was used for fever and foot wounds.
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
Cleansing, diuretic, tonic, fever-reducing; catarrh in children, prevents cracked feet, bleeding gums, toothache, ear infection, oedema, whooping cough, snake bites.
Preparation and amount
Tea 14–28 ml; decoction 56–112 ml; leaf juice with honey; leaf paste with salt on the gums.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymel