Rasna or Pluchea lanceolata is a medicinal plant that is known for its therapeutic uses. It is considered as a valuable herb for the management of anti-inflammatory diseases. In Ayurveda, Pluchea lanceolata is commonly used for the treatment of indigestion, pain, cough, gout, and debility.
What is Pluchea lanceolata?
Pluchea lanceolata is a xerophytic perennial herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae. The plant contains numerous secondary metabolites, such as flavonoids, pluchine, taraxosterols, triterpenes, sitosterols and many more, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Due to these properties, the herb is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cough, neurological diseases, edema, sciatica, psoriasis, bronchitis, dyspepsia, and piles.
Pluchea lanceolata grows in open wastelands, which are sandy-saline lands. It mostly occurs in the Indo-Gangetic plains and grows up to 30-60 cm in height. The stems and branches of the plant are slender and softly pubescent. It has sessile, oblong, finely silky, and coriaceous leaves, which are 2-6 cm in length.
What are the benefits of Pluchea lanceolata?
The whole plant of Pluchea lanceolata is used in ayurveda medicine. It is a classical drug for the treatment of arthritis. The decoction of Pluchea lanceolata is used for rheumatic conditions, edema, muscular pain, and fever.
What are the medicinal properties of Pluchea lanceolata?
The following are the medicinal properties of Pluchea lanceolata:
What are the side effects of using Pluchea lanceolata?
So far, there are no known side effects of Pluchea lanceolata.
Using Pluchea lanceolata safely
Antipsychotic drugs: Caution should be exercised while using Pluchea lanceolata along with anti-psychotic medications, especially MAO indicators. The alkaloid content in these drugs can enhance the breakdown of the medication, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the drug.
Heart diseases: People with heart conditions should use the herb under proper clinical guidance as it can increase the blood pressure and affect the functioning of the heart.