Karkatshringi
Karkatshringi
Karkatshringi or Shikari is a multibranched tree. It is a tree with Srngi (gall) like structures on it that are produced by an insect called Aphis (Dasia asdifactor). These horn-like outgrowths are called as Karkatshringi. These are large, hollow and cylindrical in shape and are packed with medicinal properties. It usually has a pungent odor and is bitter in taste.
Karkatshringi is beneficial for diarrhea as it prevents the loss of fluid from the body and inhibits the growth of infection-causing bacteria due to its antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial properties. It can also be taken with water to manage diarrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. Karkatshringi also helps to lower the body temperature and manages fever due to its antipyretic property.
Karkatshringi helps manage cough by removing excess mucus from the respiratory tract due to its expectorant property. It also helps manage bronchitis by relaxing the respiratory passages and allowing unobstructed passage of air to the lungs.
According to Ayurveda, taking Karkatshringi powder along with honey helps manage cough, cold and bronchitis due to its Kapha balancing properties.
Applying Karkatshringi powder and rose water paste on skin helps manage problems like blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties. Gargling with Karkatshringi kwath (decoction) might be beneficial in managing bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory property[2].
Karkatshringi is beneficial for diarrhea as it prevents the loss of fluid from the body and inhibits the growth of infection-causing bacteria due to its antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial properties. It can also be taken with water to manage diarrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property. Karkatshringi also helps to lower the body temperature and manages fever due to its antipyretic property.
Karkatshringi helps manage cough by removing excess mucus from the respiratory tract due to its expectorant property. It also helps manage bronchitis by relaxing the respiratory passages and allowing unobstructed passage of air to the lungs.
According to Ayurveda, taking Karkatshringi powder along with honey helps manage cough, cold and bronchitis due to its Kapha balancing properties.
Applying Karkatshringi powder and rose water paste on skin helps manage problems like blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties. Gargling with Karkatshringi kwath (decoction) might be beneficial in managing bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory property[2].
What are the synonyms of Karkatshringi?
Pistacia chinensis , Pistacia integerrima, Kakara, Drek, Gurgu, Kakkara, Kaketisringi, Dusthpuchittu, Kankadasingi, Kakar, Kakkatsingi, Kakarasingi, Kankrasringi, Kakarsingi, Sumak, Kakadsingi, Chinese pistache, Gall plant[1].
What is the source of Karkatshringi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Karkatshringi
1. Cough and Cold
Cough is commonly known as a Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Karkatshringi acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel excess mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with honey and make a paste.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage cough and cold.
2. Bronchitis
Karkatshringi is useful in case of cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Karkatshringi has Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties. It reduces Ama and expels excess mucus from the lungs and thus gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with honey and make a paste.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
3. Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder in which people have an intense fear of gaining weight. This might lead to drastic weight loss. According to Ayurveda, Anorexia is known as Aruchi due to increase in Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama blocks the gastrointestinal channels and leads to anorexia. Karkatshringi helps to reduce anorexia because of its Ushna (hot) property. This helps to improve the digestive fire and reduce Ama which is the prime cause of anorexia.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with mild hot water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage anorexia.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid to the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Karkatshringi is good to control diarrhea because it has Kashaya (astringent) property. This helps to retain fluid in the intestine which thickens the loose stool and controls the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of diarrhea.
Cough is commonly known as a Kapha disorder and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Karkatshringi acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel excess mucus accumulated in the lungs.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with honey and make a paste.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage cough and cold.
2. Bronchitis
Karkatshringi is useful in case of cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Karkatshringi has Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties. It reduces Ama and expels excess mucus from the lungs and thus gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with honey and make a paste.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
3. Anorexia
Anorexia is an eating disorder in which people have an intense fear of gaining weight. This might lead to drastic weight loss. According to Ayurveda, Anorexia is known as Aruchi due to increase in Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama blocks the gastrointestinal channels and leads to anorexia. Karkatshringi helps to reduce anorexia because of its Ushna (hot) property. This helps to improve the digestive fire and reduce Ama which is the prime cause of anorexia.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with mild hot water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to manage anorexia.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid to the intestine from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Karkatshringi is good to control diarrhea because it has Kashaya (astringent) property. This helps to retain fluid in the intestine which thickens the loose stool and controls the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
b. Mix with water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food to control the symptoms of diarrhea.
Precautions when using Karkatshringi
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi in diabetic patients.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi in heart patients.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Karkatshringi
- Karkatshringi Powder - ¼- ½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
How to use Karkatshringi
1. Karkatshringi Powder
a. Take some raw dried Karkatshringi herb and crush it to form a powder.
b. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
c. Mix with honey or water.
d. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
a. Take some raw dried Karkatshringi herb and crush it to form a powder.
b. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
c. Mix with honey or water.
d. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking light food.
Benefits of Karkatshringi
1. Bleeding Gums
Karkatshringi is useful to control bleeding from the gums when its Kwath is used for gargling. Bleeding gums or Spongy gum is known as ‘Sheetada’ in Ayurveda. Karkatshringi helps to control bleeding gums because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add 2 cups of water to it and boil.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Karkatshringi kwath.
d. Use this kwath to gargle once or twice a day.
e. Repeat daily until bleeding from the gums stops.
2. Skin disease
Karkatshringi helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Applying Karkatshringi powder paste reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash well with plain water.
f. Repeat this to manage various skin diseases.
Karkatshringi is useful to control bleeding from the gums when its Kwath is used for gargling. Bleeding gums or Spongy gum is known as ‘Sheetada’ in Ayurveda. Karkatshringi helps to control bleeding gums because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Add 2 cups of water to it and boil.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume is reduced to 1/2 cup to form Karkatshringi kwath.
d. Use this kwath to gargle once or twice a day.
e. Repeat daily until bleeding from the gums stops.
2. Skin disease
Karkatshringi helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. Applying Karkatshringi powder paste reduces inflammation and helps to stop bleeding. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash well with plain water.
f. Repeat this to manage various skin diseases.
Precautions when using Karkatshringi
Advice from Experts
Important
Ayurvedic View
Always use Karkatshringi powder mixed with rose water if you have hypersensitive skin. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency.
Allergy
Modern Science View
Katkarshringi might have a mild irritant effect on the skin. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi [10].
Recommended Dosage of Karkatshringi
- Karkatshringi Powder - 1/4-1/2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Karkatshringi
1. Karkatshringi Powder
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash well with plain water.
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Leave it for 1-2 hours.
e. Wash well with plain water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi should be stored at room temperature, away from direct heat and light.
Modern Science View
Overconsumption of Karkatshringi does not improve your symptoms rather they may cause serious side effects. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Karkatshringi.
Modern Science View
Yes, Karkatshringi gall is good for cough due to its expectorant property. It helps in loosening the mucus in the air passages making it easy to be expelled out. This helps clear congestion and eases breathing[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karkatshringi decoction might help in gum infections due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces pain and inflammation in the gums and also prevents bleeding from the gums[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karkatshringi helps manage bronchitis due to its bronchodilator activity. It helps in dilating the respiratory air passages. The presence of certain enzymes causes muscle relaxation and smooths the muscle activity in airways. It increases the flow of air to the lungs and helps ease breathing[3][4].
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi might help manage diarrhea due to its anti-diarrheal properties. The chemicals found in Karkatshringi have antimicrobial action that stops the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the large intestine. Apart from this, Karkatshringi also allows more fluid to be absorbed in the body easily and prevents excessive loss of fluid[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Karkatshringi helps in the management of fever due to its antipyretic activity. A Scientific study suggests that it helps in reducing the elevated body temperature[4].
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi helps in reducing the risk of cancer as it prevents the growth of cancerous cells, eventually resulting in their death and removal from the body[7].
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi contains certain constituents, like vitamin C, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body against certain chemicals (free radicals) and prevents cell damage. This further helps in improving overall health[3][8].
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi gall and leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing pain and inflammation associated with various skin and gum diseases[3].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Karkatshringi for male sexual health. However, it might help to improve sexual desire since it has aphrodisiac property[12].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Karkatshringi in the case of hiccups. However, it has been used for hiccups traditionally[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Karkatshringi might be beneficial in the condition of hiccups which generally occur due to imbalanced Vata and Kapha doshas. The vata- and kapha- balancing properties of Karkatshringi help provide relief from hiccups.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Karkatshringi in menstruation.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Karkatshringi might be beneficial in managing symptoms of menstruation such as pain or cramps. These conditions generally occur due to imbalanced Vata dosha which may lead to contraction of muscles. Karkatshringi might help manage these conditions due to its Ushna (hot) and Vata-balancing properties. These help provide warmth to the muscles and reduce pain associated with menstruation.
Tips:
1. Take raw Karkatshringi herb (as per your requirement). Dry and crush it to form a powder.
2. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
3. Mix it with honey or water.
4. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food.
Tips:
1. Take raw Karkatshringi herb (as per your requirement). Dry and crush it to form a powder.
2. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder.
3. Mix it with honey or water.
4. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food.
Modern Science View
Karkatshringi oil might help manage stomach spasms due to its antispasmodic action. It inhibits the involuntary movement of muscles, thereby providing relief from spasms[10].
Modern Science View
When Karkatshringi is applied to the chest, the essential oils present in it get absorbed in the skin. This helps reduce swelling in the lungs due to its anti-inflammatory property which decreases resistance in the air passages and helps ease breathing. It also inhibits the release of certain allergy-causing chemicals and reduces allergic symptoms due to its anti-asthmatic properties [3][4][9].
Modern Science View
Leishmania infection is an infection caused by Leishmania parasites. Karkatshringi oil helps prevent infection as it inhibits the growth of Leishmania parasite due to its antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties[10].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Karkatshringi in healing cuts and wounds.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Karkatshringi might be beneficial in the healing of cuts or wounds due to its Kashay (astringent) or Ropan (healing) properties. These properties help to heal and relieve.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
2. Make a paste with rose water.
3. Apply this paste to the affected area.
4. Then, leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash the area well with plain water.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
2. Make a paste with rose water.
3. Apply this paste to the affected area.
4. Then, leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash the area well with plain water.
Modern Science View
Yes, Karkatshringi is good for fungal infections as it contains certain constituents which have antifungal property. These constituents inhibit the multiplication of fungi that are responsible for causing infections and prevents their growth. Thus, it may help manage fungal infections[11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Karkatshringi might be beneficial for fungal infections. Though caused especially due to the imbalance of Kapha dosha, these infections might occur due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas. This leads to conditions such as itching, irritation or even discoloration of the skin sometimes.
Karkatshringi helps to manage and heal the fungal infections due to its Ropan (healing), Kashay (astringent) and Kapha-balancing properties. It does not just reduce the symptoms, it also prevents the infection from occurring again.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
2. Make a paste with rose water.
3. Apply this paste on the affected area.
4. Then, leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash well with plain water.
Karkatshringi helps to manage and heal the fungal infections due to its Ropan (healing), Kashay (astringent) and Kapha-balancing properties. It does not just reduce the symptoms, it also prevents the infection from occurring again.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Karkatshringi powder or as per your requirement.
2. Make a paste with rose water.
3. Apply this paste on the affected area.
4. Then, leave it for 1-2 hours.
5. Wash well with plain water.
References
- Gopinath KV. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1st Edition. Pharmacopoeia Commission For Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy.2016.
- Kaur B, Singh S.A review on gall Karkatshringi.J Med Plant Res.2015;9(21):636-640.
- Shuaib M, Ali K, Zeb U, et al. Evaluation of Pistacia Integrrima; an important plant.International Journal of Biosciences.2017;11(5):412-420.
- Paterniti I, Impellizzeri D,Cordaro M.The Anti-inflammatory and ANtioxidant potential of Pistachios (Pistacia vera L. ) in vitro and in vivo.Nutrients.2017;9(8):915.
- MIshra A, Seth A,Maurya SK. Therapeutic significance and pharmacological activities of anti-diarrheal medicinal plants mention in Ayurveda: A Review.J Intercult Ethnopharmacol.2016;5(3):290-307.
- Sharma B, Rasool S, Pant S.Pistacia integrrima Stewart ex Brandis: A less known high value medicinal plant. International Journal of Phytomedicine.2017;9(2017):390-393.
- Gopalakrishna SM,Thimappa GS, Puttalingalah R, et al. In vitro anticancer activity of Solanum Indicum, Rhus succedanea, Rheum emodi and Gardenia gummifera in cancer cells.Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.2014;3(4):22-30.
- Abbasi AM, Guo X, Nazir A.Preliminary assessment of phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties of Pistacia Integerrima fruit.Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2015;28(4):1187-1194.
- Rauf Abdar,Saleem M, Uddin G, et al.Phosphodiesterase-1 inhibitory activity of two flavonoids isolated from Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart Galls. Hindawi Publishing Corporation.2015;2015(506564):1-6.
- Rauf A.A mini review on a PIstacia integerrima well-known medicinal plant : its active with exciting pharmacological profile.Acta Scientific Nutritional Health.2019;3(4):45-48.phytochemicals.
- Uddin G, Rauf A , Siddiqui BS, et al.The Biological Screening of Extracts/Fractions of Various Parts of Pistacia integerrima Stewart against Pathogenic Fungi.Transl Med.2013;4(1):1-3.
- Uddin G, Rauf A.In vitro Antimicrobial Profile of Pistacia integerrima Galls Stewart.Middle-East Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.2012; 1(2): 36-40.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.