Kokilaksha
Kokilaksha is considered as a Rasayanic herb (rejuvenating agent). In Ayurveda, it is described as Ikshura, Ikshugandha, Culli and Kokilasha, which means “having eyes like the Indian Cuckoo”. All parts of this plant are used (leaves, seeds, root) for medicinal purposes and have a slightly bitter taste.
Kokilaksha is considered good for men and helps in managing erectile dysfunction by increasing the testosterone levels. It also improves sexual stamina due to its aphrodisiac property. Kokilaksha also helps to manage blood sugar by preventing the damage to insulin producing cells due to its antioxidant property.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kokilaksha powder along with water helps to manage symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property. Kokilaksha powder also helps in managing urinary problems by increasing the urine production due to its Mutral (diuretic) property[1][2][5].
Kokilaksha is considered good for men and helps in managing erectile dysfunction by increasing the testosterone levels. It also improves sexual stamina due to its aphrodisiac property. Kokilaksha also helps to manage blood sugar by preventing the damage to insulin producing cells due to its antioxidant property.
According to Ayurveda, taking Kokilaksha powder along with water helps to manage symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property. Kokilaksha powder also helps in managing urinary problems by increasing the urine production due to its Mutral (diuretic) property[1][2][5].
What are the synonyms of Kokilaksha?
Asteracantha longifolia, Kulekhara, Ekharo, Talmakhana, Nirmulli, Kolavulike, Kolavankae, Vayalculli, Nirchulli, Talimakhana, Koillekha, Koilrekha, Nirmulle, Nerugobbi, Golmidi Talmakhana, Culli
What is the source of Kokilaksha?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kokilaksha
1. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Kokilaksha helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
2. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Kokilaksha helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Balya (strength provider) property which gives strength to the body. Kokilaksha provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
3. Gout
Kokilaksha helps to reduce the symptoms of Gout when it is taken regularly. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt. This is because the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakta (blood). Kokilaksha gives relief from the symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property.
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Kokilaksha helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
2. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Kokilaksha helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Balya (strength provider) property which gives strength to the body. Kokilaksha provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
3. Gout
Kokilaksha helps to reduce the symptoms of Gout when it is taken regularly. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt. This is because the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakta (blood). Kokilaksha gives relief from the symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property.
Precautions when using Kokilaksha
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Kokilaksha or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Kokilaksha or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Kokilaksha
- Kokilaksha Powder - 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
- Kokilaksha Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Kokilaksha
1. Kokilaksha Powder
a. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
2. Kokilaksha Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
3. Kokilaksha Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
a. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
2. Kokilaksha Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
3. Kokilaksha Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha powder is available in the market under various brand names.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be useful in managing diabetes. Kokilaksha has antioxidant property and it stimulates the production of insulin from insulin-producing cells. Due to this, it may be useful in lowering blood glucose levels[1][2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be good for the liver. It may protect the liver against drug induces liver injury. Kokilaksha may also be useful in reducing the risk of liver cancer[1][3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be good for managing sperm count. It may be useful in increasing the production of sperms. It also increases testosterone level thus improving sexual activity[5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be useful in managing anemia. Kokilaksha extract may improve blood parameters, blood iron and also normalize abnormal red blood cells[7][8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha might be used in the management of Jaundice as it improves bile secretion. It also protects the liver against the damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant and liver protective activities[9][10][11].
Ayurvedic View
Jaundice is a condition which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha, and may sometimes lead to increased body temperature and internal weakness. Kokilaksha manages jaundice and reduces body temperature due to its Pitta balancing and Sita(cold) properties. It also provides strength and maintains the overall health of the body due to its Balya (strength provider) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties.
Tips
1. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
2. Add honey or milk to it.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Tips
1. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
2. Add honey or milk to it.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
The aqueous leaf extract of Kokilaksha helps in the management of diarrhoea due to its antimotility property. It slows down the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract which further helps to manage diarrhoea[12].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas, especially Vata dosha. This leads to the formation of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to indigestion) and increases the watery content in the intestines which increases the frequency of stool passage in either liquid or semi liquid form. Kokilaksha helps to provide relief in this condition due to its Vata balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties. This helps to reduce the symptoms and prevent the excessive frequency of stool passage.
Tips
1. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
2. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
3. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
4. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
5. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
6. Add the same quantity of water to it.
7. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
Tips
1. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
2. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
3. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
4. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
5. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
6. Add the same quantity of water to it.
7. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
Modern Science View
Kokilaksha powder has great medicinal value. It is useful in anemia as it has a high iron content. It helps to manage fever by lowering the body temperature due to its antipyretic property. It helps to improve sexual desire due to its aphrodisiac property. It might also be used in urinary infections due to its antibacterial property [10][12].
Ayurvedic View
Kokilaksha powder is beneficial in urinary problems like retention, burning or infections which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata-Pitta dosha. Kokilaksha balances Vata-Pitta dosha and increases urine production due to its Mutral (diuretic) property. Kokilaksha powder is also beneficial in internal or sexual weakness due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) property and improves overall health due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Kokilaksha in cough, however its leaves might help in managing cough[12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kokilaksha leaves can be used in cough. According to Ayurveda Cough is a condition which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Kokilaksha might help to manage cough due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property. It helps to reduce the symptoms and prevent cough.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha might be used for blood disorders like anemia due to the presence of iron. It manages the level of Hemoglobin and other parameters associated with blood disorders[8][12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kokilaksha might be useful in blood disorders which generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Kokilaksha helps to manage blood disorders and maintains overall health due to its Pitta balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
Tips
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
References
- Chauhan NS, Dixit VK. Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae: Chemistry, traditional, medicinal uses and its pharmacological activities - A review.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.2010;20(5):812-817.
- Muthulingam M.Antidiabetic efficacy of leaf extracts of Asteracantha longifolia ( Linn .) Nees . on alloxan induced diabetics in male albino wistar rats.Int J Pharm Biomed Res.2010;1(2):28-34.
- Ahmed S, Rahman A, Mathur M et al.Anti-tumor promoting activity of Asteracantha longifolia against experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.Food Chem Toxicol.2001;39(1):19-28.
- Hewawasam RP, Jayatilaka KAPW, Pathirana C et al.Protective effect of Asteracantha longifolia extract in mouse liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol.J Pharm Pharmacol.2003;55(10):1413-1418.
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK.Effect of Asteracantha longifolia seeds on the sexual behaviour of male rats.Natural Product Research.2008;25(15):1423-1431.
- Chauhan NS, Saraf DK, Dixit VK.Effect of vajikaran rasayana herbs on pituitary-gonadal axis.Eur J Integr Med.2010;2:89-91.
- Pawar RS, Jain AP, Kashaw S et al.Effect of Asteracantha longifolia on haematological parameters in rats.Indian J Pharmacol.2006;38:285-286.
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.