Padmak
Padmak
Padmak is commonly known as Himalayan Cherry tree. It has a wide range of traditional uses and its fruit, seeds and gum are used for various medicinal applications.
In Ayurveda, it is also called Padmaka and is prescribed for the management of skin diseases. It helps in improving skin complexion due to its Pitta balancing nature. Applying Padmak bark paste in the form of plaster promotes bone healing. It also reduces bleeding due to its astringent properties. Padmak also prevents skin dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) and Kashaya (astringent) properties and helps maintains a healthy and glowing skin.
Excessive consumption of Padmak might cause certain side effects like weakness, spasms and convulsions in some people[2][3].
In Ayurveda, it is also called Padmaka and is prescribed for the management of skin diseases. It helps in improving skin complexion due to its Pitta balancing nature. Applying Padmak bark paste in the form of plaster promotes bone healing. It also reduces bleeding due to its astringent properties. Padmak also prevents skin dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) and Kashaya (astringent) properties and helps maintains a healthy and glowing skin.
Excessive consumption of Padmak might cause certain side effects like weakness, spasms and convulsions in some people[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Padmak?
Prunus cerasoides, Padmagandhi, Pitarakta, Diengsoh-iog-Krems, Padmakastha, Bird Cherry, Padmaka, Padmakha, Paja, Pathimukam, Pajja, Padmakashdham, Padmakashtham[1].
What is the source of Padmak?
Plant Based
Benefits of Padmak
1. Leucoderma
Leucoderma also known as Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. In Ayurveda broadly, Vitiligo or Shwitra is caused due to imbalance of Pitta in the body. Imbalanced Pitta lead to the formation of ama, which consequently impairs deeper body tissues. This ultimately causes depigmentation of the skin. Padmak helps in preventing and reducing the white or pink patches on the skin, thus bringing the skin back to its normal color due to its Pitta balancing property[6].
2. Asthma
Asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. It leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. This creates an obstruction in an air passage which makes breathing difficult. Padmak helps prevent the formation of mucus and reduces the symptoms of Asthma due to its Kapha balancing property. This makes breathing easy [6].
3. Irregular menses
Irregular menses also known as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha and leads to disturbed menstruation. It is known as Artava kshaya in Ayurveda. Padmak helps in the management of irregular menses due to its Pitta and Kapha balancing properties[6].
Leucoderma also known as Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. In Ayurveda broadly, Vitiligo or Shwitra is caused due to imbalance of Pitta in the body. Imbalanced Pitta lead to the formation of ama, which consequently impairs deeper body tissues. This ultimately causes depigmentation of the skin. Padmak helps in preventing and reducing the white or pink patches on the skin, thus bringing the skin back to its normal color due to its Pitta balancing property[6].
2. Asthma
Asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. It leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. This creates an obstruction in an air passage which makes breathing difficult. Padmak helps prevent the formation of mucus and reduces the symptoms of Asthma due to its Kapha balancing property. This makes breathing easy [6].
3. Irregular menses
Irregular menses also known as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha and leads to disturbed menstruation. It is known as Artava kshaya in Ayurveda. Padmak helps in the management of irregular menses due to its Pitta and Kapha balancing properties[6].
Precautions when using Padmak
Pregnancy
Important
Modern Science View
Although Padmak is safe to be taken in pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a physician before using Padmak during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
Padmak may cause side effects in high doses, such as-
1. Weakness
2. Dilation of the pupils
3. Spasms and convulsions
4. Excitation [2].
1. Weakness
2. Dilation of the pupils
3. Spasms and convulsions
4. Excitation [2].
Recommended Dosage of Padmak
- Padmak Churna - 1-3 g a day or as directed by a physician.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The leaves of Padmak should be the first air dried and then powdered. The dried leaves of Padmak should be stored in airtight containers[3].
Modern Science View
The ripe fruits of Padmak are edible and mostly eaten in raw form due to its slightly acidic or basic taste. These are often used to cook food and to make cherry brandy and sauces[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help prevent abortion as it has antiabortifacient property. It protects the foetus from getting detached from the uterus and prevents miscarriage. Small branches of Padmak are crushed and soaked in water. This decoction is used as a remedy to prevent abortion[2][5].
Modern Science View
Padmak shows similar action as that of Olive oil. It is used in emollient preparations including nourishing creams, skin creams, and cold creams[3].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Joseph N, Anjum N, Tripathi YC.Prunus cerasoides D. Don: A Review on Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.2018;48(1): 62-69.
- Dhrubajyoti S,Hiranmoy S,Jyoti TR, et al.A detail microscopic studies and pharmacognostic evaluation of prunus cerasoides D. Don (Rosaceae) leaf found in North east india (Meghalaya).JMPS.2016;4(4):215-218.
- Rathore R, Ramanand, Lal M.Review Article on VarnyaMahakashaya:International Journal of Ayurvedic& Herbal Medicine:2017;7(6):3010-3023.
- Saha S, Kumar S, Behera S, Mishra SS, Panda PK. Prunus cerasoides D. Don: A review on its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology
- Siriwardene S.A.D, Karunathilaka L.P.A, Kodituwakku N.D. et al.Clinical efficacy of Ayurveda treatment regimen on Subfertility with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):Ayu. 2010;31(1):24–27.
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.