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.
Benefits of Padmak
FAQs about Padmak benefits
1. Skin Infections
Skin infections like itching or irritation generally occur due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Padmak paste to help reduce the symptoms of skin infections like itching and irritation due to its Pitta balancing property[4].
2. Eczema
Eczema occurs due to an imbalance of mainly Pitta dosha and leads to symptoms like pain or itching. Padmak paste can be applied on the affected area to help reduce these symptoms due to its Pitta balancing property[4].
3. Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating might occur due to increased Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. Applying Padmak paste can help prevent excessive sweating due to its Pitta and Kapha balancing property[4].
Skin infections like itching or irritation generally occur due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Padmak paste to help reduce the symptoms of skin infections like itching and irritation due to its Pitta balancing property[4].
2. Eczema
Eczema occurs due to an imbalance of mainly Pitta dosha and leads to symptoms like pain or itching. Padmak paste can be applied on the affected area to help reduce these symptoms due to its Pitta balancing property[4].
3. Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating might occur due to increased Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. Applying Padmak paste can help prevent excessive sweating due to its Pitta and Kapha balancing property[4].
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].
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help manage problems related to kidney stones due to its diuretic activity. It increases urine production which helps in easy excretion of the stones present in the kidney[2].
Ayurvedic View
Kidney stone generally occur due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Padmak helps in its management due to its Kapha balancing property. It also increases the production of urine due to its Mutral (diuretic) property, leading to easy and frequent passage of urine, through which small kidney stones are excreted out of the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help prevent infections due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It inhibits the growth of infectious agents that induce infection. So Padmak might be considered as a good microbial resistance drug[2].
Ayurvedic View
Infections generally occur due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas, especially Pitta dosha. Padmak can prevent infections due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. This helps reduce infections and provides a cooling effect at the affected area.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia by inhibiting the effect of testosterone that induces the enlargement of the prostate[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help reduce fever due to its antipyretic activity. A scientific study suggests that antipyretic agents present in Padmak help in reducing elevated body temperature[2].
Ayurvedic View
Fever is a condition that generally occurs due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas, especially Pitta that leads to increased body temperature. Padmak might help reduce the body temperature and prevent fever due to its Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help reduce cough due to its expectorant land antispasmodic properties. It helps in the secretion of sputum from the air passages. This improves the rate of respiration and helps ease breathing[2].
Ayurvedic View
Cough is a condition that occurs due to an aggravation of Kapha dosha. This leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Padmak might help in reducing the cough by preventing the formation of mucus due to its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might work as a diuretic agent as it contains a certain constituent (Puddumin-A) that has diuretic property. It helps to increase urine production and can be used to manage certain problems like kidney stones, polyuria etc[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Padmak can work as a diuretic agent due to its Mutral (diuretic) property which results in excessive urine production.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might help manage back aches due to its pain relieving property. The juice of Padmak bark can be applied externally to get relief from pain in the back[2].
Ayurvedic View
Back ache generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Padmak might help in reducing back aches due to its Vedna Sthapan (pain relieving) property.
Tip to use Atibala to get relief from back ache-
a. Take the juice or decoction of Padmak bark.
b. Apply it on the affected area.
c. Repeat it regularly to get rid of back ache.
Tip to use Atibala to get relief from back ache-
a. Take the juice or decoction of Padmak bark.
b. Apply it on the affected area.
c. Repeat it regularly to get rid of back ache.
Modern Science View
No, it is advisable to avoid the use of Padmak in larger doses due to the presence of certain components that might cause side effects such as weakness, convulsions, spasms, and gasping in some people[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak fruit is safe to eat in small amounts as it helps improve digestion, increase the respiration process and promote a sense of well being[2].
Ayurvedic View
Padmak is beneficial for managing digestive problems like diarrhea. You can Padmak powder 1-3gm once or twice a day with normal water.
Modern Science View
Taking more than the recommended dose of Padmak might cause certain side effects like weakness, spasms, and convulsions in some people.
Modern Science View
It is advised to consult a doctor before using Padmak if you are on any medication.
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might be used to heal fractured bones due to its healing properties. The paste of Padmak bark can be applied to the affected area in the form of plaster to promote bone healing[2].
Modern Science View
Neuralgia is the condition of pain in the nerves. Padmak might help manage neuralgia due to its analgesic property. The paste of Padmak bark can be used to reduce the pain associated with neuralgia[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Padmak might be beneficial for the skin due to its astringent property. Padmak can be applied to the skin to reduce bleeding. It can also be used to reduce the oiliness of the skin[3].
Ayurvedic View
Skin problems generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Padmak helps manage skin problems due to its Pitta balancing property. Padmak is also beneficial for skin due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Snigdh (oily) properties which help to maintain a healthy and glowing skin.
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.
- Prunus Cerasoides D. Don.Agro-techniques of selected medicinal plants.2008;3:52-55.
- Tiwari C, Chubey S, KureleR, et al.A Review on Padmak (Prunus Cerasoides D. Don): Different Species and their Medicinal Uses.Ayushdhara.2017;4(1):1051-1055.
- 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.