Pashanbhed
Pashanbhed
Pashanbhed or stone breaker is a well known Indian herb. It’s rhizome is the most used part for medicinal purposes.
Pashanbhed is mostly used for the removal of kidney and urinary tract stones due to its antilithic property. According to Ayurveda, consuming Pashanbhed powder increases urine production and helps in easy removaI of stones due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Pashanbhed might also help in reducing fever due to its antipyretic property and give relief from cough due to its antitussive properties. It might also help manage ulcers due to its antioxidant and antiulcer properties.
You can apply Pashanbhed paste on the skin to manage boils and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[2][3][8][9].
Pashanbhed is mostly used for the removal of kidney and urinary tract stones due to its antilithic property. According to Ayurveda, consuming Pashanbhed powder increases urine production and helps in easy removaI of stones due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Pashanbhed might also help in reducing fever due to its antipyretic property and give relief from cough due to its antitussive properties. It might also help manage ulcers due to its antioxidant and antiulcer properties.
You can apply Pashanbhed paste on the skin to manage boils and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[2][3][8][9].
What are the synonyms of Pashanbhed?
Bergenia ciliata, Asmabhedaka, Silabheda, Patharkuchi, Himasagara, Patrankur, Pakhanbheda, Silphara, Patharcua, Pakhanabhed, Silpbheda, Alepgaya, Pahanbhedi, Hittaga, Pasanaberu, Hittulaka, Kallurvanchi, Kallorvanchi, Pasanbhedi, Pashanabheda, Kachalu, Pashanbhed, Sirupilai, Kondapindi[1].
What is the source of Pashanbhed?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pashanbhed
FAQs about Pashanbhed benefits
1. Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is the formation of stones in the bladder or urinary tract. According to Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a disease which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. This imbalance of doshas cause Sanga (obstruction) in Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system) and leads to problems in micturition (process of urination). Pashanbhed helps manage Urolithiasis due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties. It prevents the formation of calculi and also helps in the easy expulsion of existing stones via urine by increasing urine production.
Tip to use Pashanbhed to manage Urolithiasis-
a. Take 1-3 grams of Pashanbhed powder.
b. Consume it twice daily with water after meals for easy removal of stones from the body.
2. Dysuria
Dysuria is a symptom of urinary tract infection where an individual suffers from painful or difficult urination. This condition can occur due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Pashanbhed increases urine production and thus provides relief from painful urination due to its Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
Tip to take Pashanbhed to get relief from painful urination (Dysuria)-
a. Take few Pashanbhed roots.
b. Crush them to form a powder.
c. Boil it in a glass of water till water is left 1/4th of its original quantity.
d. Consume this decoction regularly to get rid of any kind of urinary problems.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an aggravation of Vata-Kapha dosha as well as impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Pashanbhed helps manage Diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Tikta (bitter) properties. It helps prevent the accumulation of Ama and improves the function of insulin, thereby managing blood sugar levels and reducing the symptoms of Diabetes.
4. Piles
Piles, known as Arsh in Ayurveda, is caused due to an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata and Pitta dosha, resulting in a low digestive fire and eventually persistent constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in rectum area and development of a piles mass. Pashanbhed helps prevent indigestion and relieves constipation due to its Vata and Pitta balancing and Rechana (laxative) property. It also provides a cooling effect to the affected area due to its Sita (cold) property.
Urolithiasis is the formation of stones in the bladder or urinary tract. According to Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a disease which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. This imbalance of doshas cause Sanga (obstruction) in Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system) and leads to problems in micturition (process of urination). Pashanbhed helps manage Urolithiasis due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties. It prevents the formation of calculi and also helps in the easy expulsion of existing stones via urine by increasing urine production.
Tip to use Pashanbhed to manage Urolithiasis-
a. Take 1-3 grams of Pashanbhed powder.
b. Consume it twice daily with water after meals for easy removal of stones from the body.
2. Dysuria
Dysuria is a symptom of urinary tract infection where an individual suffers from painful or difficult urination. This condition can occur due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Pashanbhed increases urine production and thus provides relief from painful urination due to its Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
Tip to take Pashanbhed to get relief from painful urination (Dysuria)-
a. Take few Pashanbhed roots.
b. Crush them to form a powder.
c. Boil it in a glass of water till water is left 1/4th of its original quantity.
d. Consume this decoction regularly to get rid of any kind of urinary problems.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an aggravation of Vata-Kapha dosha as well as impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Pashanbhed helps manage Diabetes due to its Vata-Kapha balancing and Tikta (bitter) properties. It helps prevent the accumulation of Ama and improves the function of insulin, thereby managing blood sugar levels and reducing the symptoms of Diabetes.
4. Piles
Piles, known as Arsh in Ayurveda, is caused due to an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to the impairment of all the three doshas, mainly Vata and Pitta dosha, resulting in a low digestive fire and eventually persistent constipation. This causes swelling of the veins in rectum area and development of a piles mass. Pashanbhed helps prevent indigestion and relieves constipation due to its Vata and Pitta balancing and Rechana (laxative) property. It also provides a cooling effect to the affected area due to its Sita (cold) property.
Precautions when using Pashanbhed
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Taken Pashanbhed in higher doses might show depressant action on the CNS (Central Nervous System). So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Pashanbhed[10].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Pashanbhed in breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pashanbhed during breastfeeding[11].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available but Pashanbhed might show cardio-toxic effects when taken in higher doses. So, it is advisable for patients with heart disease to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pashanbhed[10].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Pashanbhed is safe to be taken during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Pashanbhed during pregnancy[11].
Recommended Dosage of Pashanbhed
- Pashanbhed Powder - 1-3 gm twice a day or as directed by a physician.
How to use Pashanbhed
1. Pashanbhed Powder
a. Take about 1-3 gm of Pashanbhed powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water twice a day or as directed by the doctor to help manage diabetes.
2. Pashanbhed Decoction
a. Take about 20-30 gm of Pashanbhed root powder in about 2 cups of water.
b. Boil and reduce the volume to half.
c. Use this decoction as directed by a physician to manage urinary problems like urolithiasis or dysuria.
a. Take about 1-3 gm of Pashanbhed powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water twice a day or as directed by the doctor to help manage diabetes.
2. Pashanbhed Decoction
a. Take about 20-30 gm of Pashanbhed root powder in about 2 cups of water.
b. Boil and reduce the volume to half.
c. Use this decoction as directed by a physician to manage urinary problems like urolithiasis or dysuria.
FAQs about Pashanbhed how to take
Benefits of Pashanbhed
FAQs about Pashanbhed benefits
1. Wounds
Wound occur due to any external injury and lead to symptoms like pain, bleeding, burning sensation, boils, cuts and inflammation. These conditions occur due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Pashanbhed promotes the healing of Wounds and provides a cooling effect at the site of the Wound due to its Vata-Pitta balancing, Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Pashanbhed to promote Wound healing-
a. Collect few Pashanbhed roots.
b. Crush and make a thick paste out of it.
c. Apply it evenly on the affected area.
d. Repeat regularly to promote healing of Wounds, boils, burns and cuts.
Wound occur due to any external injury and lead to symptoms like pain, bleeding, burning sensation, boils, cuts and inflammation. These conditions occur due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Pashanbhed promotes the healing of Wounds and provides a cooling effect at the site of the Wound due to its Vata-Pitta balancing, Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Pashanbhed to promote Wound healing-
a. Collect few Pashanbhed roots.
b. Crush and make a thick paste out of it.
c. Apply it evenly on the affected area.
d. Repeat regularly to promote healing of Wounds, boils, burns and cuts.
Precautions when using Pashanbhed
Allergy
Modern Science View
Pashanbhed might cause allergic reactions in certain individuals when used externally. So, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Pashanbhed in case you have hypersensitive skin[10].
How to use Pashanbhed
Pashanbhed Paste
a. Take about 2-6 gm of Pashanbhed root powder.
b. Mix it with water to form a paste.
c. Apply on burns, boils and inflammation to get relief.
Tip:
A paste of Pashanbhed root powder and honey can be applied on the gums of babies and infants to prevent the discomfort caused due to the eruption of milk teeth.
a. Take about 2-6 gm of Pashanbhed root powder.
b. Mix it with water to form a paste.
c. Apply on burns, boils and inflammation to get relief.
Tip:
A paste of Pashanbhed root powder and honey can be applied on the gums of babies and infants to prevent the discomfort caused due to the eruption of milk teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The Pashanbhed rhizomes should be packed in gunny bags and stored in a cool and dry atmosphere.
Ayurvedic View
Pashanbhed can be used in the following way like tablets, powder, and capsules. Always take it after consulting with your doctor and his recommended dose.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might help in reducing a fever due to its antipyretic activity. A study suggests that Pashanbhed helps induce sweating and normalizes the elevated body temperature during fever[3].
Ayurvedic View
Fever is a condition which generally occurs due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas, especially Pitta dosha, which leads to increased body temperature. Pashanbhed helps reduce the temperature of the body due to its Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) balancing and Sita (cold) properties and provides relief from fever.
Modern Science View
Pashanbhed helps in ulcers due to its cytoprotection activity (protect the cells against harmful toxins). Certain constituents present in Pashanbhed have anti-ulcer activity that increase protection of the mucosal wall and help prevent the formation of ulcers[4].
Ayurvedic View
Ulcers generally occur due to weak or poor digestion which leads to constipation. This condition generally occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Pashanbhed helps prevent indigestion constipation, thereby providing relief from ulcers due to its Vata-Pitta balancing and Bhedana (purgative) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed provides protection against malaria infections due to its antiplasmodial activity. It inhibits the growth and activity of the malarial parasite and prevents infection[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might help reduce microbial infections due to its antimicrobial properties. Pashanbhed has high contents of phenolic and flavonoid compounds which are responsible for inhibiting the growth of microbes[7].
Modern Science View
Urolithiasis is the formation of stones in the bladder and urinary tract.
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pashanbhed might help dissolve the oxalate crystals that form stones due to its antilithic property[8].
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pashanbhed might help dissolve the oxalate crystals that form stones due to its antilithic property[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might help reduce cough due to its antitussive property. Antitussive agents present in Pashanbhed help provide relief from cough by promoting the removal of sputum from the airways. This helps ease breathing and reduces cough[9].
Ayurvedic View
Cough occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha, which leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Pashanbhed helps prevents the formation and accumulation of mucus in the air passages, thereby providing relief from cough due to its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pashanbhed might help lower the levels of blood glucose, thereby managing diabetes[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might work as an antioxidant due to its free radical scavenging activity. It fights against the free radicals and prevents cell damage, thereby preventing various diseases[10].
Ayurvedic View
Pashanbhed powder is beneficial for kidney or urine-related problems like painful urination. You can take Pashanbhed powder 1-3gm once or twice a day with normal water.
Ayurvedic View
Pashanbhed can be used in kidney stones in the form of powder, tablet or Kada (decoction). You can take 1-3gm powder of Pashanbhed once or twice daily. Whereas tablet or Kada (decoction) can also be used but only when and as directed by the physician.
Modern Science View
Pashanbhed acts as a herbal diuretic agent. Diuretics are capable of increasing the rate of urine flow and sodium excretion. They help to adjust the volume and composition of body fluids in conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, kidney failure, nephritic syndrome, and cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver)[13].
Ayurvedic View
Pashanbhed tablet is effective in urinary disorders like a urine infection. It can also be used for urolithiasis (urinary stones) due to its Mutral (diuretic) property. This property helps to improve the frequency of urine formation and reduce the symptoms of urinary disorders.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might be useful in the management of skin burns and boils. It’s paste can be applied to the affected area so as to reduce pain and inflammation at the affected site due to its anti-inflammatory property[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pashanbhed might help in teething troubles in small children. Rubbing Pashanbhed powder along with honey on the gums helps in relieving irritation in the gums due to teething issues in children[12].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Ruby KM, Dwivedi J, Chauhan R.Pashanbheda a golden herb of himalaya: a review.IJPRR.2012;2(2):97-105.
- Sinha S, Murugesan T, Maiti K, et al.Evaluation of the antipyretic potential of Bergenia cilata sternb.rhizome extract.Pharmacy and pharmacology communications.2000;6(12):549-551.
- Kakub G, Gulfraz M.Cytoprotective effects of Bergenia cilata Sternb, extract on gastric ulcer in rats.Phytother Res.2007;21(12):1217-1220.
- Walter NS, Bagai U, Kalia S. Antimalarial activity of Bergenia cilata (Haw.) Sternb. Against plasmodium berghei.Parasitol Res.2013;112(9):3123-3128.
- Khan MY, Kumar V.Phytopharmacological profile of Bergenia ciliata.International journal of phytopharmacy.2016;6(5):90-98.
- Singh M, Pandey N, Agnihotri V, et al.Antioxidant, antimicrobial activity and bioactive compounds of Bergenia cilata sternb.: A valuable medicinal herb of Sikkim himalaya.JTCM.2017;7(2):152-157.
- Saha S, Verma RJ.Bergenia ciliata extract prevents ethylene glycol induced histopathological changes in the kidney.Acta poloniae pharmaceutica.2011;68(5):711-715.
- Sinha S, Murugesan T, Pal M, et al.Evaluation of anti-tussive activity of Bergenia ciliata sternb. Rhizome extract in mice. Phytomedicine.2001;8(4):298-301.
- Singh L, Kumar A, Paul A.Bergenia ciliata: the medicinal herb of cold desert.International journal of chemical studies.2018;6(3):3609-3613.
- Khan S, Dastagir G, Ullah B, et al.Pharmacognostic evaluation of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. Pure and Applied Biology. 2017;6:762-775.
- Patel AM, Savadi RV.Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of bergenia ciliata rhizome.IJPRR.2014:4(1):52-55.
- Verma P, Gauttam V and Kalia AN. Comparative pharmacognosy of Pashanbhed. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Apr-Jun; 5(2): 104–108.
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.