Patha
Patha or Laghupatha is an Indian traditional medicine whose roots are used for medicinal purposes. It helps to manage diarrhea by preventing the growth of bacteria responsible for causing diarrhea, as well as prevent the loss of fluid from the body due to its antimicrobial and antidiarrheal properties.
Patha helps to manage asthma by enhancing immunity and preventing inflammation of the respiratory passages due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This clears the blockage of respiratory passages and helps to release mucus.
Ayurveda also supports its use for managing cough due to its Kapha balancing property. Taking Patha powder along with honey twice daily helps to clear mucus which provides relief from the symptoms of cough and asthma. Patha powder also helps to improve male sexual health due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties and is also useful for managing menstrual problems like pain or cramps during periods due to its Vata balancing property.
Patha helps in managing various skin problems like infections and dermatitis due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying Patha paste along with honey promotes faster wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. Rubbing Patha paste along with honey on your gums and teeth also helps to get relief from toothache and swelling[2-4].
Patha helps to manage asthma by enhancing immunity and preventing inflammation of the respiratory passages due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This clears the blockage of respiratory passages and helps to release mucus.
Ayurveda also supports its use for managing cough due to its Kapha balancing property. Taking Patha powder along with honey twice daily helps to clear mucus which provides relief from the symptoms of cough and asthma. Patha powder also helps to improve male sexual health due to its Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties and is also useful for managing menstrual problems like pain or cramps during periods due to its Vata balancing property.
Patha helps in managing various skin problems like infections and dermatitis due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying Patha paste along with honey promotes faster wound healing due to its Ropan (healing) property. Rubbing Patha paste along with honey on your gums and teeth also helps to get relief from toothache and swelling[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Patha?
Cissampelos pareira, Ambasthaki, Tuprilata, Akanadi, Velvet leaf, Kalipath, Karondhium, Karondium, Venivel, Karedhium, Padh, Pahadavela, Agalushunthi, Pad, Pashadvel, Paharrel, Pahadavel, Padali, Kanabindhi, Vatta tiruppi, Adivibankatiga, Chiru boddi, Boddi tiga, Abuta[1].
What is the source of Patha?
Plant Based
Benefits of Patha
Modern Science View
Patha tonic might be useful in controlling hormonal acne. A certain substance present in Patha helps manage hormonal imbalance and high levels of androgens. Patha also has an anti-inflammatory property which helps in reducing pain and redness associated with acne[12].
Modern Science View
Studies state that Patha might help manage asthma due to its immunomodulatory activity. Patha might increase the levels of certain chemicals that have anti-inflammatory property. Thus, it helps decrease inflammation as well as the production of mucus in the air passages which subsequently eases breathing[9].
Ayurvedic View
Patha helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Patha helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tip:
1. Take a ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to control the symptoms of asthma.
Tip:
1. Take a ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to control the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Patha might help manage diarrhea due to its anti-diarrheal property. Patha has antimicrobial action and it targets various disease-causing organisms, preventing the growth of bacteria in the large intestine. Apart from this, Patha also allows more fluid to be absorbed in the body easily and prevents excessive loss of fluids from the body[7].
Ayurvedic View
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 in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Patha is useful to control diarrhea because of its Laghu (light to digest) nature. It helps to improve the digestive fire because of its Ushna (hot) and Vata balancing properties. This helps to retain fluid in the intestine to thicken loose stool and control the frequency of loose motion or diarrhea.
Tip:
1. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
Tip:
1. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to control diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Patha in case of fertility.
Ayurvedic View
Patha is useful to improve fertility, especially in men. Patha improves sperm quantity and quality and helps to manage sexual dysfunction in men. 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 sexual activity. This is also referred to as early discharge or premature ejaculation. Patha has Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties and improves sexual health in men.
Tip
1. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to improve sexual health.
Tip
1. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to improve sexual health.
Modern Science View
Path might help manage high blood pressure due to its antioxidant property. Patha relaxes and widens the blood vessels and allows the heart to pump easily[7][10].
Modern Science View
Patha might help manage Malaria due to its antimalarial property. It acts by suppressing the growth of malarial parasites. Decoction of Patha roots or its wine form is generally given in case of Malaria[11][15].
Modern Science View
Patha might be useful in managing menstrual problems. It contains certain chemicals that possess pain-relieving properties[12].
Ayurvedic View
Menstrual problems like dysmenorrhea are the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Patha has the property of balancing Vata and is good to control dysmenorrhea and other menstrual problems.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to manage menstrual problems.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey or water.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food to manage menstrual problems.
How effective is Patha?
Insufficient evidence
Acne, Asthma, Diarrhea, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Malaria, Menstrual pain, Premature ejaculation
Precautions when using Patha
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Patha during breastfeeding[5].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a doctor before taking Patha in case of diabetic patients.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a doctor before taking Patha in patients having heart problems.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult your doctor before taking Patha during pregnancy[5].
Recommended Dosage of Patha
- Patha Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
How to use Patha
1. Patha Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day.
2. Patha Decoction
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Patha powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
d. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this freshly prepared Patha decoction.
e. Add the same quantity of water to it.
f. Drink it once or twice a day preferably after meals.
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
b. Mix with honey or water.
c. Swallow it once or twice a day.
2. Patha Decoction
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Patha powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
d. Take 4-6 teaspoons of this freshly prepared Patha decoction.
e. Add the same quantity of water to it.
f. Drink it once or twice a day preferably after meals.
Benefits of Patha
Modern Science View
Yes, the external application of Patha root and leaves in ash form helps in wound healing. This is due to its antioxidant , anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps in the formation of collagen and regeneration of skin cells .It also reduces the risk of wound infection[15].
Ayurvedic View
Patha helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Patha powder with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tip
1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Patha powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash with plain water.
5. Repeat this for quick healing of the wound.
Tip
1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Patha powder or as per your requirement.
2. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
3. Apply on the affected area once a day.
4. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and wash with plain water.
5. Repeat this for quick healing of the wound.
Modern Science View
Patha contains a chemical which is known to manage toothache. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. It reduces pain and inflammation in tooth and gums[7-8].
Ayurvedic View
Patha helps to manage a toothache when Patha powder is rubbed on the gums and teeth. According to Ayurveda, mouth acts as the seat of Kapha dosha and an imbalance in Kapha dosha might lead to several dental problems like a toothache. Patha helps to manage a toothache due to its Kapha balancing nature.
Tip
1. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey and make a paste.
3. Rub this paste on the gums and teeth.
4. Repeat this to get relief from a toothache.
Tip
1. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey and make a paste.
3. Rub this paste on the gums and teeth.
4. Repeat this to get relief from a toothache.
How effective is Patha?
Insufficient evidence
Toothache, Wound infection
FAQs about Patha benefits
Precautions when using Patha
Allergy
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Patha in case of fertility.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Patha during breastfeeding[5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Patha during pregnancy[5].
Recommended Dosage of Patha
- Patha Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Patha
1. Patha Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Patha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for atleast 20-30 minutes and wash with plain water for quick healing of the wound.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Patha powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with honey or water and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area once a day.
d. Leave it for atleast 20-30 minutes and wash with plain water for quick healing of the wound.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Patha is good for an upset stomach. Patha powder improves the digestive fire and also helps to digest the food easily. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Patha is good for cold and cough. Patha has the property of balancing Kapha which helps to remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from cough and cold.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day.
Tip:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Patha powder.
2. Mix with honey.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Patha might help manage diabetes. This is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Patha helps manage blood glucose levels and also prevents damage to pancreatic cells. This enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Patha can be used to reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Patha contains a certain chemical that inhibits the activity of pain mediators. This reduces pain and inflammation in the body[7][8].
Modern Science View
Patha might lower the risk of parasitic worms due to its anthelmintic property. It suppresses the activity of the parasite and helps in the removal of the parasite from the body[3][7].
Modern Science View
Urolithiasis is the formation of stones in the urinary system. Patha is considered to be useful in urolithiasis. A chemical present in Patha has the property of lowering the concentration of stone-forming constituents in the body[13].
Modern Science View
Yes, the decoction of Patha root helps in the management of fever due to its antipyretic activity. Various scientific studies state that these antipyretic agent helps in reducing the elevated body temperature[14][15].
Modern Science View
Patha has traditionally been used for contraceptive purposes, so it is advisable to avoid use of Patha if you are planning to get pregnant[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Patha can be used for ulcers as it contains certain constituents(flavonoids) which show a gastroprotective and antiulcer property. These constituents protect the gastric lining from damage caused by the acid and thus elps to heal and prevent ulcers[3][16].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Patha might be useful for ulcers which generally occur due to weak or poor digestion. This may often lead to inflammation in the affected area. The Pachan (digestion) property of Patha helps improve digestion. The Ropan (healing) property helps in healing inflammation and thus prevent ulcers.
Modern Science View
Yes, Patha can be used for poisonous bites like snake bites. This is due to the presence of certain constituents which have antivenom property that is used to manage certain venomous bites and stings. Traditionally it has also been used as a cure against dog bites[17][18].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Patha might be useful in poisonous bites due to its Vishaghna (anti-venom) property. It reduces the pain or inflammation on the site of bite due to its Vata balancing and Ropan (healing) properties. This helps to reduce the effect of poison and promotes recovery.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the use of Patha in sinusitis.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Patha might be beneficial in sinusitis that generally occur due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha and results in the accumulation of mucus in the nasal cavity. This leads to the formation of polyps (abnormal tissue growth) which might block the air pathway. The Ushna (hot) and Kapha balancing properties of Patha opens the blocked pathway by loosening the accumulated mucus in the nasal cavity which helps ease breathing and thus reduces the symptoms of sinusitis.
Modern Science View
The external application of pounded leaves of Patha might help in managing skin infections. A study states that patha has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It can help reduce infection in skin [7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Patha helps in dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory property. Crushed leaves are externally applied on the affected area. This reduces the swelling in the skin associated with dermatitis[15].
Modern Science View
Yes, Patha is useful for pimples due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It reduces the growth of pimple causing bacteria. The root decoction is externally applied that reduces the bacterial action on the skin[15].
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to use Patha powder after making a paste with honey or water in case you are hypersensitive towards heat. This is because of the Ushna (hot) nature of Patha.
References
- .The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Singh S, Nishteswar K.Review on Cissampelos Pareira & Cyclea Peltata (Patha Dwaya) - Phyto-Pharmacological Perspectives.International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine.2013:4(4):282-289.
- Arora M, Sharma T, Devi A, et al.An inside review of Cissampelos Pareira Linn: A potential medicinal plant of India.IRJP 2012;3(12):38-41.
- Shah K, Qureshi SS, Gupta J, et al, ED:Kshetrimayum B.(Chapter)Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Cissampelos pareira: A Review.Medicinal Plants and its Therapeutic Uses. OMICS Group eBooks.2017:1-19.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-267/abuta
- Yadav KS, Yadav NP, Shankar K, et al.Assessment of antidiabetic potential of CIssampelos pareira leaf extract in streptozotocin- nicotinamide induced diabetic mice.Journal of Pharmacy Research.2013:1-5.
- Samanta J, Bhattacharya S.Cissampelos Pariera: A promising Antifertility agent. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.2012;2(2):439-442.
- Schmeizer GH.Medicinal Plants.PROTA Foundation/ Backhuys Publishers;2008.
- Kumari W,Yadav SK, Mathur K, et al. Phytochemical and Pharmacological review on Cissampelospareira.Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.2016;3(4):152-154.
- Huang YL,Cui SY, Cui XY. Tetrandrine, an alkaloid from S. tetrandra exhibits and antihypertensive and sleep enhancing effects in SHR via different mechanisms.Phytomedicine.2016;23(14): 1821-1829.
- Thakur P, Rana AC.Effect of Cissampelos Pariera Leaves on Anxiety like Behavior in Experimental Animals.J Tradit Complement Med.2013;3(3):188-193.
- Chaudhery PK, DInda SC, Dash SK.Anti-inflammatory activity of Methanolic extract of bark of FIcus Racemosa L. and root of Cissampelos Pareiral L. Var. Hirsuta (DC) Forman.International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry.2012;2(4):1128-1133
- Sayana SB, Chavan VR, Mudium R.Antilithiatic effect of Cissampelos Pareira leaves in ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats.Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical research.2014;7(5):103-106.
- Hullatti KK, Sharada MS.PHCOG MAG : Comparative Antipyretic activity of Patha: An Ayurvedic Drug.Pharmacognosy Magazine.2007;3(11):173-176.
- Singh SG, Nishteswar K. Review of CIssampelos pareira & Cyclea peltata(Patha Dwaya) - Ethnomedical perspectives.2013;2(1): 1656-1662.
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.