Pittapapada
Pittapapada
Pittapapada or Fumitory is an annual herb found as a common weed all over the plains of India. The whole plant is widely used in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine. In traditional systems of medicine, the plant is reputed for its anthelmintic, diuretic, diaphoretic, laxative, cholagogue, stomachic, sedative, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, prokinetic, laxative, dermatological, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, reproductive, anticholinesterase, and smooth muscle relaxant effects. These properties help to manage diseases like dyspepsia and scrofulous skin infection, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, leprosy, and syphilis. The plant is also used to purify blood in cutaneous disease and liver obstruction[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Pittapapada?
Fumaria parviflora, Varatika, Suksmapatra, Shahtaraj, Vanshulpha, Bansulpha, Pitpapado, Pittapapado, Dhamgajra, Pittapapara, Kallu Sabbasige, Parpatu, Chaturasigide, Shatara, Parpat, Shahtara, Pittapapara, Tura, Tusa, Parpatakamu, Parpata[1].
What is the source of Pittapapada?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pittapapada
FAQs about Pittapapada benefits
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It occurs 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 to the intestines from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Pittapapada helps in the management of Diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) property. It helps absorb the excessive loss of water and reduces the frequency of watery stools.
2. Anorexia
Due to low digestive fire (Mand agni), the ingested food might not get digested properly, resulting in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This might lead to anorexia or loss of appetite, also known as Aruchi in Ayurveda. It is a condition which results in the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. There are also some psychological factors that lead to incomplete digestion of food, causing insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, thereby resulting in loss of appetite. Pittapapada helps in the management of anorexia due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. This helps prevent the formation of Ama and improves the taste due to its Rochaka (taste enhancer) property which further reduces anorexia.
3. Vomiting
Vomiting occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha dosha. Doshas get imbalanced due to various eating habits like consuming food that is excessive Teekshna (sharp), Kashaya (pungent), Amla (sour), Vidahi (which causes burning sensation), Guru (heavy), Ati-Sheeta (cold) and Apakwa Ahaara (raw/uncooked) in nature. This results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) leading to indigestion. Pittapapada helps manage Vomiting by reducing Ama and improving digestion due to it’s Pitta and Kapha balancing properties properties.
4. Indigestion
According to Ayurveda, Indigestion is termed as Agnimandya. It occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the ingested food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and causes indigestion. Pittapapada helps improve taste which enhances the Agni, thus leading to an improved digestion due to its Pitta balancing and Rochaka (taste enhancer) properties.
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It occurs 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 to the intestines from various tissues of the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Pittapapada helps in the management of Diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) property. It helps absorb the excessive loss of water and reduces the frequency of watery stools.
2. Anorexia
Due to low digestive fire (Mand agni), the ingested food might not get digested properly, resulting in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This might lead to anorexia or loss of appetite, also known as Aruchi in Ayurveda. It is a condition which results in the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. There are also some psychological factors that lead to incomplete digestion of food, causing insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, thereby resulting in loss of appetite. Pittapapada helps in the management of anorexia due to its Pitta-Kapha balancing properties. This helps prevent the formation of Ama and improves the taste due to its Rochaka (taste enhancer) property which further reduces anorexia.
3. Vomiting
Vomiting occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha dosha. Doshas get imbalanced due to various eating habits like consuming food that is excessive Teekshna (sharp), Kashaya (pungent), Amla (sour), Vidahi (which causes burning sensation), Guru (heavy), Ati-Sheeta (cold) and Apakwa Ahaara (raw/uncooked) in nature. This results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) leading to indigestion. Pittapapada helps manage Vomiting by reducing Ama and improving digestion due to it’s Pitta and Kapha balancing properties properties.
4. Indigestion
According to Ayurveda, Indigestion is termed as Agnimandya. It occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Whenever the ingested food is left undigested due to Mand agni (low digestive fire), it results in the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and causes indigestion. Pittapapada helps improve taste which enhances the Agni, thus leading to an improved digestion due to its Pitta balancing and Rochaka (taste enhancer) properties.
Precautions when using Pittapapada
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pittapapada during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pittapapada.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for patients with heart disease to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pittapapada.
Patients with liver disease
Modern Science View
Long term exposure to low doses of Pittapapada may cause certain harm to hepatic (liver) tissues. So it is advisable for patients with liver disease to avoid or consult a physician before using Pittapapada[12].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Pittapapada during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Pittapapada
- Pittapapada Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon, 1-2 times a day.
How to use Pittapapada
1. Pittapapada Powder
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Pittapapada powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
c. Repeat regularly to improve good digestion.
2. Pittapapada Decoction
a. Take 10-20 teaspoon of Pittapapada Decoction.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Drink it preferably in the morning 1-2 times a day.
d. Repeat regularly to get relief from diarrhea.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Pittapapada powder.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
c. Repeat regularly to improve good digestion.
2. Pittapapada Decoction
a. Take 10-20 teaspoon of Pittapapada Decoction.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Drink it preferably in the morning 1-2 times a day.
d. Repeat regularly to get relief from diarrhea.
Benefits of Pittapapada
1. Insect bite
Pittapapada helps reduce the poisonous effects of insect bite. It also helps manage the discomfort produced like itching, pain or swelling due to it’s Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. This helps reduce the symptoms of an insect bite and also provides a cooling effect at the affected area.
Pittapapada helps reduce the poisonous effects of insect bite. It also helps manage the discomfort produced like itching, pain or swelling due to it’s Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. This helps reduce the symptoms of an insect bite and also provides a cooling effect at the affected area.
Precautions when using Pittapapada
Allergy
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Pittapapada in allergies. So it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Pittapapada.
Recommended Dosage of Pittapapada
- Pittapapada Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Pittapapada
Pittapapada Powder
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Pittapapada Powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get rid of acne, blemishes and scars.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Pittapapada Powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get rid of acne, blemishes and scars.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The extract of Pittapapada should be sealed in an aluminium foil and stored at 4 degrees celsius.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help manage asthma due to its bronchodilator activity. It helps in dilating bronchi and bronchioles which decreases resistance in the respiratory airways and increases the flow of air to the lungs. This provides relief from cough and helps ease breathing[4].
Ayurvedic View
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 leading to difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Pittapapada helps manage the symptoms of asthma due to it’s Kapha balancing properties. This helps prevent the imbalance of doshas, thus preventing the obstruction which results in easy breathing.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help provide relief from constipation due to its laxative property. It causes gastrointestinal stimulation and promotes bowel movements. This increases the production of wet feces and facilitates it removal from the body[5].
Modern Science View
Pittapapada might help manage type 2 diabetes due to its anti-diabetic activity. Although not enough scientific evidence is available, various scientific studies suggest that it prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion. This helps in lowering blood sugar levels[7].
Modern Science View
Pittapapada might increase the number of cells that produce the male sex hormone (Leydig cells) i.e., testosterone, thereby causing an increase in male sex hormone level[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help in gastrointestinal worm infections due to its anthelmintic property. Various scientific studies suggest that it helps in the removal of parasites from the body without killing the host, thereby managing and preventing infections[9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help manages the functioning of the male reproductive organs due to the presence of androgens. Various animal studies suggest that it increases the serum testosterone levels which helps in the development, growth and normal functioning of the male reproductive organs[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help prevent kidney failure due to its nephroprotective activity. It helps increases the filtration function of the kidney which helps filter the extra fluid and waste products out of the blood into the urine, thereby keeping the kidneys healthy[12].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Pittapapada in vomiting. However, traditionally, it has been used along with honey to prevent vomiting[13].
Ayurvedic View
Vomiting is a condition which occurs due to poor digestion or formation of Ama. It occurs due to an imbalance of all the three Doshas especially Pitta and Kapha dosha which result in the backflow of Ama through the food pipe. This condition might be due to the consumption of excessive Teekshna (sharp), Kashaya (pungent), Amla (sour), Vidahi (which causes burning sensation), Guru (heavy diet), Ati-Sheeta (cold diet), Apakwa Ahaara (raw/uncooked) food as well as fasting which results in the formation of Ama. Pittapapada is useful in vomiting due to it’s Pitta and Kapha balancing properties. It helps prevent indigestion and reduces the frequency of backflow of Ama through the food pipe, thereby providing relief from vomiting.
Ayurvedic View
Pittapapada helps to improve digestive fire and reduce the risk of indigestion. You can take 1-3gm powder once or twice a day with lukewarm water.
Modern Science View
Pittapapada is generally considered to be safe when taken in the recommended amount as suggested by the doctor.
Modern Science View
It is advised to consult a doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements to avoid any interaction.
Modern Science View
Pittapapada cream has anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the activity of inflammation-causing mediators reduces pain and inflammation. Pittapapada also has antioxidant properties. It fights against the free radicals and prevents cell damage[6][11].
Modern Science View
Hand eczema is a distressing condition which includes allergies and irritant reactions on the palms and fingers. Pittapapada cream might help in hand eczema due to its immunomodulatory activity. It keeps the immune system healthy and inhibits certain mediators that cause inflammation[6].
Ayurvedic View
Eczema is a skin disorder which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha and leads to certain symptoms like itching or irritation. Pittapapada might help in eczema due it’s Pitta balancing and Sita (cold) properties. This helps reduce the symptoms of eczema like itching and irritation and provides a cooling effect to the affected area.
Tip
a. Take Pittapapda powder as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with coconut oil to make a suitable paste.
c. Apply this paste evenly over the affected area.
Tip
a. Take Pittapapda powder as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with coconut oil to make a suitable paste.
c. Apply this paste evenly over the affected area.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might help stop bleeding due to its styptic property (stops bleeding when applied to a wound)[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Pittapapada might be used for abdominal cramps due to its smooth muscle relaxant property. It relieves the spasms of involuntary muscles and helps manage abdominal cramps[9].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- .Gupta PC, Sharma N, Rao CV.A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory).Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012 Aug; 2(8): 665–669.
- Modi K, Amin A, Shah M. A Pharmacognostical Study on Fumaria parviora Lamk. Journal of natural remedies. 2016;16(1):1-6.
- Rehman NU, S Bashir, Rehaily AJ, et al.Mechanisms underlying the antidiarrheal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Fumaria Parviflora and involvement of tissues and species specificity.Journal of Ethnopharmacol.2012;144(1):128-137.
- Rehman NU, Mehmood MH, Rehaily AJ, et al.Species and tissue-specificity of prokinetic, laxative and spasmodic effects of Fumaria Parviflora.BMC Complementary and Alternative medicine.2011;12(16):2-8.
- Jowkar F,Jamshidzadeh A, Yazdi AM, et al. The effects of Fumaria Parviflora L extract on chronic hand eczema: A Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial.Iran Red Crescent Medical Journal.2011;13(11):824-828.
- Fathiazad F, Hamedeyazdan S, Khosropanah MK, et al. Hypoglycemic activity of Fumaria Parviflora in Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin.2013;3(1):207-210.
- Nasrabadi MH, Aboutalebi H, Naseri M.Effect of Fumaria parviflora alcoholic extract on male rat’s reproductive system.Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.2012;6(10):2004-2010.
- Al-Snafi AE.Fumaria Parviflora-A Review. lndo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2018;05(03):1728-1738.
- Dorostghoal M, Seyyednejad SM, Khajehpour L, et al.Effects of Fumaria Parviflora leaves extract on reproductive parameters in adult male rats.Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine.2013;11(11):891-898.
- Rizwi W,Fayazuddin M, Singh O, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect of Fumaria parviflora leaves based on TNF-a, IL-1, IL-6 and antioxidant potential.Avicenna journal of Phytomedicine.2016;7(1):1-9.
- Tajik J,Nazifi S, Poorzal F.The effects of long term use of Fumaria Parviflora extract on some serum biochemical parameters of Rats.Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology.2011;6(8):710-714.
- Guna G. Pharmacological Activity of Fumaria indica - A Review. J Phytopharmacol 2017; 6(6):352-355.
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.