Stone Flower
Stone Flower
Stone Flower, also known as Chharila or Phattar Phool, is a lichen generally used as a spice to enhance the flavor and taste of food.
According to Ayurveda, Stone Flower is useful in reducing the risk of as well as removing Mutrashmari (renal calculi) or kidney stones by increasing the production of urine due to its diuretic property. Stone Flower powder is very effective in promoting wound healing as it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Although there are no side effects of the consumption of Stone Flower, it might aggravate some problems like cough and cold in people with weak immunity or who regularly suffer from these ailments due to its Sita (cold potency) nature[2][3][12].
According to Ayurveda, Stone Flower is useful in reducing the risk of as well as removing Mutrashmari (renal calculi) or kidney stones by increasing the production of urine due to its diuretic property. Stone Flower powder is very effective in promoting wound healing as it possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Although there are no side effects of the consumption of Stone Flower, it might aggravate some problems like cough and cold in people with weak immunity or who regularly suffer from these ailments due to its Sita (cold potency) nature[2][3][12].
What are the synonyms of Stone Flower?
Rock Moss, Charela, Chharila, Chhadila, Sitasiva, Silapuspa, Shailaj, Patthar Phool, Chhadilo, Shilapushpa, Kalluhoo, Sheleyam, Kalppuvu, Dagad phool, Ausneh, Kalpashee, Ratipuvvu[1].
What is the source of Stone Flower?
Plant Based
Benefits of Stone Flower
1. Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is the formation of stone (accumulation of hard, stony mass) in the bladder and urinary tract. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a condition of Vata-Kapha origin which causes Sanga (obstruction) in the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system). Stone Flower gives relief in urolithiasis due to its Mutral (diuretic) property which increase urine flow. Stone Flower also helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevent the formation of renal calculi.
Tip for using Stone Flower Kada (Decoction) to manage Urolithiasis -
a. Take a few Stone Flower and grind them.
b. Mix in 2 cups of water.
c. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes or until it reduces to 1⁄4th of the original quantity.
d. Filter this decoction.
e. Take 10-15 ml of this lukewarm decoction twice a day or as directed by a physician to get quick relief from the symptoms of Urolithiasis.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria or painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. This condition occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Stone Flower helps manage UTI due to its Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. These properties helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevent the condition of dysuria and painful urination in case of Urinary tract infection (UTI).
3. Asthma
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 passages. This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Stone Flower helps manage Asthma due to its Kapha-Vata balancing properties. These properties also help remove the obstruction in the respiratory pathways, thereby making breathing easy.
Tip for using Stone Flower to manage Asthma -
a. You can use stone Flower as a spice to get relief from the symptoms of Asthma.
Urolithiasis is the formation of stone (accumulation of hard, stony mass) in the bladder and urinary tract. In Ayurveda, it is known as Mutrashmari. Mutrashmari (renal calculi) is a condition of Vata-Kapha origin which causes Sanga (obstruction) in the Mutravaha Srotas (urinary system). Stone Flower gives relief in urolithiasis due to its Mutral (diuretic) property which increase urine flow. Stone Flower also helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevent the formation of renal calculi.
Tip for using Stone Flower Kada (Decoction) to manage Urolithiasis -
a. Take a few Stone Flower and grind them.
b. Mix in 2 cups of water.
c. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes or until it reduces to 1⁄4th of the original quantity.
d. Filter this decoction.
e. Take 10-15 ml of this lukewarm decoction twice a day or as directed by a physician to get quick relief from the symptoms of Urolithiasis.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria or painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. This condition occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. Stone Flower helps manage UTI due to its Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. These properties helps balance the Kapha dosha, which further prevent the condition of dysuria and painful urination in case of Urinary tract infection (UTI).
3. Asthma
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 passages. This causes difficulty in breathing and wheezing sounds from the chest. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Stone Flower helps manage Asthma due to its Kapha-Vata balancing properties. These properties also help remove the obstruction in the respiratory pathways, thereby making breathing easy.
Tip for using Stone Flower to manage Asthma -
a. You can use stone Flower as a spice to get relief from the symptoms of Asthma.
Recommended Dosage of Stone Flower
- Stone Flower Powder - 1-3 g of Stone Flower powder a day[18].
How to use Stone Flower
1. Stone Flower as Spice
You can use stone Flower as a spice in your daily diet to get relief from the symptoms of asthma.
2. Stone Flower Kada (Decoction)
a. Take some Stone Flower and grind them.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is reduced to 1⁄4th of its original quantity.
d. Filter this cup of decoction.
e. Take 10-15 ml (or as directed by a physician) of this lukewarm decoction twice a day to get quick relief from the symptoms of urolithiasis.
You can use stone Flower as a spice in your daily diet to get relief from the symptoms of asthma.
2. Stone Flower Kada (Decoction)
a. Take some Stone Flower and grind them.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is reduced to 1⁄4th of its original quantity.
d. Filter this cup of decoction.
e. Take 10-15 ml (or as directed by a physician) of this lukewarm decoction twice a day to get quick relief from the symptoms of urolithiasis.
Benefits of Stone Flower
How to use Stone Flower
Stone Flower Paste
a. Take Stone Flower as per your requirement.
b. Grind them and make a paste by adding appropriate coconut oil in it.
c. Apply it on the affected area regularly to promote wound healing.
a. Take Stone Flower as per your requirement.
b. Grind them and make a paste by adding appropriate coconut oil in it.
c. Apply it on the affected area regularly to promote wound healing.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Stone Flower contains proteins, glucose, phenols, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C which are beneficial for overall health. It is astringent, emollient, laxative, sedative, and diuretic in nature which is considered to be useful in treating bronchitis, excessive salivation, vomiting, toothache, boils, inflammations, etc[19].
Modern Science View
Pathar Phool is called as Stone flower in English. It is commonly used in Indian households for its unique ability to generate mystic aroma in the food it is added to.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might be good for chronic gastritis as possesses antimicrobial activity. It inhibits the growth of the bacteria (H. Pylori) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the stomach, thereby providing relief from chronic gastric[4].
Ayurvedic View
Stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. When there is excessive production of acid in the stomach, it results in a condition known as acidity. In Ayurveda, the main cause of acidity is aggravated Pitta dosha. When the stomach acid causes inflammation of the inner layer of the stomach, it is known as gastritis. Stone Flower helps reduce the symptoms of gastritis such as inflammation and provide relief from gastritis due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might be beneficial in managing diabetes as it lowers the blood glucose levels by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the absorption of glucose in the body. It also protects the pancreatic cells from damage caused by free radicals due to the presence of certain constituents (flavonoids, phenols) that possess antioxidant activities[5].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha, occurs due to an aggravation of Vata 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. Stone Flower helps in maintaining the proper functioning of insulin due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha balancing properties, thereby reducing the symptoms of diabetes.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might help in managing liver diseases due to the presence of certain constituents that are hepatoprotective (protects the liver cells) in nature[6].
Modern Science View
Yellow fever is a serious flu-like disease that is caused by mosquitoes and is characterized by high fever and jaundice. Stone Flower might be helpful in managing yellow fever due to its antiviral activity. Certain components present in Stone Flower might inhibit yellow fever virus by inhibiting its activity. In addition, it also possesses analgesic and antipyretic properties that might help in relieving the symptoms like body aches and fever[7][12].
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might help in arthritis. Stone Flower helps in reducing the prolonged inflammation associated with arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties, thereby relieving certain symptoms of arthritis[8].
Ayurvedic View
Arthritis is a condition that generally occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha. This increases the dryness (Rookshta) in the bones and joints and leads to certain symptoms like pain or inflammation. Stone Flower helps reduce the symptoms like dryness and prevent the painful condition of arthritis due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might be beneficial for kidneys. A study showed that Stone Flower extract was able to increase the urine volume and pH, thereby reducing the risk of formation of kidney stones. It also reduced the levels of creatinine, uric acid and proteins showing its positive effect on renal functions[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Stone Flower is beneficial for kidneys. It helps remove the renal stones and provide relief from urine related problems by increasing urine production due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might be helpful in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) levels and increasing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol) levels. This might be due to the presence of high phenolic content that possess antioxidant properties[10][11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower has anti-fertility properties and can reduce the sperm density and motility in males. Thus, it can be used as an herbal contraceptive. However, it is advisable to use it as recommended by a physician[16][17].
Ayurvedic View
Stone flowers can be used to get relief from various health problems like sores, bronchitis, excessive salivation, vomiting, tooth-ache, boils, inflammations, etc. You can use Stone Flower as a spice to enhance the flavor of your dish or make Kadha out of it for other health benefits.
Here are some steps suggested to make Kadha of Stone flower:
Take some Stone flowers and grind them.
After grinding, mix them with 2 cups of water in a pan.
This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is reduced to 1⁄4th of its original quantity.
Filter this cup of decoction and have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of UTI.
Here are some steps suggested to make Kadha of Stone flower:
Take some Stone flowers and grind them.
After grinding, mix them with 2 cups of water in a pan.
This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is reduced to 1⁄4th of its original quantity.
Filter this cup of decoction and have it once or twice a day to reduce the symptoms of UTI.
Modern Science View
Black Stone Flower is a type of edible lichen with a mild woody fragrance. It is used as a spice in many regions of India. It can grow naturally on rocks and trees without any maintenance above a certain sea level. It doesn’t have a prominent taste of its own but adds a mysterious flavor to whatever food it is added to.
Modern Science View
Stone Flower or Patharphodi or Shila pushp is useful for stones of kidney and bladder[20]. It shows diuretic effect which helps to increase urine flow in the body, thereby helping flush out the stones from the body.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can use Stone Flower for kidney stone after consulting with an Ayurvedic physician. According to the Ayurveda, Stone Flower depicts positive results in traditional therapeutic action on ashmari (urinary stone) due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower powder can be helpful in skin injuries. It has certain phytochemicals that possess antimicrobial properties and are efficient in killing bacteria that might cause infections. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory property of Stone Flower might accelerate the healing process by reducing inflammation and accelerating wound closure[8][13][14].
Modern Science View
Yes, Stone Flower might be useful in managing skin irritations and rashes as it is anti-inflammatory in nature. It is also helpful in fighting skin infections due to its antibacterial property[8][13].
Ayurvedic View
Skin problems like acne, pimples or wounds generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha dosha. These conditions might sometimes lead to bleeding or inflammation as well. Stone Flower helps manage skin problems due to its Kapha-Pitta balancing, Kashay (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties. It helps reduce the symptoms like bleeding or inflammation and promotes healing of the skin.
Modern Science View
Yes, the smoke of Stone Flower is generally used to manage headaches. It is soporific and sedative in nature, which might help in reducing headaches[15].
Modern Science View
Stone Flower is safe to consume. No side effects or precautions have been reported yet. However, it is advisable for pregnant or lactating women to consult a physician before consuming Stone Flower.
Modern Science View
Enough evidence is not available to suggest its beneficial effects on hair-related problems.
Ayurvedic View
As per Ayurveda, Stone flower is considered as an effective medicine for urinary system disorders instead of hair problems.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Mayilsamy M, Geetharamanan K.Cytotoxic activity of Parmelia perlata extracts against Artemia salina.Journal of Experimental Sciences.2016;7:36-39.
- Leela K, Iyer P.Extraction and application of secondary metabolites from Parmelia Perlata.Asian J. Biol. Life Sci.2016;5(2):211-216.
- Gehlot V, Mahant S, Vijayraghwan P et al.Therapeutic potential of lichen Parmelia perlata against dual drug-resistant helicobacter pylori isolates.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2016;8:205-208.
- Patil SB, Ghadyale VA, Taklikar SS, et al.Insulin secretagogue, alpha-glucosidase and antioxidant activity of some selected spices in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Plant Foods Hum Nutr.2011;66(1):85-90.
- Shailajan S, Joshi M, Tiwari B.Hepatoprotective activity of Parmelia perlata (Huds.) Ach. against CCl4 induced liver toxicity in Albino Wistar rats. J Appl Pharm Sci.2014;4:70-74.
- Esimone CO, Ofokansi KC, Adikwu MU, et al.In vitro evaluation of the antiviral activity of extracts from the lichen Parmelia perlata (L.) Ach. against three RNA viruses.J Infect Dev Ctries. 2007;1(3):315-20.
- Diwakar Y, Chitra V, Evelyn S. Study of Parmelia Perlata for its potential as anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic agent using in vitro model.Asian J Pharm Clin Res. 2019;12(1):95-97.
- Goyal PK, Verma SK, Sharma AK.Evaluation of antiurolithiatic effects of Parmelia perlata against calcium oxalate calculi in hyperoxaluric rats.J App Pharm Sci. 2018;8 (01):129-135.
- Rahman H.In Vitro Studies on Antioxidant, Hypolipidemic and Cytotoxic Potential of Parmelia Perlata.Am J Science. 2014;2(6-1):7-10.
- Jothi G, Brindha P.Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect of Parmelia perlata. Ach. in alloxan induced diabetic rats.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2014;6:43-46.
- Goyal PK, Verma S, Sharma AK.Pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of lichen Parmelia Perlata : A Review.Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm.2016;7:102-107.
- Vidyalakshmi A, Kruthika K.Antibacterial activity of Parmelia perlata.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed.2012:2;S892–S894.
- Panicker, NS.Evaluation of wound healing property of Parmelia sp. against diabetic foot ulcer-causing pathogens. J Pharm Res.2018:12(3);277-282.
- Chauhan NS.Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Himachal Pradesh. 1999
- Patel D, Patel K, Meshram D, et al.In vitro study of the contraceptive spermicidal activity of Parmelia Perlata lichen on human sperm: rising approach towards herbal contraception. ASIO-JPHMR.2018;4(1):01-04
- Tanwar K, Mathur J, Kachhawa J.Phytochemical Investigation and Anti-Fertility Activity of Lichen Parmelia Perlata.IJRRR.2015;VIII(4).
- Saroya AS.Glossary of Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda.2006.
- Goyal PK, Verma SK, and Sharma AK. Pharmacological and phytochemical aspects of lichen Parmelia perlata: A review. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharmacy. 2016. 7(1):102-107.
- Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, and Sabharwal M. Pathophysiology of kidney, gallbladder and urinary stones treatment with herbal and allopathic medicine: A review. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2013 Dec; 3(6): 496–504.
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.