Bhumy amalaki ~ Phyllanthus niruri, P. amarus

Bhumy amalaki

Latin name:  Phyllanthus niruri, P. amarus (Ayurvedic name means “earth amla”. It is a low growing amla bush.)

Family: Euphorbiaceae (very closely related to amla, Emblica officinalis)

Part used: whole plant

Habitat: native to tropical areas including southernIndia, andChina

Main constituents: alkaloids, gallocatechins, lignins, saponins

Energetics: cooling

Main herbal actions: hepatoprotective, analgesic, carminative, digestive, laxative, stomachic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive

Minor herbal actions: emmenagogue, vermifuge, aperitif, diuretic, antimicrobial, antilithic

Main medicinal uses: kidney and gallbladder stones, hepatitis, colds, flu, viral infections, cystitis, prostatitis, diabetes, hypertension

Minor medicinal uses: venereal diseases, urinary tract infections, anemia, jaundice, liver cancer,

Preparations: infusion/decoction: 1 tsp/cup water qd-tid; tincture: 2-6 ml bid-tid, powder: 2-10 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy, hypoglycemia; may potentiate insulin, antidiabetic, diuretic, antihypertensive, beta-blocker and other heart medications drugs

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: http://www.rain-tree.com/chanca.htm