Mahasudarshan ~ Sida cordifolia

Mahasudarshan

Latin name: Sida cordifolia, Desmodium gangeticum, Plumbago zeylanica, Trichosanthes dioica, Sizigium aromaticum, Swertia chirata, Prunus pundum, Andropogon muricatus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Gentiana kurroa, Piper longum root, Myristica fragrance, Toxus baecata, Azardirachta indica, Inula racemosa, Pichrorrhiza kurroa

Family: various

Part used: various

Habitat: India

Main constituents: ophelic acid, chiratin, tannin, gum, carbonates, phosphates, phytosterol, limonene, myrcene, α-pinene, among others

Energetics: bitter, pungent, astringent, cooling

Herbal actions: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, alterative, antiperiodic, antiviral, decongestant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, refrigerant

Medicinal uses: malaria, acne, allergies, biliousness, colds, fatigue, fever, flu, gallstones, liver disorders, lymphatic congestion, nausea, styes

Preparations: pwd: 3-6 g qd

Contraindications: pregnancy, high vata, emaciation

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: http://www.ayurveda-cure.net/mahasudarshan.htm; http://www.theayurvedacenter.ch/products/tablets/gugg_mahasudarshan.php; http://www.baidyanath.com/churna.htm; http://www.pioneerherbs.com/swertia_chirata.htm