Kokilaksha: Its Health benefits, Uses and Side effects

2022-04-15 00:00:00

Kokilaksha, commonly called Ikshura or Talmakhana, is a powerful Ayurvedic herb in Ayurveda. It is called Culli, Ikshura and Ikshugandha, which means "to have eyes like the Indian cuckoo". Kokilaksha can be found around water sources, fields and swamps throughout India. It has a unique property that the seeds swell and become slimy on contact with water. Due to the powerful health benefits of Kokilaksha, it is used in Ayurveda to treat various ailments. Its scientific name is Asteracantha longifolia. 

Importance of Kokilaksha in Ayurveda

All parts of Kokilaksha including leaves, seeds, flowers, stem, fruitsand roots are used for medicinal purposes. According to Ayurveda, Kokilaksha soothes vitiated vata and pitta dosha. It has a sweet taste and cold strength. This plant contains lupeol, stigmasterol and hydrocarbons. The seeds of this plant are rich in sterols and the flowers contain apigenin glucuronide. It has anti-hyperuricemic, anti-rheumatic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, carminative and hepatoprotective properties.

Health Benefits of Kokilaksha

Effective in Diabetes-

The properties found in Kokilaksha helps lower blood sugar levels by protecting insulin-producing cells. Therefore, it is helpful in the treatment of diabetes.

Immunity booster-

Regular consumption of Kokilaksha can strengthen your body and boost your immune system. It enhances the body's metabolic capabilities by activating cellular enzyme pathways. It also helps to recover easily from wounds and inflammation in the body.

Aids in Jaundice-

Kokilaksha is packed with antioxidants and hepatoprotective properties. It protects the liver from free radical damage. It also increases bile secretion. Hence, it is effective in treating jaundice.

Increases urine production-

Kokilaksha promotes increased urine production. It has diuretic properties which can relieve a person from difficulty passing urine. Cold infusion of the seeds of this plant is given to people suffering from low urine output.

Maintains good sexual health-

Kokilaksha is a natural aphrodisiac. The powdered seeds of this plant are beneficial for maintaining good sexual health in men. It helps to increase male fertility by increasing sperm count and strength.

Uses of Kokilaksha

• A decoction of the Kokilaksha roots is given to treat jaundice and swelling of the body.
• The seed powder is given with milk to treat impotence, less sperm count and general weakness.
• Ash produced from burning dry plants (kshara) is added to a decoction of Kokilaksha to treat kidney stones.
• Cold infusion of Asteracantha longifolia seeds is given to treat hepatomegaly and flatulence.
• Cold infusion of Kokilaksha seeds is given to increase urination.
• The powdered Kokilaksha plant is mixed with cow urine and given to treat swellings of the body (anasarca).

Side effects of using Kokilaksha

There are no notable side effects of Kokilaksha when consumed in limited quantities but-

Avoid the consumption of Kokilaksha or use only under medical supervision while breastfeeding or during pregnancy.

Where is it found?

Kokilaksha is a medicinal plant from the acanthus family that grows in marshy areas and comes from tropical Asia and Africa.  In India, it is found majorly near water sources and marshy lands.