Kottai karantai / Indian sphaeranthus Powder

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Sphaeranthus

Species: S. indicus

Binomial name: Sphaeranthus indicus

Kottai Karantai is scientifically known as Sphaeranthus indicus. It is called Indian sphaeranthus in English. In the traditional medicine system, the whole part of this plant is used as a medicine to treat various health problems. It is an aromatic herb that spreads with its hairy stem and branches.

The flowers are pink or purple in color. The stems have toothed wings, alternate, toothed leaves. This herb has bitter, pungent, sweet in taste, and has hot potency. It helps to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, which are dry and light in nature. It is used as a diuretic, nerve tonic, blood purifier, and vermicide. It is also used to treat epilepsy, skin disease, filariasis, obesity, anemia.

Health Benefits

• Applying the paste of this Indian sphaeranthus on the skin will help to reduce swelling.
• In Ayurveda, this herb is used to treat intestinal worms and indigestion.
• The decoction of this herb helps to remove toxins from the body, so it prevents liver problems.
• Traditionally, this herb is good to treat asthma, cold infection, and chronic cough.
• Continuously applying the paste of this herb in the infected area will help to get rid of ringworm.