Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) - Benefits, Uses & Medicinal Properties
Aparajita is one of the most potent herbs used for various treatment purposes. The plant is commonly known as Butterfly pea. The name Aparajita itself means that the plant can cure many diseases and it cannot be defeated by any of the diseases. It is considered as a sacred plant and is regarded as a plant related to Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. The flowers of the plant resembles clitoris and hence given the genus name.
Institute of Applied food Allergy guided by Dr. Gupta, have been studying readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating the allergic condition. Our experts studied on Aparajita and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Intellect promoter, Laxative, Ophthalmic, Stimulant, Carminative, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory actions, etc. Aparajita can be used in various diseases like Goitre, edema, Skin disorders, Digestive disorders, etc. The leaves of the plant contain methanolic extracts. Our experts have successfully proven the antinociceptive action of these methanolic extracts. The antinociceptive activity of the extracts may be mediated at both the central and peripheral levels.
Also Read: Aparajita Capsules – Uses, Benefits, and Medicinal Properties
Action of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) in Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Aparajita. The plant contains phytoconstituents like taraxerol, taraxerone, aparajitin, beta sitosterol, kaempferol. These phytoconstituents aid the antiallergic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Aparajita. It can be effectively used to alleviate skin allergic conditions.
Vernacular Names and Classification
| Botanical name | Clitoria ternatea |
| Family | Papilionaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Aparajita, Girikarnika, Vishnukrantha |
| Hindi Name | Aparajita |
| English Name | Butterfly pea |
| Malayalam Name | Shankhapushpam |
| Kannada Name | Shankhapushpa |
| Marathi Name | Gokurna |
Ayurveda Reference of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
Morphology of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
- Slender vine or climber
- Roots are branched and nodulated
- Stems are slender
- Leaves are compound, imparipinnate
- Inflorescence is axillary cymose
- Fruits are pod
Geographical Distribution of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
Aparajita grows very commonly in South India, especially Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra pradesh.
Phytoconstituents of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
The plant contains phytoconstituents like taraxerol, taraxerone, aparajitin, beta sitosterol, kaempferol.
Parts Used of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
- Root
- Seed
Dosage of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
- Powder (Churna) – 3-6 g
Medicinal Properties of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
- Medhya – promotes intellect
- Sulahara – relieves pain
- Sophahara – relieves swelling
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Dipana – carminative
- Jwaraghna – useful in fever
- Pacana – digestant
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea)
Ayurveda is not only a treatment system but also a lifestyle. The treatment system adopted by Ayurveda is purely based on naturally available herbs. Aparajita is one of the most widely used herbs. Due to its high medicinal value, it is used in treating many diseases like,
- In Swelling (Sopha) – Warm paste of Aparajita with water is applied over the area of swelling.
- In Sula (Pain) – Parts of Aparajita is collected, crushed and made into a decoction which is effective in pacifying pain.
- In Goitre (Galganda) – Paste prepared from roots of Aparajitashould administered in early morning
- In Oedema (Sotha) – Paste prepared from the root of Aparajita is applied for alleviating oedema.
- As a carminative (Deepana) – Aparajitais powdered and taken before food. It can act as a carminative.
- In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made of Aparajita is taken to cure fever.
- As Digestant (Pacana) – Decoction of Aparajita is taken at a dose of 60ml per day after food.
- In memory-related troubles (Smritinasa) – Daily intake of Aparajita improves memory capacity.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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