Durva (Cynodon Dactylon) - Uses and Benefits
Durva, commonly known as Conch grass is one of the most commonly used herbs for the alleviation of many diseases including viral infections and allergic conditions. The name Durva itself means that the plant alleviates many diseases. It is also known as Sathaveerya because it has many actions. It alleviates aggravated Kapha and Pitta doshas and is used to cure different diseases.
Dr. Gupta’s Institute of Applied Food and Allergy have been studying on readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating the allergic condition. Our experts have conducted studies on Durva and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Antiviral, Hemostatic, Diuretic, Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Anthelmintic and Antiallergic actions, etc. Durva can be used in various diseases like herpes, hemorrhage, ulcers, etc. Secondary metabolites of Durva can be used in diabetic retinopathy. Extract of fractions of Durva shows both protective and curative effects on renal calculi. Methanolic extract of Durva also shows aphrodisiac actions. Extract of aerial parts of this plant is used as a potent anthelmintic. Nowadays Durva is also used in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Durva Capsules
Durva Swaras
Durva Swaras for Kids
Action of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon) in Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Durva. The plant contains phytoconstituents like beta corotene, carotene, vitamine-C, palmitic acid, triterpenoids, arundoin, friedelin, selenium, ergonovine, etc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and antiviral properties of Durva. It can be used effectively in allergies in form of decoction or paste.
Vernacular Names and Classification
| Botanical Name | Cynodon dactylon |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Durva, Ananta, Sataveerya |
| Hindi Name | Doorva, Durva, Dhoob |
| English Name | Bermuda Grass, Couch Grass, Scutch Grass |
| Malayalam Name | Karukapullu, Belikaraka |
| Kannada Name | Garike |
| Marathi Name | Haryali |
Ayurveda Reference of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
Morphology of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
- Perennial glabrous grass.
- Stem slender, prostrate, widely creeping.
- Leaves 2-10 cm by 1.25-3 mm, narrowly linear or lanceolate, finely acute to pungent.
- Inflorescence spike.
Geographical Distribution of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
It is a cosmopolitan plant. Very commonly found grass, everywhere in country.
Phytoconstituents of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
The plant contains phytoconstituents like beta corotene, carotene, vitamine-C, palmitic acid, triterpenoids, arundoin, friedelin, selenium, ergonovine, etc.
Parts Used of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
- Whole plant
Dosage of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
- Juice (Swarasa) – 10-20 ml
- Decoction (Pancangakwatha) – 50-100 ml
- Paste (Kalka) – 1-3 g
Medicinal Properties of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
- Trsnahara – relieves excessive thirst
- Dahasamaka – relieves burning sensation
- Twakrogahara – relieves diseases of the skin
- Jwarahara – relieves fever
- Varnya – promote skin complexion
- Rucya – useful in anorexia
- Kushtaghna – relieves infectious skin diseases
- Chardighna – useful in vomiting
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Durva (Cynodon Dactylon)
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine popular in India. The treatment system adopted by Ayurveda is purely based on naturally available herbs. Durva is one of the most widely used herbs. Due to its high medicinal value, it is used in treating many diseases like:-
- In Intrinsic Hemorrhage (Raktapitta) – Juice of Durva, Ficus benghalensis leaves and Clitoria ternatea is mixed together and taken with honey.
- In Bleeding piles (Raktarsas) – Durva is processed with ghee and washed over the pile mass to check bleeding.
- In Erysipelas (Visarpa) – Juice of Durva is processed with ghee and applied over wounds occurred because of erysipelas.
- In Ulcers (Vrna) – Oil processed with juice of Durva is useful in vrna.
- In Excessive thirst (Trisna) – Water processed with Durva is used to drink repeatedly.
- In Burning sensation (Daha) – Ghee processed with Durva is applied over areas with a burning sensation.
- In Vomiting (Chardi) – Decoction of whole parts of Durva taken will check vomiting.
- In Fever (Jwara) – Durva is taken, crushed, and made into a decoction. Is taken to cure fever.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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