Ouret lanata

AYURVEDIC POLPALA TEA: Pour 250 ml boiling water over 3–5 g dried Aerva lanata herb (whole plant, finely cut), cover and steep 5–10 min, strain. 1–2 cups daily between meals; drink at least 2 L of water in addition to support the flushing effect. USE FOR NO LONGER THAN 1 WEEK — Ayurvedic tradition itself limits Polpala to short courses, and long-term high-dose intake caused structural changes in proximal renal tubules in a rat model. For diagnosed kidney stones, renal insufficiency or while on diabetes medication, always under medical supervision.

Dry amount

3–5 g

Doses per day

2×

Max duration

1 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only — lack of paediatric data and known renal action.

ROOT DECOCTION (classic 'Pashanabheda' preparation): Steep 3–6 g of dried, comminuted Aerva lanata root in 300 ml of cold water, bring slowly to the boil and simmer for 15–20 min, strain. 1–2 cups daily, freshly prepared and warm. Stronger diuretic and stone-loosening action than the herb tea — limit to one week, then pause at least 3 weeks. Always drink plenty of water alongside.

Dry amount

3–6 g

Doses per day

2×

Max duration

1 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only — no paediatric safety data.

FOLK COUGH TEA: Pour 250 ml boiling water over 2–4 g dried Polpala herb, cover and steep 10 min, strain. Sweeten with a little honey if desired. 2–3 cups daily for irritating cough, bronchitis or asthmatic complaints — recorded in Indian and Sri Lankan folk recipes. Not for more than a week without medical assessment.

Dry amount

2–4 g

Doses per day

3×

Max duration

1 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Folk use — not established for children.

ROOT INFUSION for jaundice (folk medicine of Rajasthan): Crush 2–4 g of dried root, pour 250 ml hot water over it, steep 10–15 min, strain. 1–2 cups daily for max. one week — traditionally used for liver congestion, mild jaundice (icterus) and digestive complaints. Manifest jaundice or hepatitis ALWAYS needs medical clarification — this use does not replace a medical diagnosis.

Dry amount

2–4 g

Doses per day

2×

Max duration

1 weeks

⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Folk use — adults only; supervise medically in liver disease.

LEAF VEGETABLE: Harvest young leaves (tender, before flowering), wash thoroughly and prepare like spinach — in soups, curries, or lightly steamed with onion and garlic. Valued as wild vegetable in West Africa and South India — good iron, calcium and protein content (proximate analyses: ~22 % crude protein, high ash with phosphate and potassium). Occasional eating is uncritical; the same caution as for the medicinal tea applies if eaten daily in large quantities over a long period.

FRESH LEAF PASTE: Lightly crush fresh Polpala leaves between fingers or in a mortar until plant sap appears, then apply directly to small wounds, insect bites or snake bites (as FIRST-AID emergency measure — a snake bite remains a medical emergency, contact 112/hospital immediately). Refresh 1–2× daily. Traditional use in African and South Indian tribal medicine; no clinical data. NOT for large open wounds — risk of soil-borne contamination.