Ouret lanata

• TeaWhole plantInternalTraditional use

  Classic Polpala infusion from Ayurvedic and Sri Lankan herbal practice — main use as diuretic and 'stone-breaker' (Pashanabheda) for urinary stones and gravel. Pilot studies at the University of Colombo (Gunatilake et al. 2012) confirm the diuretic action but advise short courses only.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TeaRootInternalTraditional use

  Folk root decoction — used in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for urinary stones, painful urination (strangury) and liver complaints. Stronger than the herb tea because of higher constituent density; same strict time limit applies.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [2] [4]

• TeaWhole plantInternalFolk medicine

  Traditional Polpala cough tea — recorded in Ayurveda and Siddha for cough, bronchitis and mild asthma. Mechanistically explainable through saponins and flavonoids (secretolytic, anti-inflammatory); not clinically standardised.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [2] [5]

• TeaRootInternalFolk medicine

  Tribal/folk use in Rajasthan: root juice or infusion for liver cholestasis, jaundice and dyspepsia. Documented in ethnobotanical reviews (Goyal et al. 2011) without clinical evidence.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [2]

• RawLeafInternalTraditional use

  Nutritive use as wild green — young leaves cooked in stews or as spinach substitute in West Africa, India and Sri Lanka. Also a medicinal plant, so avoid excess.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [2]

• CompressLeafExternalFolk medicine

  Folk fresh-leaf compress for minor injuries and (traditionally) as snake-bite first aid — ethnobotanically documented but clinically unproven. Today usable at most as a makeshift for harmless skin irritation.

  Preparation & dosage

  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.

  Sources: [1] [5]

Aerva lanata (Polpala) is a potent herb with a clearly bounded use window: SHORT COURSES of at most 7 days, then at least 3 weeks' pause. Animal studies (Gunatilake et al., Pharmacognosy Research 2012) showed structural changes in proximal renal tubules after 30 days of daily high-dose Polpala infusion — Ayurvedic tradition has recognised this limit for centuries and uses Polpala only as short-burst therapy. DO NOT USE in: diagnosed renal insufficiency, acute pyelonephritis, severe dehydration; drink enough water alongside. In diabetics: Polpala lowers blood sugar — additive effect with antidiabetics possible, monitor blood glucose. With diuretic therapy (furosemide, thiazides): additive water and potassium loss possible, monitor electrolytes. AVOID during pregnancy — the plant is traditionally regarded as emmenagogue and antifertility. For diagnosed kidney stones medical supervision is mandatory — most stones need lithotripsy or endoscopic treatment, a herbal tea can only be supportive.

⏱ Max continuous use: 1 weeks