Toothache tree is an effective Ayurvedic herb. It is known as Tejohva in Sanskrit. Its botanical name is Zanthoxylum alatum, Rutaceae family. As the name indicates, it is one of the herb used for brushing teeth. But apart from that, it has numerous other health benefits.
Botanical name –
Fagara armata Thunb.
Zanthoxylum alatum
Zanthoxylum armatum
Zanthoxylum planispinum Siebold & Zucc.
Common names, Sanskrit synonyms
Hindi name – Tejabala, Tejbal
English name – Yellow Wood tree, Toothache tree
Sanskrit Synonyms: Tumburu, Tejasvini, Tejohwa, Tejovati, Vanaja, Saurabha
Part used
Part used: Bark, fruit and root.
Classical categorization
Charaka
Shirovirechana – Group of herbs used for Nasya treatment.
Katuskandha – Pungent tasting group of herbs.
Medicinal properties, indications
Rasa – Katu, Tikta – Pungent, bitter
Guna (qualities) – laghu – light, Rooksha (dryness), Teekshna (piercing)
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion – Katu (pungent)
Veerya – Ushna – Hot potency.
Katu – Pungent taste,
Tikta – bitter
Ushna – hot
kapha Maruta – balances Kapha and Vata
Shulajit – Relieves abdominal colic pain
Apatantra – Useful in neurological disorders
Udara – useful in ascites
Adhmana – relieves bloating
Krimighna – Useful in intestinal worm
Vahnideepana – Increases digestion power
Ruchya – Improves taste, carminative
Laghu (light to digest)
Vidahi – Causes burning sensation
Useful in diseases related to eyes, ear, lips, headache, when used as tooth brush.
It is used in a few cosmetics, as an ingredient, such as Ramacham Ayurvedic soap, Sona fairness cream
Side effects
It may cause slight burning sensation in stomach because of its hotness.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can
this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets,
Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most
of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product
per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western
medicines
Seek your
doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western
(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern
medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is
best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the
Ayurvedic medicine.
Chemical constitution
The leaves are also aromatic and they contain linalool and lomonene. These volatile oils are reported to possess potent anti fungal effects.
The bark possesses significant amount of resin, tannin and volatile oils. The important constituents of the stem bark are copumarins, xanthylethin, alloxanthyletin, magnaflorine and zanthoxyletins.
Research
Many clinical trials have been conducted to prove the hepato-protective, anti inflammatory and anti oxidant activities of Zanthoxylum alatum.
Ayurvedic Medicines
Tejohvatyadi Ghrita, Tumburvadi Churna.
Home remedy for tonsillitis
The thorns of Tejohwa (toothache tree) -Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. is collected. It is rubbed well with lemon juice and a fine paste is made. This is applied to the neck, nearby the swelling caused due to tonsillitis. 1 to 2 pinches is also taken internally. It effectively pacifies redness and swelling.
and then