Latakaranja – Caesalpinia bonduc – Uses, Ayurveda Details

Latakaranja is an Ayurvedic herb. Its seed is peculiar. When rubbed over a rough surface, it instantly becomes hot. It is widely used in treating malaria, and is also a very good anti spasmodic herb. It is also useful in many types of fever. Hence is known as Fever nut in English.

Its botanical name is Caesalpinia crista Linn.
Synonym: Caesalpinia bonduc. It belongs to caesalpiniaceae family.

Vernacular names, Sanskrit synonyms

Hindi name: kantakareja
Telugu – Gaccakaya
Tamil name – kazarchi kai {கழற்சி காய்}. 
Kannada – Gajjuga Kayi, Gajjuga mara.

Sanskrit synonyms:
Kantakikaranja – because it is a prickly shrub.
Kuberaksha – its seeds resemble the size of eyes
Putikaranja, Vitapakaranja, Karanji
Putika – Plant has foetid smell

Varieties

Latakaranja is one among the variety of Karanja

Distribution

It is found throughout moderate to high temperature zones of India. It is commonly found in South and eastern parts of India.

Morphology

Large thorny shrub armed with hooks and straight hard yellow prickles
Leaves- Compound, Petioles are prickly, glabrous above
Inflorescence – Long terminal supra axillary raceme
fruit – Pods, shortly stalked, oblong
Seeds – 1 -2 in one fruit

Medicinal qualities

Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Rooksha (dryness)
Rasa (Taste) – Tikta – Bitter, Kashaya (Astringent)
Vipaka – Taste conversion after digestion – Katu (pungent)
Veerya – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances all the three Doshas
Pharmacological Action- Anthelmintic, Styptic, Anti viral, Anti fungal

Dosage

Powder – 1 – 3 g
Juice – 10 -20 ml

Uses

Stambhani – useful in diarrhea and bleeding disorders
Vamihara – acts as natural anti-emetic. Relieves vomiting
Pitta Arshahara – Useful in piles / hemorrhoids of Pitta origin
Krumihara – relieves worm infestation
Kushtaghna – useful in skin diseases
Pramehajit – useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes

Apart from these, it is traditionally used in treatment of liver and spleen disorders.
A famous folklore medicine – its leaf or seed paste is applied over the hydrocele to reduce the swelling.
Part used: Root bark, leaf, seed

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.

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayush 64 – An Ayurvedic Anti-malarial medicine developed by department o AYUSH, Govt. of India.
Anthrakutharam Gulika – used in bloating, constipation, colic pain etc.
Himasagara Tailam – Used in bone and joint disorders.
Ayaskriti – used in Anemia, urinary tract infections etc.