Himalayan Silver Fir Remedies: Sore Throat, Cough, Tonsillitis

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD

Introduction

Talisapatra – Himalayan Silver Fir is a famous Ayurvedic herb used for the treatment of cough, cold, asthma, low digestion strength etc. 

Botanical name – Abies webbiana Lindle
The term Abies means a tree with fir (due to the nature of the leaves) and webbiana is named after Barker Web, a naturalist and a traveller. It is called Silver fur in English.

This is an ever green plant which grows to the extent of 60-75 feet height. The trees are found in Kumaon hills, North East states of India, Bhutan, Afghanisthan and Baluchisthan.

In India three drugs are used in the name of Talisapatra –Abies webbiana, Taxus baccata and Rhedodendron anthopogon. Second species is found abundantly in Nepal and the third one is used widely in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Indications

The plant is rich in Taxine which is the main constituent acting as anti-tussive, expectorant, carminative, digestive, appetizer and broncho-dilator.
The leaves are possessing hot potency and vatakaphahara property. It is useful in the treatment of asthama, cough, cold, fever, anorexia, hoarseness of the voice, sore throat etc.
Read related: Abies webbiana – Taleesa Patra Uses, Research, Side Effects

Ayurvedic medicines

Talisadi choorna, Talisadi vataka, Talisadi modaka, Talisadyavaleha etc are the important formulations of this herb.

Home remedies

Some simple remedies that can be prepared out of Talisapatra and their health benefits are described here below-

Excessive salivation, nausea

1. Talisapatra powder for excess salivation and nausea:
Talisapatra is taken and fine powder is made. To this equal amount of pepper and sugar candy are added and mixed well. This combination is very effective in the treatment of excess salivation, nausea and in travelling sickness as well as high altitude troubles. Dose is 3 grams 2 times a day, with a teaspoon of honey and a cup of water, after food.

Tonsillitis, pharyngitis

2. Leaf decoction for mouth gargling in sore throat, tonsillitis and pharyngitis:
The dried leaves – 1 teaspoon is added with 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to half a cup. Filtered. This decoction is used for mouth gargling, 3 – 4 times in a day. This is useful in the treatment of sore throat, tonsillitis and pharyngitis, cough, cold etc.
Read related: Tonsillitis- Ayurvedic Treatment, Herbs, Home Remedies

Indigestion

3. Himalayan silver fir leaf powder soaked in honey for cough, cold and indigestion in children:
Talisapatra is made into fine powder and kept immersed in honey for 2-3 days. During the seasons like cough, cold and indigestion etc (of children) this is used for licking, in a dose of 3 grams 2 times a day, before or after food.

Cold, cough

4. Taleesapatra remedy – application to the scalp for cold and cough:
The leaves of Talisa and rhizome of Shathi (Hedychium spicatum) are taken in equal amount and fine powder is made. This is mixed thoroughly. During seasonal cold, cough etc this fine powder is applied to the middle of the scalp. It has significant benefit in such conditions.

Classical medicines have strong root of their principles in folklore and traditional practices. Kitchen remedies and home remedies even though remain as secondary or tertiary in therapeutic utility instant remedies available in the immediate moment will surely give us sufficient confidence and strength when nothing is available. This makes us to appreciate all simple remedies and kitchen remedies.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD