Saptarangi Salacia chinensis Remedies: Diabetes, Hives, Wounds

This article is by Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu) PhD.

Introduction

Saptarangi or saptachakra is a well known plant used in Diabetes by Ayurvedic physicians as well as folklore practitioners.
Botanical name is Salacia oblonga/Salacia chinensis
Celastraceae family. 

It is a woody plant found in the forests of Sri lanka and India. It is found abundantly in the coastal regions of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu and in Western ghat area. The Roots and stems of the plant is extensively used in the treatment.

The main constituents of the plant are Salicinol and Kotalanol, which act as glucose inhibitors.
The studies have revealed that the plant has free radical scavenging and anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines.
Read related: Saptachakra: Qualities, Uses, Research, Medicines

Home remedies

Few of the important simple remedies and health benefits of Saptarangi are as follows-

Type II DM

1. Root powder for Type II DM:
1-2 gram of the root powder is administered twice daily. This is effective to manage Diabetes mellitus.

Skin disorders

2. Fine paste application over the skin disorders :
The root is rubbed well with water to fresh juice of holy basil and the fine paste obtained is applied over the skin lesions like eczema, dhobi itch etc.

Allergic rhinitis, hives

3. Fine powder of Saptarangi and turmeric powder in allergic rhinitis and allergic hives:
Equal amount of Saptarangi and Haridra are taken and fine powder is made. This is administered in the dose of 2-3 gram daily.

Wounds

4. Bark or root decoction for wound washing:
The stem bark or root is made into decoction. This is used to wash the wounds.

Some of the folk healers are very skillful while treating specific diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, fatigue etc. The reason is that they collect the herbs from their natural habitat, in particular season and only when the parts are rich with its potency. Saptarangi is one such herb which is practiced abundantly by the folk healers in the treatment of skin diseases and diabetes.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD