Medicinal uses of Crown Flower

Image Source: Joel

‘Jilledu’ (Calotropis gigantea) is very common plant grown in waste lands as a bush and like a weed. There are two varieties of plants are available with white and red flowers. Mostly plants with red flowers are used in medicines. The leaves and the stems release milky white latex on cutting which is very irritant to the skin and eyes and also corrosive. For this reason people hesitate to go near the plant. In Sanskrit the plant is called Arka and it is distributed throughout India, Srilanka, and South China and Malay islands. Originally the plant belongs to Singapore. The plant grows to about 15-20 feet and the leaves, flowers, roots and the latex are used in medicines.

Medicinal values of the plant:

• The plant has a potent medicinal value for the skin diseases. The Juice obtained by crushing the leaves can be applied for treating skin allergies, Eczema Etc
• For ear aches mix the juice of the leaves and rice washed water and instill 2-3 drops for a relief.
• For boils and painful swellings it is very useful. Prepare a paste with leaves and warm it. Apply this on the affected part as a poultice. A bandage can also be applied. It can be used for arthritic pains also.
• The leaf extract is said to cure fevers however should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
• For chronic wounds a powder made from the leaves can be applied for quick healing.
• Apply a mixture of latex and a pinch of turmeric to the black spots on the face for relief.

It is a common practice that several people use the latex for treating migraine headaches. The latex is applied on either side of the fore head. It is believed that relief will be obtained.

Arka is a popular content in several Ayurvedic medicines. Arka oil commonly used for Eczema contains Arka.

Related Stories

• No Related Stories