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पहेँलो कुश, पीत यज्ञभोजन, दार्भा, Desmostachya Specieses

यो लगभग २-५ फिट अग्लो १५०० मिटरसम्म पाइन्छ । यसको जरा पहेँलो हुन्छ । गुण-धर्म : मीठो टर्रो स्वाद र स्वभाव गर्मी । प्रयोग हुने अङ्ग : जरा । औषधीय उपयोग : यो पौष्टिक -बलवर्द्धक, रक्तशोधक, पित्तनाशक, वातहर, दर्दनाशक, दममा उपयोगी, जोर्नीवाथमा लाभदायक, आउँमा हितकारी हुन्छ । मात्रा : आधा-एक चम्चा जरा लेदो / चूर्ण, काँढापानी १ / १ माना, अर्क : २०-३० ग्राम,

रस ३० - ५० ग्राम ३-५ पटक । जराको टुक्रा चुस्नाले कति धेरै लाभ पुऱ्याउला त ?

परिचय

पहेँलो कुश (वैज्ञानिक नाम: Desmostachya Specieses) एक प्रकारको औषधीय बुटी हो जसको जराको रंग पहेँलो हुन्छ। यसलाई दार्भा, पीत यज्ञभोजन, कुश घाँस आदि नामले पनि चिनिन्छ। यो घाँस प्राचीनकालदेखि आयुर्वेदिक, धार्मिक तथा जडीबुटी चिकित्सामा प्रयोग हुँदै आएको छ। यसको जरा धेरै औषधीय गुणले भरपूर छ, जुन शरीरका विभिन्न रोगहरूको उपचारमा प्रयोग गरिन्छ।

नेपाल र अन्य देशहरूमा उपलब्धता

पहेँलो कुश नेपालको तराई, मध्य पहाडी क्षेत्र (१५०० मिटर सम्म) र भारत, पाकिस्तान, बंगलादेश, अफ्रिका तथा मध्य पूर्वका देशहरूमा पाइन्छ। यो सुख्खा र उष्ण जलवायु भएका ठाउँहरूमा धेरै हुर्कन्छ। नेपालमा यसलाई धार्मिक अनुष्ठान, यज्ञ तथा औषधीय प्रयोजनका लागि उपयोग गरिन्छ।

भौतिक गुणहरू

उचाई: २ देखि ५ फिट सम्म अग्लो हुन्छ।
पात: लामा, सीधा, कडा र घाँसजस्ता हुन्छन्।
जरा: पहेँलो रंगको, मूल धेरै शाखा भएको हुन्छ।
स्वाद: मीठो टर्रो स्वाद, तर पाकेपछि अलिकति कडा स्वाद हुन सक्छ।
स्वभाव: गर्म प्रकृतिको (उष्ण वीर्य)।

औषधीय गुणहरू

पहेँलो कुशको जरामा निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:

पौष्टिक तथा बलवर्द्धक: शरीरमा शक्ति, स्फूर्ति तथा रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढाउँछ।
रक्तशोधक: रक्तलाई शुद्ध गरेर चर्मरोग, फोक्सो, एक्जिमा जस्ता समस्याहरूबाट बचाउँछ।
पित्तनाशक: पित्त बढी गएमा यसको प्रयोगले पित्त शान्त गर्छ।
वातहर: जोर्नी दुखाइ, गठिया, स्नायु दुखाइमा लाभदायक।
दर्दनाशक: मांसपेशी तथा जोर्नीको दुखाइ कम गर्छ।
दम (श्वासप्रश्वास समस्या) मा उपयोगी: फोक्सोको कमजोरी, अस्थमा, खोकीमा फाइदा गर्छ।
आउँ (ज्वरो) मा हितकारी: ज्वरो घटाउन मद्दत गर्छ।

फाइदा तथा प्रयोग

जराको चूर्ण, काढा, रस वा टुक्रा चुस्नाले धेरै रोगहरूको उपचार गर्न सकिन्छ।
पाचन शक्ति बढाउँछ, पेटका कीरा मार्छ।
मुटु रोग, मधुमेह (डायबिटिज) नियन्त्रणमा सहयोगी।
प्रजनन स्वास्थ्यलाई मद्दत गर्छ, यौन शक्ति बढाउँछ।
घाउ, चोट, सुन्निएको ठाउँमा जराको लेप लगाउन फाइदा गर्छ।

प्रयोग विधि

जराको चूर्ण: आधा-एक चम्चा चूर्ण काँढा पानी वा गरम पानीसंग सेवन गर्ने।
काढा: २०-३० ग्राम जरा उमालेर दिनमा ३-५ पटक पिउने।
रस: ताजा जराको रस ३०-५० ग्राम मात्रामा सेवन गर्ने।
टुक्रा चुस्ने: सुकेको जराको टुक्रा मुखमा राखेर चुस्नाले पनि लाभ हुन्छ।

उत्पादन, संग्रह र संरक्षण

पहेँलो कुशको जरा वर्षायाममा उम्रने गर्छ।
जरा खन्न उपयुक्त समय: पौष-माघ (डिसेम्बर-जनवरी) मा सुक्खा मौसममा खन्नुपर्छ।
संरक्षण: जरालाई धूपमा सुकाएर एयरटाइट कन्टेनरमा राख्नुपर्छ।

निष्कर्ष

पहेँलो कुश (दार्भा) एक उत्कृष्ट औषधीय बुटी हो जसले शरीरका विभिन्न रोगहरूको उपचार गर्न मद्दत गर्छ। यसको जरा पौष्टिक, रक्तशोधक, पित्तनाशक, वातहर तथा दर्दनाशक गुणले भरपूर छ। नेपाल लगायत विभिन्न देशहरूमा यसको प्रयोग धार्मिक तथा आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सामा गरिन्छ। उचित मात्रामा सेवन गर्दा यसले धेरै स्वास्थ्य लाभ दिन सक्छ। त्यसैले यसलाई पारम्परिक जडीबुटीको रूपमा संरक्षण गर्नुपर्छ।

Introduction

Desmostachya bipinnata, commonly referred to as “Kusha grass,” holds a sacred and medicinal status in the Indian subcontinent. Among its several varieties, one particularly valued type is known as "Pahelo Kush" (Yellow Kusha) due to the yellow hue of its roots. Known by various names such as पीत यज्ञभोजन (Peet Yagyabhog), दार्भा (Darbha), or simply Yellow Kusha, this herb is not only crucial in Ayurveda and religious rituals but also revered for its healing properties. Traditionally used in Hindu rituals, it also plays a pivotal role in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine.

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

In Nepal, Pahelo Kush is commonly found across the Terai region and the lower Himalayan foothills, growing up to altitudes of about 1500 meters. Its preferred habitat includes sandy and alluvial plains, riverbanks, and open fields. The plant grows abundantly during the monsoon and early winter seasons and is often seen along with other sacred grasses.

Internationally, Desmostachya bipinnata is distributed across South Asia including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is also found in Egypt, Myanmar, Iran, and parts of Southeast Asia. In India, it is especially revered in Vedic traditions and is considered a purifying agent both physically and spiritually.

Physical Properties

Pahelo Kush is a perennial grass that typically grows between 2 to 5 feet in height. The plant has narrow, long, and tough leaves which are green above and pale below. The defining characteristic of this particular variety is the yellow color of its roots, distinguishing it from the regular green-rooted Kusha.

The roots are fibrous, firm, and tapering, with a strong earthy aroma. When dried, the root takes on a more pronounced yellow tone, becoming more potent for medicinal and ritual use. The taste of the root is mildly sweet with a hint of bitterness and a warming aftertaste, a combination noted in Ayurvedic texts.

Medicinal Properties

According to traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, the roots of Pahelo Kush are known to exhibit a variety of healing properties:

Balya (Strength-Giving): It is a tonic that boosts physical strength and stamina, often used to rejuvenate the body after illness.
Raktashodhak (Blood Purifier): Regular consumption of the root extract is believed to cleanse the blood and improve circulation.
Pittanashak (Pacifies Pitta): Due to its cooling and detoxifying effects, it balances the pitta dosha in the body.
Vatahar (Relieves Vata Disorders): The root alleviates diseases caused by aggravated vata such as joint pain and nervous conditions.
Dardnashak (Pain Reliever): It is used in the treatment of arthritis, joint inflammation, and chronic pain.
Useful in Respiratory Conditions: The decoction or root juice is prescribed in traditional medicine for treating asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Good for Digestion and Diarrhea: Kusha root can help treat acidity, flatulence, and is mildly astringent, making it useful for diarrhea and dysentery.

Advantages of Pahelo Kush

The advantages of Pahelo Kush are manifold and make it a unique herb among wild grasses:

Multipurpose Use: It serves both ritualistic and medicinal roles.
Natural Detoxifier: Regular use helps eliminate toxins from the blood and liver.
Rejuvenator: Promotes vitality and reduces fatigue.
Safe for Long-Term Use: When used appropriately in the recommended dosages, it is considered safe.
Eco-Friendly and Abundantly Available: It grows naturally with minimal care, making it a sustainable herbal resource.

Uses

Ayurvedic Medicine: Used in decoctions, powders, and extracts for various health issues.
Ritual Use: In Hinduism, Pahelo Kush is used in Yajnas (fire sacrifices), Pujas, and asana (seats) for meditation.
Digestive Aid: Taken as a light tea or infusion to ease indigestion.
Joint Health: Often included in poultices or consumed internally for joint and muscular pain.
Respiratory Treatment: Used in treating asthma and cough through decoctions and juices.

Method of Use

Depending on the requirement, Pahelo Kush root is prepared and administered in various ways:

Powder (Churna): The dried yellow roots are ground into fine powder. A dose of ½ to 1 teaspoon is taken with warm water or honey twice daily.
Decoction (Kwath or Kadha): A handful of dried roots are boiled in about 2 cups of water until reduced by half. The decoction (about 1 cup) is consumed 2–3 times a day.
Root Chewing: Small, clean pieces of the yellow root can be chewed directly. This is said to be highly beneficial for oral health and general stamina.
Juice (Swarasa): Fresh roots can be crushed and the juice extracted. About 30–50 ml of this juice may be taken two to three times a day in cases of fever or internal inflammation.
Distillate (Arka): The distillate of the root is used for pitta-related disorders, typically in 20–30 ml doses, often mixed with warm water or herbal syrup.

Harvesting and Preservation

Pahelo Kush roots are harvested during the autumn or early winter when the plant has matured and the medicinal properties are concentrated in the roots. Here’s how to ensure optimal collection and storage:

Harvesting Time: Mid-October to December is considered ideal. Roots are dug up carefully to avoid breakage.
Cleaning and Drying: After collection, roots are cleaned in fresh water and dried in the shade to preserve volatile compounds and natural color.
Storage: Once thoroughly dried, the roots are stored in airtight containers, preferably in dark, cool, and dry places. This prevents moisture-induced fungal growth and maintains potency for up to a year.
Grinding: Powder is prepared only when needed to ensure freshness.

Conclusion

Pahelo Kush or Yellow Desmostachya bipinnata stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between nature, spirituality, and traditional medicine. Revered in Hindu rituals and respected in Ayurveda, this humble-looking grass offers immense benefits ranging from detoxification and vitality enhancement to pain relief and respiratory support. Its versatility in form—whether chewed raw, brewed into a decoction, or powdered into churna—makes it a readily accessible remedy for both minor ailments and chronic disorders.

Furthermore, as ecological awareness increases, herbs like Pahelo Kush provide a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic medications. For those interested in holistic wellness and natural healing, integrating Pahelo Kush into one’s lifestyle—under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner—could be a powerful step toward better health.

Reference

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