Herb's Introduction
Indigofera aspalathoides, commonly known as wiry indigo, is a low-growing, widely-branched shrub. This plant is well-regarded in traditional Indian medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Siddha, for its various healing properties. It's often collected from the wild and used in many proprietary herbal preparations. The plant's significance in traditional medicine is tied to its use in treating skin diseases and other ailments, which has also been supported by modern scientific studies showing its antibacterial and antioxidant activities.
Name in Different Countries and Terminology
The plant has various names depending on the region and the traditional medical system that uses it.
English: Wiry Indigo
Siddha/Tamil: Sivanaarvembu, Iraivanvembu. The name "Sivanar Vembu" is particularly notable in the Siddha system as it's believed to be named after Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, highlighting its revered status.
Telugu: Neeli, Nela Vempali
Sanskrit: Shivanimba, Ajara, Ajara nili, Ajura, Ajura nili, Manaveli.
Malayalam: Shivamalli-gida
Hindi: Shivamalli
Kannada: Sivamballi
Availability
Indigofera aspalathoides is native to tropical and subtropical regions, with its primary distribution in South India and Sri Lanka. It grows well in sunny locations and prefers well-drained, moist soil. The plant is found in sandy wastelands and various habitats, thriving even in areas with low rainfall. Due to its traditional medicinal use, it is widely available in local markets in India in various forms, such as powders and oils.
External Look
Indigofera aspalathoides is a small sub-shrub that typically grows up to 75 cm tall. It has copiously spreading branches that are slender and rigid. The leaves are digitate, meaning they have leaflets radiating from a single point, usually 3 to 5 leaflets per leaf. The leaflets are small, linear, and silvery-pubescent (covered with fine, soft hairs). The plant produces solitary, red-colored flowers in the axils of the leaves. Its fruits are elongated, oval-shaped pods.
Healing Properties and Advantages
The plant contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Its medicinal properties are backed by traditional use and modern research.
Anti-inflammatory and Antileprotic: Traditionally used to treat leprosy and other inflammatory skin conditions, its anti-inflammatory properties have been scientifically validated.
Antioxidant: The plant's compounds help to neutralize harmful free radicals, which is beneficial for overall health and for combating aging and certain diseases.
Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant, particularly from the whole plant, have shown significant antibacterial activity against various human pathogens, which explains its traditional use for treating skin infections and wounds.
Anticancer: Research has screened the plant for its potential anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties, with some studies suggesting its efficacy against certain cancerous affections.
Dermatological Benefits: It's especially valued in treating a wide range of skin ailments, including eczema, psoriasis, boils, burns, wounds, and ulcers. The ash from the burnt plant is also used to treat dandruff.
Hepatoprotective and Antidiabetic: It is reported to have properties that protect the liver and help in managing blood sugar levels.
Uses and Using Way
The entire plant is considered medicinally useful, with different parts used for specific applications.
For Skin Ailments: The leaves, flowers, and tender shoots are often used to prepare decoctions (a method of extraction by boiling) or oils for external application. Popular Siddha preparations like "Sivanarvembu Thailam" (an oil) are made from this plant and are widely used for chronic skin diseases.
For Wounds and Burns: The whole plant can be used as an ingredient in oil preparations to treat wounds, burns, and ulcers due to its vulnerary (wound-healing) and antibacterial properties.
For Internal Ailments: A decoction of the plant is used to treat conditions like leprosy and is believed to have a cooling and demulcent (soothing) effect. The root is sometimes chewed to relieve pain from aphthae (mouth ulcers) and toothaches.
For Dandruff: The ash obtained from burning the plant is traditionally applied topically to the scalp to combat dandruff.
For Nervous and Respiratory Disorders: In some traditions, a decoction of the leaves is used for chest pains, nervous disorders, epilepsy, asthma, and bronchitis.
Conclusion
Indigofera aspalathoides, or Sivanaarvembu, is a versatile and potent medicinal herb deeply embedded in the traditions of Indian medicine. Its effectiveness in treating a wide array of ailments, particularly chronic skin conditions, has made it a celebrated plant. The plant's rich phytochemical profile and its proven antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties underscore its therapeutic value. While traditional knowledge has long utilized its benefits, modern scientific studies continue to validate its efficacy, ensuring its continued relevance in herbal medicine.
