Herb's Introduction
Naravelia zeylanica, commonly known by names such as 'Chagulbati', 'Agnivalli', and 'Vathamkolli', is a fascinating climbing shrub belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. This family, which also includes buttercups and clematis, is known for its diverse and sometimes potent members. The plant is a large, woody climber with distinctive leaves and flowers, and its traditional uses are deeply rooted in ancient systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda. Found predominantly in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, this herb has been a part of folk remedies for centuries, valued for its broad spectrum of medicinal properties. Its name, "Vathamkolli," in Tamil, literally translates to "destroyer of 'Vatham' (Vata)," a core concept in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine related to bodily humors and diseases. The plant's ability to alleviate pain and inflammation has made it a significant component of traditional healing practices.
Name in Different Countries
Naravelia zeylanica is known by a variety of names across different regions, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance. Some of the most common and notable names include: Bengali: Chagulbati Chinese: 锡兰莲 (Xīlán lián) Irula: Kattu seekkaikodi Malayalam: വാതക്കൊടി (vaathakodi), Karuppakodi, Vathamkodi Sanskrit: Agnivalli, Dhanavalli Sinhalese: narawael Tamil: Vathomkolli, Neendavalli, Sirukodipatchilai Other Indian Names: This herb has an extensive list of local names including balluli hambu, behalisham, bendri-chi-vel, charachara balli, dhanavalli, erivally, erpeballi, gorap-choi, har-jura, iruppakkodi, kaarupippala tivva, kharau-sai-rikang, mukkupeenasa teega, naakchaikani, neendamalli, poitalacci, poytalacci, and rikang-birik, among many others. These names often allude to its appearance, healing properties, or specific uses in traditional medicine.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. Family: Ranunculaceae Synonyms: Atragene zeylanica L., Naravelia pilulifera var. yunnanensis Y. Fei. These are older or less common names for the same plant. Vernacular Names: These are the common names used in local languages, such as Chagulbati (Bengali), Vathamkolli (Tamil), and Agnivalli (Sanskrit). Traditional Medicine Systems: The herb is a significant part of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine in the Indian subcontinent. Phytochemicals: The plant contains various bioactive compounds, though specific detailed research is not always widely available. Its healing properties are attributed to these compounds, which can include alkaloids, flavonoids, and other beneficial substances. The term 'Agnivalli' in Sanskrit, meaning "fire vine," may refer to its pungent or fiery nature, which is often a characteristic of herbs used for pain and inflammation.
Availability
Naravelia zeylanica is a plant native to tropical and subtropical Asia. Its availability is highest in regions where it grows naturally, which includes countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia. It thrives in diverse environments, from forests to scrublands, often climbing on other trees and shrubs. While it is not a globally cultivated crop, it can be found in a wild state in its native habitat. For medicinal purposes, the plant parts—particularly the roots, leaves, and stems—are collected from the wild by local communities and traditional healers. In some areas, it may be available in local markets that specialize in traditional herbs, often sold in dried or powdered form. However, due to the lack of large-scale commercial cultivation, its availability can be limited to specific regions.
External Look
Naravelia zeylanica is a distinctive climbing shrub with several key features: Stem: The plant has a woody, climbing stem. Young stems, along with leaves and buds, are densely covered in soft, fine hairs (villous). Leaves: The leaves are a unique feature of this plant. They are compound, typically with 2-3 leaflets. The leaflets are elliptic to ovate in shape, with a rounded base and a pointed or tapered tip. They have a slightly toothed margin and are pubescent (hairy) on the underside. A remarkable characteristic is that the terminal leaflet is modified into a three-pronged, hooked tendril, which the plant uses to climb. Flowers: The flowers are bisexual and arranged in branched clusters (panicles) at the ends of the stems or in the leaf axils. They are greenish-yellow in color and relatively small, about 1.5 cm across. The flowers have 4-5 sepals and 6-12 small, linear to spatula-shaped petals. Roots: The roots of the plant are tuberous, suggesting they store nutrients and water, which is a common adaptation for plants in regions with distinct dry seasons. Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces many small, linear, stalked fruits known as achenes. A striking feature of these fruits is the long, spirally twisted, feathery persistent style, which can be 3-4 cm long. This feathery structure aids in wind dispersal of the seeds.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Naravelia zeylanica are well-documented in traditional texts and folk medicine, primarily centered around its ability to address pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The name Vathamkolli and Agnivalli both point to its use in treating 'Vata' disorders, which in Ayurveda often manifest as pain, especially rheumatic pain and joint inflammation. The plant is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for conditions like arthritis and muscular pain. Vulnerary: It is considered a vulnerary herb, meaning it is used for healing wounds and ulcers. The plant paste is applied topically to promote healing and prevent infection. Astringent: The plant possesses astringent properties, which can help to contract tissues, control bleeding, and dry up secretions. This property is beneficial in treating ulcers and skin diseases. Anthelmintic: Traditionally, the plant is used to treat intestinal worms, a property that falls under its anthelmintic category. Other Properties: It is also used to treat colic (abdominal pain), headache, and leprosy. The sap from the stem is specifically mentioned as being effective for onychia (inflammation of the nail fold).
Advantages
Natural Remedy: As a traditional herb, it offers a natural and potentially more accessible alternative for managing various health conditions, especially in rural communities. Multi-Purpose: The plant's ability to address a wide range of ailments—from pain and inflammation to skin issues and digestive problems—makes it a versatile remedy in traditional medicine. Topical and Internal Use: It can be used both topically (for wounds, skin diseases, headaches) and internally (for colic, chest pain), providing flexibility in its application. Cultural and Historical Significance: The long-standing use of Naravelia zeylanica in systems like Ayurveda and its mention in ancient texts lend it a strong historical and cultural credibility.
Uses
Naravelia zeylanica is used in various ways, targeting specific health issues: For Headache: The most common use is to crush the vine and inhale its fumes. This is a traditional remedy for curing headaches. Alternatively, a paste of the young leaves can be applied to the forehead. For Pain and Inflammation: For rheumatic pain, joint inflammation, and general aches, the plant is used topically, often as a paste or poultice. For Wounds and Skin Diseases: A paste made from the young leaves is applied directly to skin diseases, ulcers, and wounds to promote healing. For Toothache: Fresh stems of the plant are chewed to provide relief from toothaches. For Chest Pain: In some traditional practices, a paste of the plant is consumed with Borassus flabellifer (palmyra palm) for chest pain. For Bone Fractures: The roots are pounded with the leaves of another plant, Eranthemum palatiferum, and the mixture is applied to bone fractures. For Cold and Fever: Crushed roots are inhaled as a remedy against cold and fever.
Using Way
Inhalation: The most unique and traditional way of using this herb is by crushing the vine or roots and inhaling the aroma. This is a quick and direct way to relieve headaches, cold, and fever, as the active compounds are absorbed through the nasal passages. Topical Application: This is a very common method. Plant parts, especially leaves, are crushed to form a paste or poultice. This paste is then applied directly to the skin for treating wounds, ulcers, skin diseases, pain, and headaches. Chewing: The fresh stems are chewed to alleviate toothaches. Internal Consumption: Though less common, certain preparations involve consuming the plant material. The reference to consuming a paste with Borassus flabellifer for chest pain indicates an internal use, but it is important to note that this should only be done under the guidance of a traditional practitioner.
Conclusion
Naravelia zeylanica, with its rich history and diverse applications, stands as a testament to the wisdom of traditional medicine. Its unique botanical features, from the tendril-bearing leaves to the feathery seeds, are as remarkable as its medicinal properties. Known by powerful names like Vathamkolli and Agnivalli, the plant has been a reliable source of relief for ailments ranging from pain and inflammation to skin conditions and headaches. While traditional knowledge has preserved its uses for generations, further scientific research is needed to fully understand its chemical composition and validate its efficacy and safety. As a part of the rich biodiversity of tropical Asia, Naravelia zeylanica is not just a plant; it is a vital component of the cultural heritage and traditional healing practices of the region. Its continued use and study can potentially unlock new insights into natural remedies for the modern world.
