Herb's Introduction
Operculina turpethum, commonly known as Indian Jalap or Nisoth, is a perennial climber with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. This remarkable plant, belonging to the Convolvulaceae family (the morning glory family), is highly valued for its potent purgative properties. It is a vigorous, twining vine that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The most medicinally significant part of the plant is its root, which contains a powerful resin known for its cleansing and detoxifying effects.
Name in Different Countries
Chinese: 盒果藤 (hé guǒ téng) English: Indian Jalap, St. Thomas lidpod, transparent wood rose, turpeth root, white day glory Hindi: निशोथ (nisoth), पिठोरी (pitohri) Kannada: aluthi gida, bangada balli, bilitigade, devadanti, nagadanti, ಬಿಳಿತಿಗಡೆ (bilitigade), ತಿಗಡೆ ಬೇರು (tigade beru) Malayalam: tigade, ത്രികോല്പക്കൊന്ന (thrikoolpakkonna) Marathi: निसोत्तर or निशोत्तर (nisottar) Sanskrit: निशोत्र (nishotra), त्रिपुट (triputa), त्रिवृथ (trivrutha) Tamil: adimbu, சரளம் (caralam), சிவதை (civatai), கும்பஞ்சான் (kumpncan), பகன்றை (paganrai) Telugu: తెగడ (tegada), త్రివృత్ తెల్లతెగ (trivrut tellatega)
Terminology
The botanical name, Operculina turpethum, is derived from the Latin word 'operculum', which means "a lid or cover," referring to how the sepals form a lid-like covering over the fruit. The name turpethum is thought to be a Latinized version of the Indian name. The most common names for this plant across different traditional medicine systems include Nisoth in Hindi and Trivrut in Sanskrit. It's also known as Indian Jalap due to the similarity of its purgative action to that of the true jalap plant (Exogonium purga). The terms White Turpeth and Black Turpeth are also significant. The white variety, often considered the genuine Operculina turpethum, is preferred for its milder cathartic effect, while the black variety is considered more aggressive and is sometimes derived from a different plant, Marsdenia tenacissima.
Availability
Operculina turpethum is widely available in tropical and subtropical parts of Asia, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It grows as a wild plant and is also cultivated for medicinal purposes. The root, which is the primary part used, is harvested and dried for use in various herbal preparations. As an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine, it is readily available in the form of dried roots, powders, and as an ingredient in many traditional formulations. You can find these products in health food stores, Ayurvedic pharmacies, and online herbal retailers.
External Look
This plant is a large, perennial, and hairy twining climber. The stems are thick, prominently winged, and often have a brownish-red color. The leaves are typically heart-shaped (cordate) and can vary in size. They are often hairy and have prominent veins. The flowers are bell-shaped and white, blooming in axillary or terminal cymes. The most distinctive part is the root, which is thick, woody, and fleshy. When fresh, the root is yellowish-brown on the outside and milky white on the inside. When dried, it becomes wrinkled and brownish.
Healing Properties
Operculina turpethum is renowned in traditional medicine for its powerful purgative and anthelmintic properties. It is primarily used to cleanse the body and remove toxins. The active principle is a resin containing glycosides like turpethin, which acts as a powerful laxative. Here are some of its key healing properties: Purgative/Laxative: The primary use of this herb is to treat severe constipation. It stimulates bowel movements and helps in the elimination of waste. Anthelmintic: It is effective in expelling intestinal worms and parasites. Anti-inflammatory: It is used to reduce inflammation, particularly in conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. Antidote: Traditionally, it has been used as an antidote for snake bites and other poisons, though this use requires caution and is part of folk medicine. Antipyretic: It can help reduce fever.
Advantages
Effective Constipation Relief: For chronic and stubborn constipation, O. turpethum provides a strong and reliable solution. Body Detoxification: It is a powerful detoxifying agent, helping to cleanse the digestive system and liver. Intestinal Health: By expelling worms and parasites, it promotes a healthier intestinal environment. Traditional Versatility: It has a wide range of applications in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine for various ailments, from skin diseases to fevers.
Uses
Operculina turpethum is utilized in various forms for different health conditions: Digestive Disorders: It is the primary remedy for chronic constipation, bloating, and gas. It is often combined with other herbs to moderate its potent action. Edema and Ascites: Due to its diuretic and purgative properties, it is used to treat swelling and fluid retention in the body. Skin Diseases: The cleansing action of the root helps in treating various skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis, and itching by purifying the blood. Joint Pain: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in managing conditions like rheumatism and gout. Fever: It is used in herbal preparations to reduce fever.
Using Way
The most common way to use Operculina turpethum is by preparing a powder from the dried root. This powder can be mixed with water, honey, or other carriers. Powder: The dried root powder is typically taken in small doses (e.g., 1-3 grams) with a warm liquid, often at bedtime, to induce a bowel movement in the morning. Decoction: A decoction can be made by boiling the root in water. Herbal Formulations: It is a key ingredient in many traditional Ayurvedic formulations like Trivrut Leham, which is a jam-like paste, and other herbal powders for its synergistic effects. Important Note: Operculina turpethum is a powerful cathartic. It should always be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Overdosing can lead to severe side effects such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. The white variety is generally preferred over the black variety for its milder effect.
Conclusion
Operculina turpethum, or Indian Jalap, stands out as a potent and invaluable herb in traditional medicine systems. Its primary function as a powerful purgative and detoxifying agent makes it a cornerstone remedy for conditions related to digestive health and toxin accumulation. While its efficacy is well-documented, its use demands respect for its potency. With proper guidance, this "transparent wood rose" can be a powerful ally in cleansing the body and promoting overall well-being.
