Kuppai meni or Indian Acalypha as a food and medicine

Kuppaimeni is a herb available in our surrounding. According to the Sanskrit texts it’s named as ‘Marjala mohini’. This herb iss widely used in siddha system of medicine for treatment of various diseases.

BOTANICAL NAME: Acalypha indica

SYNONYMS:   Arimanjari, Poonaivanangi, Meni

PARTS USED: Leaves, Roots, Whole plant

TASTE: Bitter, Pungent

ACTIONS:       Anodyne (A medicine that gives relief from pain), Anthelmintic, Cathartic, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Emmenagogue.                

USES:

1.      Kuppaimeni can be taken along with our food or as our food which prevents Vatha  complaints. (Thimir vatham)

2.      Leaf juice / Decoction (Kudineer)  can be given to children in a dose of 4-16 ml according to the age and  for adults 15-30 ml. It will acts as purgative and emetic, will remove phlegm in the chest and cure worm infestation

3.      Leaf powder 950 – 1300mg is taking it cures respiratory problems like cough.

4.      Leaf mixed with salt / Turmeric, grind and applied on the scabies & itching part.

5.      It is mixed with salt and juice is extracted. This can be used for in the treatment of Psychiatric illness.

6.      It can be used as a Kalpa medicine. It is said that it has ‘Gold’ element in it.

7.      Leaves are put in the heated castor oil and taken. This can be taken for ‘1 mandalam as Kalpa medicine. This removes kapha complaints along with vatham, gives body strength.

8.      Roots are grinded into a paste and given in a dose of Areca nut seed size mixed with water for 3 days to remove rat poison.(Note:   Salt restricted diet.)

It produce vomiting and purgation.

9.      Leaf juice can be applied on forehead for headache.

10.  Leaf is grinded and rolled as a small ball can be used for enema.

11.  Leaf powder can be applied on bed sores to kill the germs.