A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta)
Latin Name: Grewia hirsuta Vahl. (Some authors identify it as Sida spinosa L.)
Family: Tiliaceae (Note: Potential alternative family Malvaceae per synonym)
Classical Gana/Varga: Unmentioned in the provided text.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Nāgabalā, Gudaśarkarā, Kharagandhā, Catuṣphalā, Gavedhukā.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Gulshakari, Gudakhandi
Marathi: Govali
Tamil: Tavidu
Telugu: Jipilike
Morphology: A perennial herb, 1.25 to 2.5 meters tall. Leaves are lanceolate, 5-8 cm long, covered with fine hair, with serrated margins. 2-3 flowers appear at the base of each leaf, changing color from white to yellow to pink as they open. The fruit is small, yellow, four-chambered, dehiscent upon ripening, and has a pleasant smell (known as Shikari Meva). Seeds are 5-7 per fruit.
Habitat: Found in Bihar, Rajasthan, Konkan, and the Vindhya region in rocky and warm places up to 1500 meters altitude. Flowers in the rainy season and fruits in early winter (Hemanta Ṛtu).
Part Used: Root (primarily), Leaves.
Purification (Śodhana): The provided text does not specify a classical purification (Śodhana) process for Nagabala.
Preservation: The dried root (powdered or whole) should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Madhura (Sweet), Kaṣāya (Astringent)
Guṇa (Qualities) Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous), Picchila (Slimy)
Vīrya (Potency) Śīta (Cooling)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Karma:
Pittaghna: Primarily pacifies Pitta due to its sweet and astringent tastes, cooling potency, and unctuous qualities.
Vātaghna: Pacifies Vata due to its sweet taste, unctuous and slimy qualities, and sweet post-digestive effect. (The astringent taste has a minor aggravating potential on Vata, which is overcome by its other properties).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Its unctuous (Snigdha) quality provides lubrication, while its Pitta-pacifying and cooling properties relieve acidity. It is anti-inflammatory (Amlatāṅśana) and facilitates downward movement (Anulomana). Modern Correlation: Acid peptic disorder (Amlapitta), constipation (Vibandha), colic (Ādhmana), heartburn.
Rasavaha / Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Plasma & Blood Systems): It is cardiotonic (Hṛdya) and pacifies Pitta in the blood (Raktagata Pitta). Its astringent taste causes vasoconstriction, aiding hemostasis (Raktastambhana). Modern Correlation: Bleeding disorders (Raktapitta), cardiac weakness (Hṛdroga), burning sensation all over the body (Vidāha).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its unctuous quality helps liquefy and expel sticky Kapha. It alleviates Vata, helping to restore the voice in hoarseness (Svarabheda). Its healing (Vraṇaropana) properties are useful in chest injury (Urahkṣata). Modern Correlation: Bronchitis with expectoration, hoarseness of voice, hemoptysis.
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): It strengthens nerves and acts as a brain tonic (Medhya). Modern Correlation: Nerve debility, impaired memory, Vata-related neurological disorders.
Śukravaha / Ārtavavaha Srotas (Male & Female Reproductive Systems): It alleviates semen debility, increases semen quantity, and has an anti-abortifacient (Garbhasthapana) action, preventing miscarriage. Modern Correlation: Oligospermia, threatened abortion, general sexual debility.
Mūtravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Its cooling potency soothes the urinary tract. Its healing action reduces inflammation. Modern Correlation: Dysuria (Mūtrakṛcchra), urinary tract infections (Puyameha).
General Action: It is nourishing (Bṛṃhaṇa) to all tissues (Dhātus), making it useful in general debility and wasting conditions like tuberculosis (Rājayakṣma).
Primary Actions: Pittahara (Pitta-reducing), Vataanulomana (Carminative), Raktastambhana (Hemostatic), Hṛdya (Cardiotonic), Bṛṃhaṇa (Nourishing), Medhya (Nervine Tonic), Garbhasthapana (Uterine Stabilizer).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Root Powder: 2 to 4 grams.
Decoction (Kvātha): 40 to 80 ml.
Anupāna (Vehicle): The text does not specify particular vehicles, but based on its properties, it can be taken with water, milk, or ghee.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): The provided text does not list any specific classical formulations containing Nagabala.
Contraindications (Nivārita): It should not be used when there is Kaphanubandha (co-aggravation of Kapha along with Pitta), as its unctuous and slimy properties may aggravate Kapha.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): The provided text does not mention specific symptoms of toxicity.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): The provided text does not mention a specific antidote.
7. Modern Scientific Correlates
Chemical Composition: