A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Tuvaraka (Hydrocarpus wightiana),
Latin Name: Hydrocarpus wightiana Blume. (Synonym: Hydrocarpus laurifolia)
Family: Flacourtiaceae
Classical Gana/Varga: Unmentioned in the provided text.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Tuvaraka, Katukapittha, Kushthavairi, Tuvari.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Chaulmogara, Papita
Marathi: Kadukavath
Tamil: Maravattayi
Telugu: Adavibadamu
Kannada: Garudaphala
Malayalam: Kodi
Morphology: A tree growing up to approximately 15 meters in height. Leaves are lanceolate, 10-15 cm long and 4-10 cm wide. Flowers are small, white, and arranged in inflorescences. Fruits are round, hairy, resembling a small apple. Seeds are brownish-yellow and angular.
Habitat: South Konkan, Kerala, Sri Lanka.
Part Used: Seed (Beeja), Seed Oil (Beeja Taila).
Purification (Śodhana): The text describes a specific potentiating process for the oil, which also serves to refine it:
1. Ripe fruit pulp (without seeds) is collected at the onset of the rainy season for oil extraction.
2. The extracted oil is placed in an earthen pot.
3. This pot is then stored within grain husk for 15 days.
4. Following this, the oil is triturated three times with a decoction of Khadira (Acacia catechu) to enhance its potency.
Preservation: The purified oil, processed as above, is stored in a cool, dry place, likely in airtight containers to prevent rancidity.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
Guṇa (Qualities) Laghu (Light), Teekshna (Penetrating/Piercing), Snigdha (Unctuous/Oily)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma:
Kaphaghna: Pacifies Kapha due to its combination of light, penetrating, and heating properties.
Vataghna: Pacifies Vata due to its unctuous and heating nature.
It is primarily indicated in disorders dominated by Kapha and Vata, often associated with moisture (Kleda) and obstruction (Srotorodha).
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Rasavaha / Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Blood System): Acts as a blood purifier (Raktaprasadana). It is used in all diseases caused by vitiation of blood. Modern Correlation: Skin diseases (Kushtha), infected wounds.
Annavaha / Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Due to its penetrating and heating qualities, it irritates the digestive tract, acting as an emetic (Vamaka) and purgative (Virechana). It is also an anthelmintic (Krimighna).
Udakavaha Srotas (Water Metabolizing System): Eliminates channel obstructions (Srotorodha), removes excess moisture (Kleda), and reduces edema (Shotha).
Mamsa / Asthi / Majja Srotas (Musculoskeletal System): Its deep-penetrating action makes it useful for conditions affecting deeper tissues like bones and marrow. Modern Correlation: Tubercular ulcers, cervical adenitis (Gandamala), osteomyelitis (Asthivrana), fistula (Nadivrana), arthritis (Amavata, Vatarakta).
Drishti Srotas (Visual System): The powder (Antardhooma Bhasma) made from the fruit pulp is applied as an eye salve (Anjana) for its scraping (Lekhana) action. Modern Correlation: Trachoma (Pothika), pterygium (Arma), glaucoma (Kacha).
Primary Actions: Kushthaghna (Anti-dermatotic), Vranashodhana/Ropana (Wound cleansing and healing), Krimighna (Antimicrobial/Anthelmintic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory/Reduces edema), Vedanashamana (Analgesic), Vamaka/Virechana (Emetic/Purgative).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Seed Powder: 1 to 3 grams.
Oil (for Vamana/Purgation): 10 ml.
Oil (for Shamana/Pacification): Start with 5 drops, gradually increasing to 30-60 drops.
Anupāna (Vehicle): To mitigate the potential side effects of its penetrating (Teekshna) quality, the oil should be administered with Ghee (clarified butter), butter, cream, or milk. For skin diseases, it is used with milk.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Tuvarakadi Taila.
Mode of Administration: For purification (Shodhana) of aggravated Kapha-Pitta, 10 ml of oil is given after preparatory oleation (Snehana) and fomentation (Svedana). This is followed by long-term administration in smaller (Shamana) doses. Pitta-aggravating substances should be avoided during treatment, and the diet should include milk, ghee, and sweet fruits.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in conditions of high Pitta, dehydration, and general debility. It should be used with caution due to its strong, penetrating nature.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): The text implies that improper use (without proper Anupana) can cause utklesha (nausea, aggravation) due to its Teekshna Guna. Overdose may lead to severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and purgation.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): The primary antidotal measure is to administer it with unctuous and cooling vehicles like Ghee, milk, or cream to pacify its aggressive properties.
Chemical Composition: The seed contains approximately 63% fixed oil, known as Hydrocarpus oil or Chaulmoogra oil. Key constituents include Chaulmogric acid, Hydrocarpic acid, and Palmitic acid.
Research Notes: Modern research confirms its anti-leprotic action. The oil inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium leprae (the leprosy bacillus) in experimental models (mouse foot pad). Clinical studies noted that it improved tuberculoid leprosy cases with extensive nerve damage more rapidly than the drug Dapsone.