A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Changeri (Indian Sorrel)
Latin Name: Oxalis corniculata Linn.
Family: Oxalidaceae
Classical Gana/Varga: Not mentioned in the provided text.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Amlapatrika, Amlaparnika
Regional Names:
Hindi: Tinpatiya
Marathi: Ambuti
Tamil: Puliyarai
Telugu: Pulichinta
Malayalam: Puliparel
English: Indian Sorrel
Morphology: A small, procumbent herb that spreads on the ground. Leaves are trifoliate (three-parted) with long stalks. Flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is a hairy capsule, about 2 cm long, containing numerous brown, striated seeds.
Part Used: Panchanga (Whole plant)
Purification (Śodhana): Not mentioned.
Preservation: The fresh juice (Swarasa) is used, or the plant is dried and powdered for storage.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Amla, Kashaya (Sour, Astringent)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rooksha (Dry)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Amla (Sour)
Dosha Karma: Kapha-Vatashamaka (reduces Kapha and Vata) due to its Ushna Veerya. However, it is Pittavardhaka (aggravates Pitta) due to its Amla Rasa and Ushna Veerya.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha & Purishavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Due to its Amla Rasa, it is Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), and Yakritottejana (liver stimulant). Due to its Kashaya Rasa, it is Grahi (absorbent). Used in Aruchi (anorexia), Agnimandya (indigestion), Grahani (IBS), and Pravahika (dysentery). It is specifically indicated for Gudabhransha (rectal prolapse) by restoring tone to anal muscles.
Rasavaha & Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Blood System): Its Kashaya Rasa helps contract blood vessels, making it useful in bleeding disorders and bleeding Arsha (hemorrhoids).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): It is Hridya (cardiac tonic) and used in Hridaya Vikara (heart diseases).
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): Its juice is used to counteract poisoning (e.g., Dhattura) and symptoms like Mada (intoxication), causing awakening.
Primary Actions: Deepana (Appetizer), Pachana (Digestive), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Vedanasthapana (Analgesic), Grahi (Absorbent), Hridya (Cardiotonic).
Dosage (Mātrā): Swarasa (fresh juice): 5 - 15 ml.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Not specified.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Changerighrita, Changerisiddha Taila.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in high Pitta conditions, hyperacidity, and inflammatory conditions due to its Amla Rasa and Ushna Veerya.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Not mentioned. Overuse may lead to acid peptic disease.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): Not specified.
Chemical Composition: Leaves contain oxalic acid and potassium.
Research Notes: Petroleum ether, benzene, and chloroform extracts showed significant analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activity. The petroleum ether extract also has a diuretic effect.