Kantakari is also known as “ Indian nightshade or “ Yellow- berried nightshade ” which goes with the botanical name Solanum virginianum and belongs to the Solanaceae family. It's an important medicinal herb and is also a member of Dashmul( ten roots) of the ayurvedic expression in Ayurveda. The herb is pungent and bitter. According to Ayurveda, taking Kantakari powder along with water or honey aids in digestion by perfecting the Agni( digestive fire) due to its Deepan( appetizer) and Pachan( digestive) parcels.
Applying a paste of Kantakari powder with water on joints helps to reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property. Massaging your head with Kantakari juice mixed with an equal volume of water might help the hair fall and promote hair growth. As per the ayurvedic script, taking Kantakari powder along with honey or water helps in stimulating digestion by promoting the Agni( digestive fire).

HOW TO USE KANTAKARI

Kantakari Powder

• Take ¼- ½ tablespoon of Kantakari powder.
• Mix with water or honey.
• Swallow it formerly or double a day after taking light food.

Kantakari Juice

• Take 4- 5 ladles of Kantakari juice.
• Add honey or water to it and drink formerly or double a day before taking food.

This helps to reduce the symptoms, helps to balance stipulations like asthma, indigestion, or arthritis and enhances your appetite, and provides you with better relief.

BENEFITS OF KANTAKARI

1. Cough and Cold

Cough is generally known as Kapha complaint and is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kantakari acts by balancing Kapha in the body and helps to expel mucus accumulated in the lungs.

2. Asthma

Kantakari helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘ Vata ’ combines with crazed ‘ Kapha dosha ’ in the lungs clogging the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga( asthma). Kantakari helps in balancing Vata and Kapha and removes extra mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma. Histamine is a chemical in the natural body that acts as a middleman for asthma. The potent antihistaminic nature of the Kantakari excerpt averts airway narrowing caused by histamine. piecemeal from this, the Kantakari formulation dilates the bronchioles and reduces the lump and layout of mucus.

3. Indigestion

Kantakari helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of a deficient process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is worsened Kapha which causes Agnimandya( weak digestive fire). Taking Kantakari powder helps to enhance Agni( digestive fire) and digests the food effortlessly. This is due to its Deepan( appetizer) and Pachan( digestive) properties independently.

4. Hair loss

Kantakari helps control hair fall and promote hair growth when its juice is applied to the crown. This is because hair fall is mostly due to an exasperated Vata dosha in the body. This creates a depletion of the head or flakiness of hair. Kantakari juice acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha and removing extreme exhaustion. Together, this helps control hair loss.

Preparation and usage of the juice
1. Take 4- 6 spoons of Kantakari juice or as per your condition.
2. Mix with an equal quantity of water.
3. Apply equally on the hair and head.
4. Let it sit for 2- 3 hours.
5. Wash with cleanser and rinse well.
6. Use this remedy 1- 2 times a week to control hair fall.

5. Osteoarthritis

Kantakari helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered the place of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mostly due to Vata imbalance. Applying a paste of Kantakari helps to reduce joint pain by balancing Vata. This is due to its Ushna( hot) energy. Regular usage of Kantakari juice on the hair and head strengthens hair roots and averts hair fall.

6. Fever

Kantakari helps to reduce fever. Fever is a condition that occurs due to an imbalance of any of the three doshas, especially Pitta dosha, and frequently leads to Mandagni( low digestive fire). Kantakari helps to manage this condition due to its Pitta balancing, Jwarhar(anti-fever), and Ushna( hot) characters. It also reduces the symptoms of fever and improves Agni( digestive fire).

CONCLUSION

Kantakari is a plant that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. It is known to have a wide range of health benefits, including treating respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, reducing inflammation, and improving overall immune function. It is also known to have anti-cancer properties and is used in the treatment of various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and leprosy.

Additionally, Kantakari is also known to have expectorant properties, which help in relieving congestion and phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it useful in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough.

It is important to note that before using Kantakari, it's best to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, who can recommend appropriate remedies for your health condition and also guide you on how to use them. As some herbs may have side effects if not used appropriately.