Chauhar (Artemisia maritima) in Ayurvedic Medical Science: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Chauhar, also known as Artemisia maritima, is a medicinal plant known for its potent anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. In Ayurveda, it is classified under Krimighna Dravyas—herbs that destroy internal parasites (Krimi). Native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, including the Himalayan belt, Chauhar has been utilized extensively in traditional healing practices, particularly for its remarkable efficacy in treating intestinal worm infestations.

Primary Disease Focus: Intestinal Worm Infestation (Krimi Roga)

Ayurvedic Pathology of Krimi Roga

In Ayurveda, Krimi Roga refers to diseases caused by worms or parasitic infestations in the human body. These can be Bahya Krimi (external parasites like lice) or Abhyantara Krimi (internal worms affecting the gastrointestinal system, blood, or deeper tissues). The root causes are improper food habits, indigestion (Ajirna), low digestive fire (Agnimandya), and unhygienic lifestyle. This leads to the creation of a favorable environment for parasites, vitiating primarily Kapha and Pitta doshas along with Rakta and Mamsa dhatus.

Types of Krimi (as per Ayurveda):

• Purishaja Krimi (Intestinal worms)

• Raktaja Krimi (Blood parasites)

• Kaphaja Krimi (Phlegm-related parasites)

Medicinal Actions of Chauhar in Krimi Roga

1. Krimighna – Strong anthelmintic action due to bioactive alkaloids.

2. Deepana – Stimulates digestive fire (Agni), preventing putrefaction of undigested food.

3. Pachana – Aids in digesting Ama (toxic waste).

4. Shothahara – Reduces inflammation caused by parasitic infestations.

5. Raktashodhaka – Purifies the blood from parasites.

6. Tikta and Katu Rasa – Bitterness helps kill parasites and expel toxins.

Dosha and Dhatu Involvement

• Dosha: Mainly pacifies Kapha and Pitta.

• Dhatu: Acts on Rakta, Mamsa, and Purisha.

Mode of Action

• Stimulates Agni, thereby reducing Ama accumulation.

• The bitter principle directly affects the neuromuscular system of parasites, paralyzing and eliminating them.

• Enhances immune response and cleanses the intestinal and circulatory systems.

Pharmacognosy of Artemisia maritima (Chauhar)

• Family: Asteraceae

• Part Used: Leaves, flowering tops

• Botanical Description: A small shrub with silvery-green leaves and small yellow flowers.

• Habitat: Found in the western Himalayas, central Asia, and coastal regions.

• Microscopic Features: Glandular trichomes, essential oil sacs, and resin ducts.

Different Names in Various Languages

• Sanskrit: Chauhar, Damanaka (commonly used for similar species)

• Hindi: Chauhar

• English: Sea Wormwood

• Unani: Afsanteen

• Arabic: Afsanteen Bahri

• Punjabi: Chauhar Booti

Chemical Constituents

• Essential Oils: Cineole, Camphor, Thujone (neurotoxic in excess)

• Alkaloids: Santonin (anthelmintic)

• Flavonoids: Quercetin, Luteolin

• Sesquiterpene Lactones: Artemisinin-like compounds

• Tannins and Resins: Anti-inflammatory, astringent

Ten Diseases/Conditions Where Chauhar Is Useful

1. Krimi Roga (Worm Infestation): Powerful Krimighna action.

2. Ajeerna (Indigestion): Deepana and Pachana properties.

3. Mandagni (Low Digestive Fire): Restores Agni.

4. Kasa (Cough): Expels mucus and reduces Kapha.

5. Shwasa (Asthma): Opens respiratory passages.

6. Raktadushti (Blood Impurities): Acts as Raktashodhaka.

7. Jwara (Fever): Especially in parasitic fevers.

8. Kustha (Skin Disorders): Due to Raktashuddhi and Tikta rasa.

9. Grahani (IBS-like symptoms): Stabilizes Agni and clears worms.

10. Arsha (Piles): Reduces infection and swelling due to Krimighna and Shothahara actions.

Ayurvedic Medications Containing Chauhar

1. Krimikuthar Rasa

2. Vidangasava

3. Chauhar Vati (Folk medicine)

4. Artemisia Tailam (Classical variant)

5. Triphala + Chauhar Kwatha

6. Krimimudgar Ras

7. Deworming Herbal Powder Mix

8. Krumighna Gutika

9. Artemisia Leha

10. Tikta Rasa Kwatha with Chauhar

Home Remedies Using Chauhar

1. Chauhar Leaf Decoction – Used for deworming in children.

2. Powder with Honey – Effective in parasitic fever.

3. Infusion with Ajwain – Used in bloating and indigestion.

4. Steam Inhalation – Beneficial in Kapha-related respiratory disorders.

5. Paste Application – Used in scabies and eczema.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Contraindicated due to uterine stimulant effect.

• Excess Dosage: Thujone can cause neurotoxicity, convulsions.

• Chronic Use: May lead to liver damage.

• Children: Dosage must be carefully monitored.

Relevance as Krimighna Dravya in Ayurveda Chauhar is highly revered as a potent Krimighna Dravya in Ayurveda. It is used to eliminate all classes of Krimi—intestinal, blood, and skin-based. Its Tikta-Katu rasa, Ushna virya, and Katu vipaka make it ideal for destroying parasites while simultaneously rejuvenating Agni and cleansing dhatus.

Conclusion Chauhar (Artemisia maritima) exemplifies a herb that balances classical Ayurvedic wisdom with modern pharmacological relevance. Its ability to destroy intestinal parasites, restore digestive function, and cleanse the blood makes it invaluable in Ayurvedic practice. However, careful formulation and dosing are imperative due to its strong volatile compounds. When used judiciously, Chauhar can be a powerful healer aligned with the Ayurvedic principles of holistic detoxification and doshic balance.