Aakashvalli (Cassytha filiformis) in Ayurvedic Medical Science

Introduction

Aakashvalli, scientifically known as Cassytha filiformis, is a unique parasitic twining herb often recognized for its thread-like, leafless stems that envelop host plants. In Ayurveda, Aakashvalli is an ancient medicinal plant mentioned under the category of Stambhana Dravyas (astringents or substances that promote hemostasis and arrest excessive secretions). Due to its potent therapeutic properties, it has been used in treating various diseases, especially those associated with abnormal discharges, bleeding, and excessive secretion.

Among the many conditions it addresses, Pradara (abnormal vaginal discharge, leucorrhea) is a disease in which Aakashvalli proves most effective. Let us explore this herb in depth, especially its role in the pathology, pharmacognosy, and Ayurvedic framework of this disease.

Disease Focus: Pradara (Leucorrhea)

Ayurvedic Understanding of Pradara

Pradara, particularly Shweta Pradara (white discharge), is understood in Ayurveda as an imbalance primarily of Kapha and Vata doshas in the Yoni (female reproductive system). The vitiation leads to excessive, abnormal, white, slimy discharge often accompanied by backache, weakness, itching, and fatigue.

Pathogenesis in Ayurveda:

• Nidana (causes): Improper hygiene, excessive intercourse, consumption of Kapha-aggravating foods.

• Dosha Involvement: Predominantly Kapha; Vata governs the movement.

• Dushya (affected tissues): Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), and Artava (menstrual and reproductive tissues).

• Srotas (channels): Artavavaha Srotas (channels of the female reproductive system).

Medicinal Actions of Aakashvalli in Pradara

Aakashvalli plays a key role through the following actions:

1. Stambhana (Astringent action): Its strong astringent quality checks excessive discharges.

2. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory): Reduces local inflammation in the vaginal tissues.

3. Krimighna (Antimicrobial): Works against microbial and fungal infections that often cause leucorrhea.

4. Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier): Cleanses blood impurities, thus reducing underlying infection.

5. Kaphahara (Mucolytic): Reduces excessive Kapha that contributes to slimy discharge.

6. Rasayana (Rejuvenator): Strengthens and tones the reproductive tissues.

Pharmacognosy of Aakashvalli

• Botanical Name: Cassytha filiformis

• Family: Lauraceae

• Common Names: Dodder (English), Amarbel (Hindi), Akashavalli (Sanskrit), Manjal-pullu (Tamil)

• Plant Type: Parasitic herb with thread-like, chlorophyll-deficient, leafless stems.

Microscopy and Morphological Features:

• Stems: Yellowish-green, slender, filamentous.

• Flowers: Small, greenish-yellow, in dense spikes.

• Seeds: Elliptical, hard, and brownish-black.

Useful Parts: Whole plant including stem and flowers.

Mode of Action in Ayurvedic Science

Aakashvalli’s effect in Pradara is explained as follows:

• By reducing excess Kapha through its Kashaya Rasa (astringent taste), it prevents slimy discharge.

• It normalizes Vata’s irregular movement that causes instability in the reproductive tract.

• Its action on Rasa and Rakta Dhatus helps nourish and tone the uterine and vaginal tissues.

• Being Sheeta Virya (cool potency), it reduces heat and burning sensations in inflamed tissues.

Different Names in Various Languages

• Sanskrit: Akashavalli, Amaravalli, Shatavalli

• Hindi: Amarbel, Akashbel

• English: Dodder plant, Love vine

• Tamil: Manjal-pullu

• Telugu: Tellavalli

• Malayalam: Akashavalli

• Kannada: Jeerige balli

• Bengali: Swarnalata

Chemical Constituents

• Alkaloids (cassythine, laurifoline)

• Flavonoids

• Tannins

• Glycosides

• Essential oils

• Saponins

• Steroids

• Lignans These compounds explain its antimicrobial, astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

10 Diseases and Conditions Where Aakashvalli is Useful

1. Pradara (Leucorrhea): As explained above, useful in controlling white vaginal discharges.

2. Atisara (Diarrhea): Its astringent property arrests watery discharges.

3. Raktapradara (Menorrhagia): Helps reduce excessive menstrual bleeding.

4. Shotha (Swelling/Inflammation): Anti-inflammatory action reduces tissue edema.

5. Vrana (Wounds): Helps in wound contraction and healing due to its tannin content.

6. Yoni Kandu (Vaginal itching): Antifungal and soothing properties provide relief.

7. Trishna (Excessive thirst): Useful in reducing Pitta-related symptoms like excessive thirst.

8. Daha (Burning sensation): Its cooling effect helps reduce internal burning sensations.

9. Krumi (Parasitic infections): Anthelmintic properties are useful in intestinal worm infestations.

10. Mukhapaka (Stomatitis): Mouth ulcers benefit from decoctions due to its healing and antimicrobial effect.

10 Ayurvedic Medicines with Aakashvalli as an Ingredient

1. Pushyanuga Churna: Used in leucorrhea, menorrhagia.

2. Patrangasava: Rejuvenates female reproductive health.

3. Ashokarishta: Supports menstrual and uterine health.

4. Saptasara Kashayam: Helps in gynecological problems.

5. Raktapachaka Churna: Useful in blood purification and Pitta disorders.

6. Khadirarishta: For skin and blood disorders.

7. Lodhrasava: Reduces excessive discharges in females.

8. Panchavalkala Kashaya: Used for douching in vaginal infections.

9. Yoni Prakshalana Yoga: External wash in vaginal diseases.

10. Mahatiktaka Ghrita: Supports chronic inflammatory and skin conditions.

Home Remedies Involving Aakashvalli

1. Aakashvalli Decoction for Leucorrhea:

   • Boil 10g dried stem in 2 cups of water till half remains.

   • Filter and consume lukewarm, twice daily.

2. Paste for Vaginal Itching:

   • Mix powder of Aakashvalli with coconut oil and apply externally.

3. Mouthwash for Stomatitis:

   • Use decoction as a mouth rinse to relieve ulcers.

4. Astringent Wash for Wounds:

   • Apply decoction over fresh or healing wounds to promote faster recovery.

5. For Loose Motions in Children:

   • Give a very diluted decoction (under expert advice) with honey.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications

Though generally safe, Aakashvalli should be used with caution:

• Pregnancy: Avoid internal use during pregnancy due to strong astringency.

• Constipation: Can worsen existing constipation due to drying effects.

• Debilitated individuals: Excessive use may cause weakness due to Ruksha (dry) quality.

• Children: Should only be used under expert supervision.

Always consult an Ayurvedic physician before using it extensively.

Aakashvalli as a Stambhan Dravya

Stambhana refers to the arrest of excessive flow, discharge, or secretion, whether it be blood, pus, mucus, or other bodily fluids. Aakashvalli is a quintessential Stambhan Dravya due to its:

• Kashaya Rasa (astringent taste)

• Sheeta Virya (cooling potency)

• Ruksha Guna (dry quality)

• Kaphahara and Pittahara properties

It helps contain abnormal secretions and stabilizes tissues and dhatus, making it highly relevant in conditions involving excessive flow or inflammation.

Conclusion

Aakashvalli (Cassytha filiformis) is an underrated yet highly potent herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Its parasitic nature mirrors its therapeutic action—drawing out the disease from within the body. Its primary strength lies in its Stambhana, Shothahara, and Krimighna actions, making it a powerful remedy especially in female reproductive health, wound care, and bleeding disorders. As we continue to integrate Ayurvedic wisdom with modern phytochemistry, herbs like Aakashvalli reaffirm the holistic brilliance of Ayurveda in addressing root causes, not just symptoms.