Comprehensive Ayurvedic Study of Mayurshikha (Adiantum caudatum)

1. Introduction

Mayurshikha, also known botanically as Adiantum caudatum, is a fern of immense medicinal value in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Owing to its distinct peacock-tail shaped fronds, it is also called “Mayurshikha” in Sanskrit—’Mayura’ meaning peacock and ‘Shikha’ meaning crest or tuft. It is considered a valuable Stambhan Dravya—astringent and absorbing in nature—used primarily for arresting abnormal discharges and excessive secretions from the body.

2. Disease Most Accountable For Use: Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus)

In Ayurveda, Prameha refers to a group of urinary disorders characterized by excessive urination and abnormal coloration and consistency of urine. Among the 20 types described, Madhumeha, which aligns closely with diabetes mellitus in modern terms, is the most severe form.

Pathology of Prameha in Ayurveda:

• Prameha is primarily a Kapha-dominant metabolic disorder involving Medo Dhatu (fat tissue) and Mootravaha Srotas (urinary channels).

• It is rooted in the vitiation of Kapha dosha, which blocks the channels of the body, impairing the transformation and transportation of fluids.

• With chronic progression, Vata dosha becomes aggravated, leading to the severe condition of Madhumeha.

Medicinal Actions of Mayurshikha in Prameha:

1. Kaphahara (Kapha-pacifying): Mayurshikha clears the sticky, obstructive qualities of Kapha dosha, facilitating proper flow through srotas.

2. Stambhana (Astringent effect): Its cooling, absorbent nature helps arrest frequent urination.

3. Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory): Reduces inflammation in urinary channels.

4. Mutrasangrahaniya (Urine-retaining): Tones the bladder and urinary muscles, helping control excessive urination.

5. Raktashodhak (Blood purifier): Detoxifies the blood, supporting liver and kidney function.

6. Deepana and Pachana (Digestive stimulant): Corrects Agni (digestive fire) to prevent the formation of Ama (toxins), a key contributor to Prameha.

Dosha and Dhatu Impact:

• Doshas: Pacifies Kapha and balances Vata in chronic stages.

• Dhatus: Acts on Meda, Rakta, and Mamsa Dhatus. Improves metabolic functions of Meda and purifies Rakta.

3. Pharmacognosy of Mayurshikha (Adiantum caudatum)

• Family: Pteridaceae

• Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions, commonly found on moist rocks and forested areas.

• Morphology:

  • Leaves: Alternate, long, tail-like, and finely divided with a dark green sheen.

  • Rhizomes: Subterranean, hairy, and creeping.

• Parts Used: Whole plant (especially fronds and rhizomes)

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

• Virya (Potency): Shita (cooling)

• Vipaka: Katu (pungent post-digestive effect)

4. Mode of Action in Prameha (Ayurvedic Insight)

The primary mechanism involves removal of Kapha obstruction in Medovaha and Mootravaha srotas. Its Kaphahara property helps eliminate excessive secretions and Ama from these channels. By restoring Agni (digestive and metabolic fire) and nourishing Dhatus properly, it prevents further pathological transformation of bodily fluids into morbid urine (Prameha).

Mayurshikha’s cooling and drying nature also strengthens bladder control, reduces polyuria, and supports pancreas function. The combination of Tikta-Kashaya rasa and Shita virya makes it ideal for internal inflammation and mucous buildup—two core features in early and chronic Prameha.

5. Names in Different Languages

• Sanskrit: Mayurshikha, Hansapadi

• Hindi: Hansraj

• Tamil: Kozhikkal

• Malayalam: Thavittu Thaluchi

• Kannada: Hamsapadi

• English: Walking Maidenhair, Peacock Fern

• Bengali: Hanspadi

6. Chemical Constituents

The phytochemistry of Adiantum caudatum includes:

• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)

• Tannins

• Saponins

• Terpenoids

• Steroids

• Phenolic acids

• Alkaloids

• Essential oils These compounds contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and hepatoprotective actions.

7. Ten Diseases/Conditions Where Mayurshikha Can Be Used in Ayurveda

1. Prameha (Diabetes): As described above, Mayurshikha helps manage polyuria, sugar metabolism, and associated fatigue.

2. Atisara (Diarrhea): Due to its stambhana and shita virya, it helps arrest watery stools and inflammation in intestines.

3. Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders): Its cooling, astringent nature is helpful in managing nasal and uterine bleeding.

4. Jwara (Fever): Especially in pittaja and sannipata jwaras, Mayurshikha reduces heat and supports immune response.

5. Kasa and Shwasa (Cough and Breathlessness): It clears phlegm from lungs, balances Kapha, and reduces inflammation.

6. Arsha (Hemorrhoids): Strengthens rectal tissue, reduces bleeding, and supports digestive correction.

7. Mootraghata (Urinary retention): Acts as a mild diuretic, improves urine flow, and tones the bladder.

8. Yoni Vyapad (Female Reproductive Disorders): Used in leucorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding due to its stambhana guna.

9. Daha (Burning Sensations): Helps reduce burning sensations in skin or urine caused by aggravated Pitta.

10. Pandu Roga (Anemia): Helps improve blood quality due to its Raktashodhak properties.

8. Ten Ayurvedic Medications Using Mayurshikha as an Ingredient

1. Pramehaghna Kashaya

2. Jwarantaka Churna

3. Raktapitta Har Vati

4. Stambhana Ghrita

5. Kaphanashini Vati

6. Atisarari Churna

7. Mootrasangrahani Tailam

8. Hansapadi Kashaya

9. Yoni Shodhana Vati

10. Pandu Nashak Lehya

9. Home Remedies Using Mayurshikha

1. For Frequent Urination: A decoction of Mayurshikha fronds (10 g in 200 ml water reduced to 50 ml) taken twice daily helps control micturition.

2. For Diarrhea: Powdered dried leaves with rice water stabilizes loose motion.

3. For Bleeding Gums: Boiled leaves used as mouthwash stop minor gum bleeds.

4. For Cough: Mayurshikha juice with honey soothes dry cough.

5. For Leucorrhea: A vaginal douche prepared from its decoction clears abnormal discharge.

6. For Heat Rashes: Cold infusion of its leaves can be applied to the skin.

7. For Jaundice: A mixture of its juice with Punarnava acts as a liver tonic.

8. For Weakness: Dried powder mixed with Amla strengthens tissues in chronic illness.

9. For Minor Burns: A paste of leaves applied topically cools and heals.

10. For Hairfall: Mayurshikha decoction used as a hair rinse improves scalp health.

10. Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid internal use without supervision due to strong stambhan properties.

• Severe Constipation: Its drying nature may worsen constipation.

• Cold and Cough from Vata: Overuse may aggravate Vata-type coughs.

• Dosage: Excessive intake may cause dryness, thirst, or urinary suppression.

Always use under Ayurvedic supervision to balance formulation, dosage, and Anupana (vehicle).

11. Relevance as a Stambhan Dravya in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic therapeutics, Stambhan Dravyas are agents that arrest or restrict unwanted flow—such as bleeding, diarrhea, excessive urination, leucorrhea, etc. Mayurshikha holds high regard in this category due to its cooling, absorbent, and astringent pharmacodynamic properties.

• Acts as a Mootrastambhak – controls excessive urination.

• Functions as a Raktastambhak – checks minor hemorrhages.

• Acts as a Shukrastambhak – conserves semen in early ejaculation.

• Functions as Yonistambhak – reduces white discharge.

Its therapeutic application is often combined with ushna (warming), dipana (digestive) drugs for balanced action.

Conclusion

Mayurshikha (Adiantum caudatum) is a hidden gem of Ayurvedic medicine with multi-dimensional therapeutic value. As a potent Stambhan Dravya, it plays a key role in managing disorders of excessive flow and discharge. Its most profound action is seen in Prameha (diabetes) and urinary tract disorders. With proper understanding and judicious use, this humble fern can be a strong ally in herbal treatments, especially when modern interventions are limited.

Let us continue exploring such lesser-known herbs to expand the richness of Ayurvedic healing science.