Pellitory Root: Best Herb for Physical and Sexual Health (Anacyclus pyrethrum)

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 

Akarkara, also known as Pellitory Root. Akarkara is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which includes ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. This unique plant is native to various regions of India and is known for its potent therapeutic properties.

Akarkara has been a part of traditional medicine systems in India, such as Ayurveda and Unani, for centuries. It holds a prominent place in these ancient healing practices due to its wide range of medicinal benefits.

The use of Akarkara can be traced back to ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which date back thousands of years. These texts describe the plant as a valuable remedy for various ailments, such as dental issues, digestive problems, respiratory conditions, and sexual disorders.

Akarkara is primarily cultivated in different parts of India, particularly in regions with subtropical climate. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and requires a moderate amount of water. It is usually propagated through its rhizomes, which are underground stems that give rise to new shoots and roots.

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2. Common Names

• Family - Asteraceae
• Hindi Name - Akarkara
• English Name - Pellitory Root
• Synonyms - Akallaka, Kallaka

3. Vernacular Names

• Sanskrit - Akarkara

• Gujrati - Akkorakaro

• Bengali - Aakarkara

• Marathi - Akkalakara

• Telugu - Akarakaram

• Tamil - Akkirakaram

• Latin - Anacyclus pyrethrum

 4. Morphology 

Anacyclus pyrethrum is a perennial plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has a woody root system with numerous branching roots that can grow up to 30 cm long. The stem is erect, thin, and branched with a greyish-green color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lobed with a length of 2-4 cm and a width of 1-2 cm. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in heads that are 1-2 cm in diameter. The fruits are small and dry, with a length of 2-3 mm.

• Roots - Fusiform, fleshy and very pungent.
• Leaves - Radical, stalked, and smooth.
• Flowers - White in color, purpe beneath.

5. Chemical Constituents

Anacyclus pyrethrum root contains several bioactive compounds that are responsible for its medicinal properties like pyrethrins, alkylamides, sesquitepenes, flavonoids, tannins.

6. Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Actions

Ayurvedic Actions

Pellitory Root Ayurvedic actions are promote physical strength, stimulant, reduce swelling, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, reduces ejaculation of semen, beneficial for throat, swelling, neuromuscular disease, erectile dysfunction, sinusitis, dental carries and epilepsy.

Pharmacological Actions

Anacyclus pyrethrum root contains several bioactive compounds, including pyrethrins, alkylamides, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds have been shown to have a variety of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects.

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7. Ayurvedic Properties 

• Rasa (Taste) - It has Katu (pungent) taste.
• Virya (Potency) - It is Ushna in nature (hot).
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste) - It Katu (pungent) taste.
• Doshakarma - Kapha vaatshamaka
• Guna - Tikshna, Ruksha

8. Pellitory Root Health Benefits 

Traditionally, Pellitory Root is beneficial for promoting physical strength, stimulant, reduce swelling, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, reduces ejaculation of semen and beneficial for throat, swelling, neuromuscular disease, erectile dysfunction, syphilis, sinusitis, dental carries and epilepsy.

9. Therapeutic Uses

Joint and Muscular Health

Akarkara has been traditionally used to support joint and muscular health. The heating nature of Akarkara helps improve blood circulation to the affected areas, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort. It is often used topically in the form of oils or poultices, providing relief from joint stiffness, swelling, and pain. 

Sexual and Reproductive Health

It is considered an aphrodisiac in Ayurveda, it is believed to stimulate the production of reproductive fluids, promoting healthy sexual function, sexual disorders, erectile dysfunction, low libido, and premature ejaculation. 

Nervous System Support

It is beneficial for conditions such as nerve pain, neuropathy, and paralysis, mental clarity, memory, and overall cognitive function.

Stress and Anxiety

Akarkara has adaptogen and antidepressant properties, that helps to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, dementia, etc. It helps to control symptoms like uneasiness, restlessness, cold hands, and feet, etc. It helps in calming the mind, reduces physical and mental stress, irritability and improving energy and stamina.

Erectile Dysfunction

Due to its aphrodisiac properties, it helps to reduce premature ejaculation and cure erectile dysfunction.

Pain and Inflammation

Pellitory Root has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, that helps to alleviate pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Application of powdered paste of its root is extremely effective against Rheumatoid arthritis. 

Sperms Count

It has aphrodisiac properties that helps to enhance the formation of testosterone and increase the sperm count. Especially when it combines with other herbs like Ashwagandha powder, Shatavari powder, Kaunch beej powder, White musli powder.

Infertility

This herb is used from ancient time to boost libido and improve fertility in men. It also stimulates the production of testosterone and plays an important role in increasing virility and stamina in men. Taking Pellitory Root powder with lukewarm milk daily, increases blood circulation in the genitals.

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10. Uses 

Akarkara (Pellitory Root) Powder with Honey 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Akarkara (Pellitory Root) powder
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Instructions

• Take one tablespoon of Akarkara powder and transfer it to a clean, dry bowl.
• Add an equal amount of raw honey to the powder.
• Mix the two ingredients well until they form a paste-like consistency.
• Your Akarkara powder with honey is ready to use.

Herbal Tea 

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Akarkara (Pellitory Root) powder
• 1 cup water
• Optional: honey or lemon for taste

Instructions

• Boil one cup of water in a saucepan.
• Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add one teaspoon of Akarkara powder to it.
• Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and strain the tea into a cup.
• Add honey or lemon, if desired, for added flavor.

Herbal Oil 

Ingredients

• 1 cup carrier oil (such as sesame oil or coconut oil)
• 1 tablespoon Akarkara (Pellitory Root) powder

Instructions

• In a clean, dry glass jar, combine one cup of carrier oil with one tablespoon of Akarkara powder.
• Stir the mixture well to ensure the powder is evenly distributed.
• Close the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place.
• Let the mixture infuse for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days.
• After the infusion period, strain the oil using a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
• Transfer the infused oil into a clean, sterilized bottle or container.

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11. Dosage

Powder - 0.5 to 1gm

12. Official Part Used

Mool (root)