HIMSRA

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for himsra is Capparis spinosa L. which belongs to the Capparidaceae family. It is also called a caper bush. 

English-Cepar plant

Hindi-Kabara, Hainsaa, Kantaka

Sankrit-Himsra, Kanthari, Kantaka

Urdu-Kaba

Punjabi-Barar, Kaur

Bengali-Kabra

Gujarati-Kabaree

Kannada-Katharimullinagida, Mullukattari

Malayalam-Capparo

Marathi-Kabar

Oriya-Kantiphali

Telugu-Kokilakshamu

Himsra is a perennial shrub that is widely distributed in Afghanistan, West Asia, Europe, North Africa, and Australia. In India, it is grown from Punjab and Rajasthan to Deccan Peninsula. It is also distributed in the lower Himalayas and the Western Ghats. Barks are very rough to touch. Roots are 5.5cm in thickness and show longitudinal lenticels. Colour varies from reddish-brown to pale yellow. Fruits can be collected during June and July.

Part used: Root and leaf

Taste: Pungent

Potency: Hot 

On chemical compound analysis of the himsra, it includes

Glycosides, flavonoids, reducing sugar, saponins, starch and terpenoids, acid insoluble ash (1.70%), total ash (8.68%), water-soluble ash (3.42%), water extractive (31.55%), alcohol extractive (5.06%), foaming index (105.26unit), swelling index (4.16%), alkaloids stachydrine and 3-hydroxystachydrine, Glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, glucosinolates, glucoiberin, glucocapparin, sinigrin, glucocleomin, and glucocapangatin

ACTION OF HIMSRA:

• Anti-diabetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-aging
• Anti-fungal
• Anthelmintic property
• Anti-allergic
• Expectorant
• Emmenagogue
• Anti-diuretic

• Himsra is used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, diuretics, kidney disinfectants, vermifuges, and tonics.
• Decoction of root bark is used for anemia, arthritis, dropsy, and gout and it is also used in the treatment of gastrointestinal infection
• The bark of the stem is bitten in nature and has diuretic properties. It increases the appetite if you have taken this before meals
• The unopened flower bud has a laxative effect and it is also used to treat cough and eye infection
• Decoction of this plant is used to treat vaginal thrush
• The leaves are used in the treatment of gout
• In Africa, Himsra can be used to treat blockage in the liver, and kidney stones by adding vinegar and honey with himsra and it is also used as an appetizer
• In Spain, it is used in the treatment of arthritis and it also helps to relieve toothache
• The twings of the himra is used in the treatment of ulcer

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Decoction: 50-100ml

Powder: 1-1.5gm

• The use of Himsra can cause an allergic reaction if the patient is sensitive to mustard oil
• Himsra should be administered with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Himsra helps to reduce the blood sugar level, monitor the blood glucose level if you are taking any other anti-diabetic drug along with himsra

It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the composition of the himsra

Diabetes mellitus:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, diabetes is called Madhumeha it occurs due to the imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. This impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins in the pancreatic cells and impairs insulin function. The Himsra balance the imbalance of Vata-Kapha and it also improves digestion by Pachan (digestive) and Tikta (bitter) activities which results to regulate the insulin function

Modern view: Himsra inhibit the enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates that leads to a decrease in blood glucose level. Due to its antioxidant property, it prevents the damage of pancreatic cells by reducing oxidative stress.

Fungal infections:

The root extract of the himsra is used in the treatment of fungal infections. It produces its action by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of fungi which is responsible for the infection

Worm infection:

Leaves and flower buds of himsra are used in the treatment of worm infection. Due to its anthelmintic property, it removes the worm from the intestine

Leishmaniasis:

Himsra used to treat skin infection which is caused by a parasite called leishmania. Himsra contain alkaloid which produces anti-parasitic activity by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of parasite that cause infection

Skin disorders:
Himsra has an anti-oxidant property that helps the skin from damage that is caused by solar radiation. It also prevents skin inflammation by inhibiting the release of histamine. The flower bud of Himsra is used in the treatment of skin disorders.

Dry skin:

Himsra contain vitamins and flavonoids which helps to treat dry skin by preventing the skin from damage which is caused by free radicals and it moisturizes the skin due to its anti-oxidant, moisturizing activities

Take the required amount of himsra root and grind them into powder and mix the powder with water and make it as a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area to treat dry skin

Flatulence

Traditional view: Flatulence occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Consuming hing daily helps to regulate improper digestion. It also helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and decrease the gas by Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties

Modern view: According to the scientific view the use of Himsra is not available

Asthma:

Traditional view: According to Ayurveda, asthma occurs due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha. This leads to blockage in the respiratory passage and causes difficulty in breathing. Himsra helps to balance Vata-Kapha by removing the mucus from the lungs.

Modern view: Himsra contain flavonoids and polyphenols which have broncho relaxant properties. Himsra relaxes the smooth muscle of the respiratory tract and promotes easy breathing.

The Himsra comes in various formulations includes

Internal use:

Take the required amount of himsra root and grind it to make it as powder and consume this powder as per the dose prescribed by the doctor. This helps to treat chest congestion

External use:

Take the required amount of himsra root and grind them into powder and mix the powder with water and make it as a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area to treat skin diseases

• Skin rash
• Irritation

Is Himsra powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Himsra?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

Does Himsra have hot or cold potency?

According to Ayurveda, Himra contain hot potency because it helps to balance Vata-Kapha doshas

Can we eat Himsra leaves?

Yes, you can eat the leaves of Himra with salad and fish dishes

Is Himsra beneficial in burns?

Yes, leaves extract of himra helps to treat burn wound healing because it contains antioxidant properties. It also increases the contraction of wounds and the production of collagen which speeds up the healing.