Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Saussurea lappa C. B. Clarke

English Name : Saussurea. Castus

Family : Asteraceae

Description
An erect robust perennial herb 1 to 2 m tall. Root stout, often up to 60 cm long, possessing a characteristic penetrating odour; stem stout, fibrous; radical leaves with long lobately winged stalk, up to c 1m. long; flower heads stalkless, very hard, rounded, 3-5 cm. in diam., flowers dark blue-purple or almost black, in axillary and terminal clusters; achene 3 mm long, curved, compressed.

Habitat
Grow on moist, open slopes between the altitude of 2,600 to 3,600m, surrounding the valleys at the upper limits of tree growth.

Parts Used : Dried roots

Herb Effects
Antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative, preventitive, sedative, stimulant, tonic, strengthens functioning of the stomach and promotes its action, helpful in arresting secretion or bleeding, essential oil relaxes the involuntary muscle tissues.

Medicinal Use
Respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, cough; especially useful in controlling attacks of bronchial asthma; the combined action of the essenial oil and the alkaloid in the root restrict paroxysms; the alkaloid saussurine has a depressant action.

Contraindication
Contraindicated in Deficient Yin patterns or patients with depleted Fluids.

Reference

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