Abelmoschus esculentus, Okra Bhandi, Bhindaka (Ayurveda) Bhindi, Bamiya (Unani)

Moninckx, Moninckx atlas, vol. 2: 1682-1709

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Botanical name:

Abelmoschus esculentus (syn. Hibiscus esculentus)

Parts used:

Immature pods; Seed

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, moist. Sweet

Uses:

1. Clears Heat, Nourishes Yin:
-Emollient, demulcent (like Marshmallow)
-heat and dryness of the Throat, Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys or Bowels
-Cough, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Tuberculosis
-griping, colic, stomach or bowel pain
-benefits bones and joints; root-juice has been given in Fractures 
-Immuno-stimulant and anti-cancer properties have been demonstrated

2. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Dysuria, painful urination, Gonorrhea
-Diarrhea

3. Benefits Eyesight:
-traditionally said to benefit Eyesight (Ayurveda)

4. Promotes Milk:
-enhances milk flow

5. Settles Wind:
-seeds have been used as an Antispasmodic

6. Externally:
-leaf or seed are used externally as an emollient (like Marshmallow)

Dose:

Seed: 2–4 grams in powder

Main Combinations:

Cautions:

It has been listed as Abortifacient (Duke) so should be avoided in pregnancy.

Main Preparations used: