Bergenia ciliata, Pashanbheda

Pashanbheda (Ayurveda)
Silpadi (Unani)

Bergenia ciliata
Edwards’s Botanical Register, vol. 32 (1846)

Bergenia ciliata
(Photo by Magnus Manske) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Bergenia ciliata (syn. B. ligulata, Saxifraga ligulata), B. himalaica, B. stracheyi

Parts used:

Rhizome

Temperature & Taste:

Warm, dry.

Uses:

1. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine, Clears Stones: (Ayurveda, Unani)
-Polyurea, Dysuria
-Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
-Gravel, Stones (most used for Stones)
-Diabetes
-Diarrhea, Dysentery

2. Clears Damp, Opens Obstructions:
-Spleen enlargement
-pain in the Hypochondria

3. Settles Wind, Stops Spasms:
-Vertigo, Dizziness, Headache
-Epilepsy
-aerial parts are decocted for Asthma

4. Moves the Blood, Clears Stasis:
-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea
-Uterine disorders from Cold, Damp and stagnation
-Bruising, Trauma (as effective as Shilajit, Unani)
-Cardiac disorders, Chest pain

5. Resists Poison:
-Periodic Fever (infusion)
-chronic venereal diseases
-antidote against various Poisons

6. Kills Worms:
-whole plant is used in some parts of India against Worms

7. Externally:
-paste made with vinegar is applied to remove freckles and spots
-a piece of the root inserted into the vagina has been used to promote abortion
-applied to Boils

Dose:

Smaller doses are Diuretic, larger doses are anti-diuretic
Powder: 3–6 grams
Paste of the fresh root is taken in doses of 10 grams per day for Stones
Standard Decoction (1 in 8): 20–100mls

Substitutes:

1. Different plants are used for Pashanbheda in different parts of India:
a. B. ciliata, B. ligulata (North)
b. Aerva lanata, A. scandens (syn. A. sanguinolenta), Rotula aquatica, Homonoia riparia (South)
c. Coleus amboinicus (East)
d. Bryophyllum pinnatum (West)
e. Iris pseudacorus (Gujarat)
2. In Unani, it is regarded as having similar properties to Gentian root (when used as a resolvent)
3. Valeriana wallichi (half quantity) (Unani)
4. Caper root-bark (half quantity) with Costus root (equal quantity)

Correctives:

1. Rhubarb (when used for Liver disorders)
2. Nepeta hindostana (when used for Cardiac disorders)

Main Combinations:

1. Amenorrhea, Female disorders, Bergenia ciliata with Saffron, Cyperus rotundus, Licorice
2. Stones, Bergenia ciliata with Tribulus (this is marketed as Cystone)
3. Dysuria, Stones, Diabetes, Bergenia ciliata with Shilajit, Tribulus, Lesser Cardamon, Asparagus racemosus, Licorice
4. Diarrhea, Dysentery:
i. Bergenia ciliata with Nutmeg
ii. Bergenia ciliata with Ginger

Major Formulas:

Cautions:

Harmful for those with Hot temperament with large dose or long-term use.