Shirish

Shirish,

Medicinal Plant

Shirish

Shirish,

Shirish, an Ayurvedic anti-poisonous herb and is considered the most powerful antidote against a large number of animal and plant origin poisons. The experiments have proven the property of this herb, like antimicrobial and Immune-modulator actions. Shirish is used in treating Aama visha (difficult-to-digest products generated within the body). Aama visha creates an imbalance of three doshas namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Shirish is one of the best herbs for curing different types of allergies.

Scientific Name

Albizia lebbeck

Family

Fabaceae

Common Name

Shirish

Botanical Description

About the Shirish Plant

It is a tall tree of 50-60 feet height and can be found commonly growing by the road side. The flowers are yellowish- white, fragrant growing in clusters of 15-40 pedicellate flowers. The pods are flat and oblong, papery when ripe, swollen and dehiscent. It is found extensively in the Indian subcontinent and parts of south-east Asia and northern Australia. In the Himalayas, it is found up to the height of 4000ft. It can bear a variable diversity in climatic conditions although it grows best in areas of reliable rainfall. It also grows on a wide range of soil types.

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa · Guna · Virya · Vipaka

Shothhara - Anti-inflammatory Visarpa Ghana - Relieves herpes, relieves spreading skin disease Kasahara - Relieves cold and cough Vranahara - Brings about fast wound healing Vishapaha - Useful in treating poisoning Varnya - Good for skin, improves complexion Kushtaghna - Useful in skin diseases Kandughna - Relieves itching, pruritus Twak Doshahara - Detoxifies skin Shwasahara - Helps in asthma, COPD, wheezing, breathing problem. of Albizia lebbeck or Shirish – • Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Rook-sha (dry), Teekshna (enters deep tissues, piercing) Rasa (Taste) – Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet) • Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Katu (pungent) • Veerya (potency) – Ishat Ushna – slightly hot. • Effect on Tridosha – Tridoshahara – It balances all the three Doshas.

Classical Reference

अथ शिरीषः (सिरसा) | ा) | शिरीषो मधुरोऽनुष्णस्तिक्तश्च तुवरो लघुः । दोषशोथविसर्पघ्नः कासव्रणविषापहः || हः ||

Chemical Composition

Phytochemical Constituents

in Shirish bark are condensed- • tannins, • saponins, • gums and • acid isomers, etc.

These metabolites are known to possess action against several pathogens and aid the antimicrobial action. Albizia lebbeck is also known for its traditional use in the treatment of food, skin, and nasal allergies.

Health Benefits

Therapeutic Benefits of Shirish

From classical Ayurvedic indications to modern phytotherapeutic insights — explore the spectrum of wellness benefits this herb has to offer.

The fine powder of Shirts bark has a general anti- inflammatory and analgesic effect on wounds, Iymphadenitis, and skin disease.

Shirish in Dental Care

Ayurvedic kashaya (decoction) of its bark is used as a gargle due to its antimicrobial property for cleansing of the buccal cavity.

Shirish stem/twig is used from ancient times for brushing teeth.

Shirish in Eye Allergies

2 drops of Shirish fresh leaf juice is instilled in each eye to prevent seasonal eye allergy, excess lacrimation, and night- blindness.

Shirish in Nasal Allergies

2-4 drops of Shirish fresh leaf juice are instilled into each nostril to prevent seasonal nasal allergy and sinusitis.

Shirish in Headache

Fine paste of Shirish flower is applied over the forehead in headache (migraine).

Shirish in Skin Allergies

Fine paste of its bark or leaf is applied over the skin lesions Such as viral herpes or blisters associated with burning and itching.