Herb Information Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea)

Vernonia cinerea is medicinal herb which is distributed throughout India and can be easily seen in roadside, open waste places, dry grassy sites and in perennial crops during plantation.  This medicinal herb is erect, branched and reaches a height of 12-75 cm.

The plant is diaphoretic, anthelmintic, diuretic, lithontriptic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, alterative and antiperiodic in action. It is used as a remedy for spasm of the bladder and strangury. It possesses anticancerous activities and is good for cancerous malformations.

Vernacular Names

• Latin Name: Vernonia cinerea Less
• Family: Compositae; Asteraceae

Parts used: Whole plant

According to Ayurveda the action and properties of Vernonia cinerea plant

• Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
• Virya: Ushna
• Vipaka: Katu
• Karma: Shothahara, Kapha-vaata shamak, Savaraghna, Nidra-kari

Medicinal uses of Vernonia Cinerea plant

Sahadevi plant is used for treating various ailments. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India recommends using Sahdevi plant to treat intermittent fever, filariasis, blisters, boils and vaginal discharges.
Its fresh juice is given to children to treat urinary incontinence (involuntary urination). This plant is non-toxic and is leaves can be eaten like a vegetable.

• The whole plant is used to prepare decoction for treating diarrhea, abdominal pain, colic and cough.
• The young leaves of this plant are used for the treatment of tonsillitis.
• The leaf juice extract is also used to treat skin diseases.
• The roots of Vernonia cinerea plant are used traditionally for the treatment of all types of eruptive boils and the juice is used for quicker healing of accidental wounds, filariasis and toxic viral fevers.
• The seeds are used prepare decoction to treat painful urination and colic.
• Vernonia cinerea plant is also used to treat cough, fever, malaria, urinary calculi, arthritis and leprosy.

The Dosage of Vernonia cinerea plant

• 10-20 ml fresh juice
• 5-10 gm (Powder for external use only)