benefits of Aak

Aak, also known as Madar or Calotropis gigantea, is a perennial shrub native to Asia and Africa. The benefits of Aak renowned for its various parts, including the plant, flower, and milk, each of which offers a range of benefits.

Aak (Madar) Plant: Nature’s Gift

Aka is a perennial shrub. The height of this plant can be up to 2.5 meters. Its leaves are flat and oval. The leaves are as thick as banyan leaves. There is no need to plant this plant, it is a gift of nature. Which happens on sandy land in summer. It dries up during rainy days.

There are two species of this Ayurvedic plant, one of which is Calotropis Procera (with purple flowers) which is used to cure various types of health problems and the other is Calotropis Gigantea (with white flowers) which is very rare.

Its fruits are like mangoes from which soft and smooth cotton comes out. Milk comes out from its branches. This milk works as poison. But some of its miraculous benefits also have a special effect on our body. The Aak plant, which is rich in medicinal properties, is also used for worship.

There is a misconception in the general society about this plant that the Aak plant is poisonous and it kills humans. There is definitely some truth in this because it is also counted among the sub-disciplines in Ayurveda Samhitas. If it is consumed in excess, a person may die due to vomiting or diarrhea. On the contrary, if Aak is consumed in the right quantity, in the right way, under the supervision of an astute physician, then it provides more relief in many diseases.

Aak Crown Flower Botanical Classification

  • Family: Asclepiadaceae
  • English: Madar, Giant Milk-weed, Roostertree, Mudar plant
  • Sanskrit: Alarka, Rajaarka, Shvetarka, Vasuki, Mandaar, Bhasvanmuula, Dinesh, Prabhakar
  • Unani: white Madar flower, Aak
  • Siddha/Tamil: Erukku
  • Arabic: Oshar
  • French: Calotrope, Pomme de Sodome
  • German: Wahre Mudarpflanzer, Gomeiner
  • Italian: Calotropo
  • Spanish: Algodon extranjero, Cazuela
  • Turkish: Ipekag
  • Latin: Calotropis Gigantea
  • Parsee: Zahook, Darakhte.

Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Aak

Qualities (Guna): Lightness (Laghu), Dryness (Rukha), and Teekshna

Taste (Rasa): Bitter and Pungent

Vipaka: Pungent taste after digestion

Potency: Its potency is hot. Branch, leaves, and root have the hot potencies. The flower has also hot potencies.

Metabolic Property: Pungent

Apart from this, these Medicinal Properties also included in aak plant- Anti-fungal, Anti-diabetic, Anti-carcinogenic, Expectorant, Aphrodisiac, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-coagulant, Anti-dysenteric, Anti-syphilitic, Anti-rheumatic.

Nutrients of Aak:– Nutrients found in it include A and B Amarin, Cyanidin-3-Rhamnoglucoside, Procesterol, B-sitosterol, Calactin, Catoxin, Calotropagenin, Calotropin, Calotropain, Proceroside, Proceragenin, etc.

Benefits Of Aak Plant, Flower, And Milk

The various parts of the Aak plant have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for their medicinal properties.

Medicinal Properties

Leaves and Roots: Aak leaves and roots possess medicinal properties and are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making them useful for treating various ailments.

Latex or Milk: The milky white latex obtained from Aak is known for its potential antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions, wounds, and insect bites.

Treatment of Skin Disorders

Latex: Aak latex is applied topically to the skin to treat conditions such as eczema, ringworm, and other skin disorders. Its antimicrobial properties may help prevent infections and promote faster healing.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Leaves and Roots: Aak has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammation and pain associated with various conditions. The anti-inflammatory compounds in the plant may provide relief from conditions like arthritis and joint pain.

Fever Reduction

Latex: The latex of Aak is believed to have antipyretic properties, meaning it can help reduce fever. It is sometimes used as a traditional remedy for fever and related symptoms.

Respiratory Health

Leaves and Roots: Aak is considered beneficial for respiratory health. Traditional uses include the treatment of conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.

Insect Repellent

Latex: Aak latex has insecticidal properties, making it useful as a natural insect repellent. It can be applied to the skin to protect against insect bites.

Wound Healing

Latex: Aak latex is known for its wound-healing properties. It is applied topically to wounds to accelerate the healing process and prevent infections.

Anti-cancer Properties

Some studies suggest that Aak may have potential anti-cancer properties. Research is ongoing to explore its efficacy in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Flower: Aak flowers are often used in religious ceremonies and rituals. The plant holds cultural significance in various regions and is associated with certain traditions and customs.

Environmental Benefits

Aak is a hardy plant that can thrive in arid and semi-arid regions. Its adaptability makes it valuable for soil conservation and erosion control in certain ecosystems.

Caution

The milky latex of the Aak plant contains toxic compounds, including cardiac glycosides, which can be harmful if ingested or come into contact with the skin. Therefore, caution is advised when handling this plant, and its use for medicinal purposes should be under the guidance of knowledgeable practitioners.

  • Along with Ayurvedic and medicinal properties, Aak also has poisonous tendencies.
  • If you are taking medicine for a particular disease then you should contact your doctor before using it.
  • As a result of excessive consumption, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, slow heart rate, convulsions and even death.
  • Be careful while using it. Because it is a very poisonous plant. And keep your eyes away from it while using it.
  • It is avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • The milk of this plant contains poison. Protect delicate parts.

Conclusion

The Aak plant, or Madar, is a hardy shrub with distinctive flowers and medicinal properties. However, its toxic latex requires careful handling, and any use for medicinal purposes should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of doctor.

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Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional