Kokilaksha
Kokilaksha
Kokilaksha is considered as a Rasayanic herb (rejuvenating agent). In Ayurveda, it is described as Ikshura, Ikshugandha, Culli and Kokilasha, which means “having eyes like the Indian Cuckoo”.
All parts of this plant are used (leaves, seeds, root) and have a slight bitter taste. Kokilaksha possesses blood sugar lowering, aphrodisiac, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps to manage male sexual dysfunction, gout, diabetes, liver disorders, rheumatism and urinary infections[1].
All parts of this plant are used (leaves, seeds, root) and have a slight bitter taste. Kokilaksha possesses blood sugar lowering, aphrodisiac, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps to manage male sexual dysfunction, gout, diabetes, liver disorders, rheumatism and urinary infections[1].
What are the synonyms of Kokilaksha?
Asteracantha longifolia, Kulekhara, Ekharo, Talmakhana, Nirmulli, Kolavulike, Kolavankae, Vayalculli, Nirchulli, Talimakhana, Koillekha, Koilrekha, Nirmulle, Nerugobbi, Golmidi Talmakhana, Culli
What is the source of Kokilaksha?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kokilaksha
1. Male Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Kokilaksha helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
2. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Kokilaksha helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Balya (strength provider) property which gives strength to the body. Kokilaksha provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
3. Gout
Kokilaksha helps to reduce the symptoms of Gout when it is taken regularly. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt. This is because the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakta (blood). Kokilaksha gives relief from the symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property.
Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e., having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Taking Kokilaksha helps to correct male sexual dysfunction and also improve stamina. This is due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
2. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can be correlated to Karshya disease in Ayurveda. This is due to lack of nutrients and improper digestion. Regular use of Kokilaksha helps to manage malnutrition. This is due to its Balya (strength provider) property which gives strength to the body. Kokilaksha provides instant energy and fulfills the calorie requirement of the body.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kokilaksha powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
d. Continue for atleast 1-2 months for better results.
3. Gout
Kokilaksha helps to reduce the symptoms of Gout when it is taken regularly. Gout is a painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and deposition of uric acid in the joints. In Ayurveda, gout is known as Vatarakt. This is because the main dosha involved is Vata and it affects Rakta (blood). Kokilaksha gives relief from the symptoms of gout due to its Vata-Pitta balancing property.
Precautions when using Kokilaksha
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Kokilaksha or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Kokilaksha or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Kokilaksha
- Kokilaksha Powder - 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon twice a day.
- Kokilaksha Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Kokilaksha
1. Kokilaksha Powder
a. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
2. Kokilaksha Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
3. Kokilaksha Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
a. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add honey or milk to it.
c. Have it after lunch and dinner.
2. Kokilaksha Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kokilaksha Powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil it.
c. Wait for 5-10 minutes or till the volume reduces to ½ a cup.
d. This is Kokilaksha Kwath.
e. Take 2-3 teaspoon of this Kwath.
f. Add the same quantity of water to it.
g. Drink 1-2 times a day preferably after meals.
3. Kokilaksha Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Kokilaksha.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water 1-2 times a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be useful in managing diabetes. Kokilaksha has antioxidant property and it stimulates the production of insulin from insulin-producing cells. Due to this, it may be useful in lowering blood glucose levels[1][2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be good for the liver. It may protect the liver against drug induces liver injury. Kokilaksha may also be useful in reducing the risk of liver cancer[1][3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be good for managing sperm count. It may be useful in increasing the production of sperms. It also increases testosterone level thus improving sexual activity[5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kokilaksha may be useful in managing anemia. Kokilaksha extract may improve blood parameters, blood iron and also normalize abnormal red blood cells[7][8].
References
- Chauhan NS, Dixit VK. Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, Acanthaceae: Chemistry, traditional, medicinal uses and its pharmacological activities - A review.Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.2010;20(5):812-817.
- Muthulingam M.Antidiabetic efficacy of leaf extracts of Asteracantha longifolia ( Linn .) Nees . on alloxan induced diabetics in male albino wistar rats.Int J Pharm Biomed Res.2010;1(2):28-34.
- Ahmed S, Rahman A, Mathur M et al.Anti-tumor promoting activity of Asteracantha longifolia against experimental hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.Food Chem Toxicol.2001;39(1):19-28.
- Hewawasam RP, Jayatilaka KAPW, Pathirana C et al.Protective effect of Asteracantha longifolia extract in mouse liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol.J Pharm Pharmacol.2003;55(10):1413-1418.
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK.Effect of Asteracantha longifolia seeds on the sexual behaviour of male rats.Natural Product Research.2008;25(15):1423-1431.
- Chauhan NS, Saraf DK, Dixit VK.Effect of vajikaran rasayana herbs on pituitary-gonadal axis.Eur J Integr Med.2010;2:89-91.
- Pawar RS, Jain AP, Kashaw S et al.Effect of Asteracantha longifolia on haematological parameters in rats.Indian J Pharmacol.2006;38:285-286.
- Pawar RS, Jain AP, Lodhi S et al.Erythropoietic activity of Asteracantha longifolia (Nees.) in rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2010;129(2):280-282.
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.