IMPORTANCE OF DASAPUSHPA – KARKKIDAKA & ADORNING DASAPUSHPA ON HAIR
The traditional custom of wearing a flower bunch consisting of 10 exotic flowers of medicinal value during the Karkkidaka month has been popular with the women of Kerala. This is based on the concept that these 10 flowers represent 10 different Godesses. Besides, it also gives many medicinal benefits. The belief is that each flower when worn, brings different blessings to the person. Most of the time, it is such science that turn-out to be customs, that last for generations. Even wearing of flowers on hair is based on a clear-cut health science principle that has been passed-on from generation to generation.
The transit of the Earth around the sun creates changes and influences in the atmosphere and the health and well-being of all life forms on this planet. The sun slowly shifts its path from south to north, and this season is called ‘Utharayana season’. Likewise, the path from north to south forms a season called ‘Dhakshinayam’. January-February to June-July is ‘Uthrayana’ season, and from July-August to December-January is ‘Dhakshinayana’ season. Utharayana season which starts in winter and ends in summer. It has adverse effects on the strength and immunity of the human body. This season is also called ‘Aadhana season’. During the season from the rainy season to winter time, the strength and immunity of the human body will increase. That is why this season is called ’Visarga’ season; as it suggests the restoring of health. The beginning and end of each season makes the body weaker due to the energy expended by the body to cope with the extreme variations in the nature of the climate. This is why and how the Ayurveda rejuvenation treatments and the ‘ Dasapushpa’ wearing during the monsoon season gets its relevance.
Take 60 grams of ‘ Dasapushpa cluster, mix them in 600 ml water and boil raw rice for one person to make a rice gruel. When the rice gruel is cooked and ready, put a few fenugreek seeds, a pinch of cumin seeds, milk squeezed from half a coconut, bring to a boil, turn off the flame, cool down. Add rock salt to taste and ‘moong dal thoran’ as a side dish. Your target is your health safety for the next season.
Poovankurundhila, Muyalchevy, thathra dhurva, Kayoonniyum panayumadharavodu Vishnu, Nalpullathali Cheruvoolayuzhinjakutti pushpangal Pathumiva Koodumithi Kramena. [ Sarvaroga chikitsa ratnam]
Poovangurunnila- [ Lakshmi Devi]
Scientific name: Vernonia Cineria
Benefits: Reduces body heat. Purifies blood. Improves immunity. If Sirovasthi is done with juice extract of this flower, it will cure the fever and bronchial congestion of children.
Other actions: For conjunctivitis, grind and extract the juice of poovankurunnila, mix it in pure sterile cow’s milk and use it as eye drops.
Muyalchevi-[ Shiva]
Scientific Name: Emilia sonchifolia
This is called so, because the leaf looks similar to the ears of a rabbit. This is excellent to fight tonsillitis. Also good for eye diseases. Besides, it gives cooling to the eye.
Directions: Wash the Muyalcheviyan leaves, dry, add rock salt and grind. Squeeze the juice out and apply it on the outside of the tonsils area to get relief from throat pain. It also gives good results when these leaves are chewed along with scallion onions.
Karuka- [Surya Bhagavan]
Scientific name: Cynodon dactylon
Benefits: Reduces phlegm and congestion. Reduces bleeding. Remember, an overdose can cause loose motion.
Direction for preparation: For bleeding associated with piles, mix Karuka in milk, bring to a boil, cool down.
Kayoonyam – [varunan]
Scientific name: Eclipta Alba.
Benefits: This is excellent for a thick hair growth. That is why it has become an active ingredient in all effective hair fortifying oils. It also improves the functions of the liver.
Direction for preparation: Grind and squeeze the juice out of the Kayyunyam including its roots. Take 2 teaspoons daily with honey or sugar 3 times a day for 7-11 days. This will protect the liver.
Nilappana-[ Kamadevan]
Scientific name: Curculigo Orchioides
Benefits: Normally known as Musli; this is a potent natural remedy to improve sexual health. Also ideal to treat diseases of the urinary system and vaginal infections. Other benefits: Grind the Musli roots in Goat milk to use as a face application. It improves the complexion upon regular use.
Vishnu Kranthi- [ Mahavishnu]
Scientific name: Evolvulus Alsinoides
Benefits: Improves memory. Increases hair growth. It can also increase the fertility. Preparation: Grind vishnukanthi including roots, squeeze the juice out. Take 5-10 ml juice along with ghee 2 times daily, regularly to increase the memory power.
Thiruthali-[ Moon]
Scientific Name: Ipomoea Sepiaria
Benefits: Regulates Menstruation. Protects pregnancy.
Directions: Grind Thiruthali in milk and take daily.
Cheroola- [yaman ]
Scientific name: Aerva Lanata
Benefits: Increases kidney function. Melts kidney stone. Stops bleeding during pregnancy. Can improve the health of a kidney.
Preparation: Make Kashayam out of the entire plant including roots. Take 30 ml in the morning and at night for urinary diseases. Relieves general kidney ailments.
Uzhinja – [Indran ]
Scientific Name: Cardiospermum Helicabum.
Benefits: Works as a shampoo for hair, while it also helps hair growth. Relieves constipation.
Directions: Grind the leaves, make a paste and apply on the hair. Leave for a few minutes, and wash off. Also use in oil for a thick hair growth.
Muckootty- [Sreeparvathy]
Scientific name: Biophytum sensitivum
Benefits: This is a great remedy for loose motion, fever, prostate enlargement and urine blockage. Excellent for healing wounds and improving immunity.
Other benefits: Take Muckootty leaves and white raw rice and make a soup. Give to mothers after the 15th day of delivery for 3 consecutive days to restore health and wellness.
This Karkkidaka month is the most ideal for a variety of rejuvenation treatments. Get your body ready for the season ahead. Please stay healthy!
