Introduction
Acanthus is a species of plant Blepharis edulis Pers. in the family Acanthaceae. It is found in India, Pakistan and Iran as well as Egypt. It is a small plant, covered in soft, grey hairs. It has many serrated leaves, that have prickles attached to them. The flowers are a yellowish color. Its capsules contain two seeds, that are heart-shaped, smooth, shining, and brownish in color.
Identification
Utangan Seeds are also known as Bazrul Qareez, Sushni, Sunishannaka, Tukhme Anjara and Anjar, Chaupatia, and Utanjan and Maneshaklu. These are Heart Shaped, Smooth and Shining Seeds and acts as Aphrodisiac.
Uses
The seeds, leaves, and roots of this plant are used for various medicinal purposes in India. The leaves are used for treating tridosha fevers, urinary discharges, leucoderma, nasal haemorrhage, asthma, cough and inflammation of throat, and mental derangements. They can also be used for treating ascites, liver, and spleen disorders. The leaves usually have beneficial effects on wounds and ulcers. The Acanthus seeds/Tukhm-e-Utangan (تخم اٹنگن) can cure strangury, and are also beneficial in diseases of the blood, chest, lungs and liver. The roots regulate the menstruation in women.
Benefits
In traditional medicine, these seeds are sometimes used for their purported benefits, although their medicinal use is not as widely recognized in contemporary scientific literature. Some of them are:
Prevention from Asthma
The prevalence of respiratory conditions has escalated due to diminished immunity and increasing pollution. Consuming a powder made from Utangan seeds can help those suffering from asthma.
Mucus Accumulation
Additionally, applying this powdered seed topically to the chest area can ease issues such as difficulty in breathing, coughs, and mucus accumulation.
Urinary Tract Problems
Consumption of Utangan seeds, grounded into powder and mixed with buttermilk two to three times daily, can alleviate discomfort, pain, and challenges faced during urination by addressing urinary tract problems.
Menstruation
Moreover, mixing Utangan Seed powder with sugar candy can be a remedy for urinary tract infections. To reproductive health issues in males, such as semen irregularities, consuming a mixture Utangan seeds and Gokshura herb in equal proportions is recommended. The seed of Utangan is boiled with milk and consumed to increase sexual vigor in males.
Imbalance of Bile
Maintaining a balance of bile within the body is crucial avoid numerous severe health conditions. In situations of bile imbalance, ingesting the Anjara Seed proves beneficial. Whether it’s drinking the herb’s decoction or consuming its powder form, both methods are effective in treating illnesses related to bile imbalance. Manifestation of bile imbalance may include undue anger, a burning sensation, and the emergence of boils on the skin. Utilizing Utangan in such cases can aid in mitigating these symptoms.
Piles problem
The paste of leaves of Utangan is applied over bleeding piles, wounds to controls and arrest bleeding.
Side Effect
Acanthus seeds are seemed to be safe, but it can cause severe problems like loss of men power, piles problem and bile problem for digestion, when consumed in excess amount of dose. Always consult a professional doctor before using it.
