Kanda Amrta

Tinospora cordifolia

Physical Characteristics

Tinospora cordifolia is a deciduous Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Leaves - used as a tonic tea[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antidiarrhoeal Antidote Antirheumatic Aphrodisiac Diuretic Dysentery Febrifuge Febrifuge Infertility Tonic Urinary The stem, root and whole plant are alterative, antidote, aphrodisiac, diuretic, febrifuge and tonic[146 , 304 ]. The starch obtained from the stem and root of the plant is nutrient and is useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[304 ]. The fresh plant is more effective than the dried[304 ]. A watery extract, known as 'Indian Quinine' is a very effective treatment for fevers due to cold or indigestion[304 ]. The plant is also commonly used in a variety of other complaints including rheumatism, urinary disease, general debility, bronchitis and infertility[304 ]. One of the ingredients of the Ayurvedic tonic formula Amrit Kalash[301 ].

Known Hazards

None known