Frog Fruit

The Scientific name of Frog Fruit: Phila nodiflora

Name  of Frog Fruit in different languages:-

Plant description:

Frog Fruit (Phila nodiflora) is a many-branched, evergreen herb, commonly found in banks of rivers, near to lakes, etc, leaves are green, Cuneate or ovate, and toothed margins, sized 2.5 to 5 cm long. Flowers are borne in leaf axils, pink or white in color, in clusters.

Sanskrit: Jalapippali, Sharathi, Malsya ganda, Bahushiga ജലപിപ്പലി, ശാരദീ, മത്സ്യഗന്ധാ, ബഹുശിഖാ

Malayalam: Jalathippaly-ജലതിപ്പലി, Neer thippaly-നീർതിപ്പലി

Hindi: Jal Buti (जल बूटी), Bukkana

Tamil: Poduthalai (போதுதலை)

Telugu: Bokkisa (బొక్కిస), Vippa Chettu (విప్ప చెట్టు)

Kannada: Nela-Sappige (ನೆಲ-ಸಪ್ಪಿಗೆ)

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Cuneate	Margin-toothed	Venation-Reticulate

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant, leaf, stem,  and fruit.

Medicinal uses:

Ayurvedic Properties (Guna-Karma)

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)

• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Heating)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)

• Primary Action (Karma): It is known as a Kapha-Vata Shamaka (pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas) and is particularly effective for conditions related to the respiratory and digestive systems.

Medicinal Uses and Applications

1. Respiratory Health:

   • Cough, Cold, and Asthma: It is a primary remedy for managing respiratory congestion. It acts as an effective expectorant, helping to loosen and expel phlegm (Kapha) from the lungs and bronchial tubes.

   • Bronchitis: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the bronchial passages.

   • Traditional Preparation: The juice of the whole plant or a decoction (kashayam) is commonly used.

2. Digestive Disorders:

   • Loss of Appetite (Aruchi): It acts as a digestive stimulant (Deepana).

   • Indigestion and Constipation: It helps regulate bowel movements.

   • Liver Health: It is used in traditional formulas to support liver function and is considered a mild liver tonic.

   • Intestinal Worms: It has anthelmintic properties, helping to expel parasites.

3. Fever Management:

   • It is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of fevers, especially those associated with Kapha imbalances, due to its pungent and heating qualities.

4. Urinary Tract and Kidney Health:

   • Diuretic: It promotes the production of urine, helping to flush out toxins and reduce water retention.

   • Urinary Calculi (Kidney Stones): It is a well-known traditional remedy for helping to dissolve and expel small kidney and bladder stones. This is one of its key uses in Siddha and folk medicine.

5. Women’s Health:

   • Menstrual Disorders: It is used to regulate menstruation and alleviate menstrual pain.

   • Postpartum Recovery: Traditionally, it is given to new mothers to help with cleansing and recovery after childbirth.

6. Topical Applications (For Skin and Inflammation):

   • Skin Diseases: A paste made from the leaves is applied topically to treat eczema, rashes, and minor wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

   • Swelling and Rheumatism: The paste or poultice is also used to reduce swelling in joints and to provide relief in rheumatic pain.

   • Hemorrhoids (Piles): A poultice is applied to reduce swelling and pain.

Chemical content:

Lipiflorin, Glycocides, nodifloretin, flavons, nodiflorin, Lactose, maltose, fructose