Halfa grass

Scientific name of Halfa grass: Desmostachya bipinnata

Name of Halfa grass in different languages:-

English: Sacrificial grass, Big cord grass, Kusha Grass

Sanskrit: Barhi, Darbha, Darbhah, Durbha

Hindi: कुशः-Kusha, Dab, Davoli

Malayalam: Darbhappullu-ദർഭപ്പുല്ലു

Tamil: Darbhaipul, Taruppai

Plant description:

Halfa grass or Darbha grass is a rough perennial grass, that grows to the height of 1 to 1.5 M. The Leaves are long blades sized up to 65 cm long, the lower parts are leathery, the Inflorescence is pale brown, up to 60 cm long, the roots are creeping stout, and it is covered with shining sheaths. The flowering period is July to November.

Useful plant parts: Leaf, roots

Medicinal uses: It is one of TrunaPanchamoolam

To treat dysentery and menorrhagia, epilepsy, diabetes, piles and wounds.

Chemical content: Used as a diuretic.

Halfa grass is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurveda medicines like:-

• Mutra Virechaniya Kashayas
• Stanyajanana Kashayam