Identity:
This plant is well-known throughout our country. Its Sanskrit name is Girikarmī. Generally, the plant bears two types of flowers—white and blue. It can grow up to twenty feet in height, and it produces flowers throughout the year.
The fruit of the Aparajita plant resembles a flat bean pod—about a quarter inch wide and roughly an inch and a half long. The plant grows from its seeds.
Uses:
Half-head headaches (ardha-kapālī) are relieved by using snuff made from powdered Aparajita root. A decoction of the root of the white-flowered variety helps relieve urinary retention and promotes urination. Powdered seeds are known to reduce jalodari (ascites) or abdominal swelling. The plant is also used in treating rheumatism, eye diseases, constipation, reproductive disorders, painful urination, and to ease childbirth.
However, caution is essential. Although all parts of the plant are used medicinally, consuming the root and seeds in excessive amounts can cause toxic reactions. Therefore, dosage must be controlled carefully.
