Identity:
The Krishnakali plant is generally divided into five varieties based on the color of its flowers: white, black, red, white-and-red, and yellow.
The roots of the Krishnakali plant are round and elongated. The inside of the root is white with a slight greenish hue. When old roots dry out, they become hard, while new roots have a leathery texture.
The leaves of this plant closely resemble betel leaves and are about two to two-and-a-half inches long. The flower margins are cut or notched, giving them a heart-like shape. The petals are undivided. The calyx is about one inch long, and there are usually four to five petals.
Uses:
The roots, leaves, seeds, and other parts of the Krishnakali plant are used in the preparation of medicinal remedies.
To cleanse the bowels, three to four grams of dried Krishnakali seeds are finely ground. Taking this powder with a glass of cold water at bedtime after dinner helps expel accumulated waste with the morning bowel movement, thereby cleansing the digestive system.
For colds and coughs, three grams of finely powdered dried root mixed with two teaspoons of honey should be taken morning and evening. This helps cure colds, phlegm, and cough. The remedy should be taken regularly for four to five days.
In cases of nutritional deficiency, ten to fifteen grams of powdered dried root should be lightly fried with one teaspoon of cow’s ghee and consumed once daily for a few days. This helps restore nutritional balance in the body.
For hemorrhoids, thirty grams of fresh root should be placed in an earthen pot and boiled over low heat with 150 milliliters of cold water. When the liquid reduces to about 30–40 milliliters, remove the pot from the heat. Drinking the decoction and consuming the boiled root is said to provide definite relief from hemorrhoids.
