Rungia repens is commonly known as creeping Rungia. This plant has been worshiped for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is a perennial plant that has been used in many traditional medicine systems. It provides many health benefits. In this article, we will learn about this herb in detail.
Table of Contents
Synonyms
Creeping Rungia, Trailing Rungia, Rungia Prostrata
Habit and Habitat
Rungia repens is a perennial plant that is rarely seen because it grows very low. Its specialty is its creeping stems which spread on the ground. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family, a group famous for its diverse range of medicinal plants. This plant originally grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires moist, shady areas such as forests, river banks, and wetlands to grow.
Common names
Creeping Rungia
Chemical Composition
It contains a variety of bioactive compounds such as Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids, and Saponins.
Parts Used
However, the entire plant is used for its medicinal properties. But fresh or dried leaves are most commonly used to prepare herbal remedies.
Properties of Rungia Repens
Ayurvedic Properties
According to Ayurveda, it has the following properties:
- Rasa (Taste): Bitter, Astringent
- Guna (Quality): Light, Dry
- Virya (Potency): Cool
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent
- Dosha: Pacifies Pitta and Kapha imbalances
Therapeutic properties
Rungia repens has many medicinal properties. It offers a wide range of health benefits. Some of its notable medicinal properties are as follows:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Helps reduce irritation and swelling.
- Rich in antioxidant properties: Protects cells from oxidative damage.
- Diuretic: Promotes urine production, aiding detoxification.
- Reduces fever: Helps reduce fever and reduce fever symptoms.
- Acts as an analgesic: Provides relief from pain.
Health Benefits of Rungia Repens
Rungia repens offers many health benefits. Due to this, it is used as a versatile herbal remedy for many health conditions. Some of its major health benefits are:
- Improves digestive health: Due to its bitter and astringent properties, Rungia repens, helps improve digestion, relieving symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Has anti-inflammatory effect: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it is used to reduce pain and swelling associated with conditions like arthritis and gout.
- Acts as an immunity booster: Its regular consumption helps in strengthening the immune system. This helps the body fight infections and diseases more effectively.
- Take care of the skin: The antioxidant properties present in the plant help combat free radical damage, promote skin health, and reduce the signs of aging.
- Maintain Urinary Health: Its diuretic properties promote the elimination of toxins reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and supporting kidney function and bladder health.
How to Uses Rungia Repens
To take advantage of the medicinal properties of this plant, it is necessary to consume it but sometimes the problem arises in what form should it be consumed because sometimes it is not available everywhere. You can use it in different forms:
- As Herbal Tea: Its dried leaves are used to make soothing herbal tea. A decoction is prepared from it which aids digestion and boosts immunity.
- Topical application: Herbal ointment or balm is made from it for relief from pain and swelling. For this, its fresh leaves are added to carrier oils like coconut or sesame oil.
- Tincture and extract use: Alcohol-based tinctures and liquid extracts of Rungia repens can be used to treat digestive problems, promote urinary health, and enhance overall well-being.
- As a poultice: Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied as a poultice to wounds, cuts, and scratches to enhance healing and prevent infection.
Conclusion
Rungia repens is known among the people in many places for its numerous medicinal properties and health benefits. In any case, whether it is improving digestive health, reducing pain, or boosting the immune system, it provides benefits in all. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before including it in your daily routine.
Remember, before starting any new wellness regimen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Question
The common name of Rungia repens in Marathi is ghati pittapapada.
It is commonly known as creeping rungia.
It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce fever, cough, and worms. However, more research is needed to confirm these uses.
It has many features, some of which are as follows:
- It is a small, branching herb that can be either spreading or slightly erect.
- It has lance-shaped leaves and blue-violet flowers with dark purple and white spots.
- It is an annual plant. Its length is generally 10-30 cm.
