Shatpushpa (Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem) - Tribal communities use dried ripe fruits of Shatpushpa in the form of a decoction or powder or boiled with milk alone or mixed with other herbs for female health problems resulting during menstruation and after child birth.. The plant is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and its fruits are collected near the end of winter, dried in the shade and kept in dry conditions. Properly preserved fruits are dark brown and rich in essential oil with a faintly aromatic odour, warm and slightly sharp taste resembling that of caraway.
Composition - The formulation consists of powdered dry fruits of Shatpushpa
English name Dill Latin name Anethum sowa Roxb. ex Flem. Family Apiaceae Part used Dried ripe fruits.
Main chemical constituents - Essential oil, aromatic glycosides, monoterpenoid, ketodiols.
Dosage form - Brownish powder and decoction is light brown liquid.
Therapeutic properties - The preparation has anti-spasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antiflatulent and emmenagogue propert.
Indications and uses -
(1) Painful menstruation with or without abdominal symptoms.
(2) Shatpushpa is also indicated for improving menstrual flow and lactation after delivery.
(3) It is also used as a household remedy for first-hand management of common ailments like diarrhoea, flatulence, indigestion, acute abdominal pain and fever.
Precautions and safety aspects -
(1) Hot (pungent) spicy and sour food items should be avoided during menstruation and medication with Shatpushpa powder. In summer either the dose of Shatpushpa should be reduced or should be taken with some cooling, soft and soothing liquid.
(2) Use of Shatpushpa may be discontinued if menstrual blood flow increases and symptoms of giddiness, heat, burning, excessive thirst and dryness appear. These symptoms usually appear in women with hot body-mind constitution, i.e. Paittik constitution and can be negated by consuming soft, lubricating, soothing, semisolid and juicy food items
(3) Toxic or adverse effects of Shatpushpa are not reported in the literature.
(4) Deep-fried, oily foods that may cause abdominal heaviness, indigestion and constipation, etc. should be avoided.
(5) Cold water bath, dry massage, night awakening, irregularity in sleep, excessive walking, excessive coitus, strenuous exertion and mental stress, etc. should be avoided.
