Database on medicinal plants used in ayurveda - AYUSH Research ...

DISTRIBUTION
Found in the temperate Himalaya from Kashmir to Bhutan between 1300-
3600 m, Khasia hills about 1300-2000 m, Jaintia hills between 1500-1800 m.
(Anonymous, 1976). Abundant in Western Himalaya. Also occurs in
Afghanistan at a height of about 300-3300m. (Hooker, 1973; Kurup et al.,
1979). In Himachal Pradesh it is found in upper reaches of Simla, Kangra,
Kullu, Kinnour, Sirmour. In Chamba district found abundantly in Bhandal-
Kihar area of Salooni block, Kunar area of Bharmour subdivision, upper
reaches of Tissa Block and Mehla block (Sharma, 2006).
PART(S) USED
Root and rhizome with stolons (Sharma, 1978; B.N., 1982).
ACTION AND USES
Valerian is one of the most effective remedies in the treatment of neurosis. It
is used as anodyne, bactericide, carminative, CNS depressant, hypnotic,
sedative, stomachic, nervine tonic, sudorific, laxative, tranquillizer, also in
convulsions, hypochondriasis, hysteria, insomnia and neuralgia, to strengthen
eyesight, in cardiac palpitation, catarrh, cold, flu, neurasthenia, numbness,
polyps, sores, trauma, worms and in wounds (Anonymous, 1996; Nadkarni,
1976; Kirtikar and Basu, 1989). Rootstock is stimulant, antispasmodic. It is
beneficial in advanced stages of fever and inflammations, hysteria, epilepsy,
cholera, dyspepsia, toothache, skin diseases, falling of hairs, splenopathy,
pharyngitis, leprosy and general debility (Chopra et al., 1958; Thakur et al.,
1989).
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa – Tikta, Katu, Kashaya.
Guna – Laghu, Snigdha.
Vipaka – Katu.
Veerya – Ushna (Sharma, 1978; B.N., 1982).
Doshagnata – Kaphavatashamaka (S.S.Ci.4.24; 5.7) (Sharma, 1978; B.N.,
1982).
Karma – Sheetaprashamana (C.S.Su.4-9.42; 3.28), Shira,
Shoolaprashamana (C.S.Ci.3.24), Vedanastapana (C.S.Ci.9.64;
A.H.Ci.21.68), Vranaropana (S.S.Su.14.35; 36.27; S.S.Ci.2.68),
Akshepahara, Medhya, Deepana, Saraka, Yakrituttejaka, Hridayauttejaka,
Kaphaghna, Shwasahara (A.H.Ci.4.44,46), Mootrajanana, Vajeekarana,
Artavajanana, Vishaghna, Balya, Kushthaghna, Varnya (C.S.Ci.7.87;
447