Changeri (Oxalis corniculata)

Botanical Name:

Oxalis corniculata Family: Oxalidaceae Commonly known as creeping wood sorrel, Changeri is a well-known medicinal herb in Ayurveda, valued for its cooling and astringent properties.

Different Names in Various Languages:

• Sanskrit: Changeri, Ambalika, Amrulika

• Hindi: Changeri, Khatti booti

• Tamil: Puliyarai

• Telugu: Pulichinta

• Malayalam: Puliyarila

• Kannada: Huli soppu

• Bengali: Amrul

• Gujarati: Ambali

• Marathi: Ambat chukka

• Punjabi: Khatti buti

• English: Creeping wood sorrel, Indian sorrel

Cultivation and Availability:

Changeri grows as a wild herb but can also be cultivated for medicinal purposes. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers well-drained soils with partial shade.

• Propagation: Through seeds and stolons.

• Regions: Found extensively across India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

• Availability: It is commonly found in gardens, roadsides, and waste areas and is available year-round in tropical climates.

Description:

• Plant: A small, creeping, perennial herb that spreads through stolons.

• Leaves: Trifoliate, heart-shaped, and green with a sour taste.

• Flowers: Small, yellow, and five-petaled.

• Fruits: Small capsules containing tiny seeds.

• Root: Fibrous and shallow.

Occurrence:

Oxalis corniculata is native to India but has spread to various parts of the world. It grows in moist, shaded areas, often forming a mat-like ground cover.

Chemical Constituents:

• Oxalates: Oxalic acid.

• Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin.

• Tannins: Catechins.

• Vitamins: Vitamin C.

• Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium.

• Other Compounds: Citric acid, tartaric acid, and carotenoids.

Ayurvedic Analysis:

• Rasa (Taste): Amla (sour), Kashaya (astringent)

• Guna (Quality): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)

• Dosha Impact:

  • Pacifies Pitta and Kapha.

  • May mildly aggravate Vata if overused.

Diseases and Conditions Where It Can Be Used in Ayurveda:

1. Digestive Disorders: Treats diarrhea, dysentery, and loss of appetite.

2. Liver and Spleen Issues: Useful in hepatosplenomegaly and jaundice.

3. Urinary Conditions: Alleviates burning urination and urinary tract infections.

4. Skin Ailments: Helps in treating acne, eczema, and boils.

5. Fever: Acts as an antipyretic.

6. Wounds and Ulcers: Promotes wound healing and soothes gastric ulcers.

Ayurvedic Medications Containing Changeri:

1. Changeri Ghrita: Used in digestive disorders like diarrhea and colitis.

2. Panchatikta Ghrita: Beneficial in skin diseases and inflammatory conditions.

3. Navayasa Churna: Supports anemia and liver disorders.

4. Avipattikar Churna: Alleviates hyperacidity and indigestion.

Dosage:

• Juice (Swarasa): 10-20 ml.

• Powder (Churna): 2-5 g.

• Decoction (Kwatha): 20-40 ml.

Relevance in Normalizing Dosha Physiology:

• Pitta: Its cooling and astringent properties help reduce excessive heat and acidity associated with Pitta disorders.

• Kapha: The light and dry qualities help in reducing mucus and fluid retention.

• Vata: Excessive use may aggravate Vata due to its astringent and dry nature.

Relevance in Normalizing Dhatu Physiology:

• Rasa Dhatu: Improves taste perception and digestion.

• Rakta Dhatu: Purifies blood and alleviates heat-related disorders.

• Mamsa Dhatu: Supports healing of tissues and wounds.

• Meda Dhatu: Helps reduce excess fat and water retention.

Pharmacological Significance in Ayurveda:

1. Antidiarrheal: Effective in controlling diarrhea and dysentery.

2. Antipyretic: Reduces fever and inflammation.

3. Hepatoprotective: Supports liver health and detoxification.

4. Antimicrobial: Effective against bacterial and fungal infections.

5. Wound Healing: Promotes healing of cuts, wounds, and ulcers.

Home Remedies:

1. Diarrhea: Mix fresh Changeri juice with buttermilk and consume twice daily.

2. Skin Issues: Apply a paste of Changeri leaves to acne, boils, or rashes for soothing relief.

3. Liver Detox: Prepare a decoction of Changeri leaves and drink 20 ml daily.

4. Fever: Combine Changeri juice with honey and ginger; take 1 tsp thrice daily.

5. Wound Healing: Apply fresh Changeri leaf paste directly to wounds for faster healing.

Harmful Effects and Contraindications:

• Excessive consumption may lead to irritation of the stomach lining due to high oxalic acid content.

• Contraindicated in individuals with kidney stones as it may exacerbate the condition.

• Overuse can aggravate Vata, leading to dryness and bloating.

• Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation.

Conclusion:

Oxalis corniculata (Changeri) is a potent medicinal herb with diverse therapeutic applications in Ayurveda. Its cooling, astringent, and antimicrobial properties make it effective in treating digestive, urinary, and skin disorders. However, moderation is key to preventing potential side effects. As a readily available herb, Changeri holds immense potential for home remedies and Ayurvedic formulations.