Mamira in Ayurveda

Botanical Name

Coptis teeta

Family

Ranunculaceae

Description

Mamira, also known as Tita, is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 10-30 cm. It has a short, thick rhizome that is bright yellow to orange in color. The plant has simple, toothed leaves and produces small, greenish-yellow flowers. The rhizome is the primary part used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Occurrence

Mamira is native to the Eastern Himalayas, particularly in the regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of China. It grows in cool, moist environments, often found in shaded forest areas at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 meters.

Chemical Constituents

The main active constituents of Coptis teeta include:

• Berberine: An alkaloid with strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.
• Coptisine: An alkaloid with sedative and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Palmatine: Known for its antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities.
• Jatrorrhizine: An alkaloid with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Guna (Qualities)

• Rasa (Taste): Bitter (Tikta)
• Virya (Potency): Cooling (Shita)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent (Katu)
• Guna (Properties): Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)

Uses

Mamira is used in Ayurveda for a variety of health conditions:

• Eye Disorders: Used to treat conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye conditions.
• Fever: Acts as an antipyretic to reduce fever.
• Digestive Issues: Helps in treating dyspepsia, diarrhea, and indigestion.
• Skin Disorders: Used in the treatment of wounds, eczema, and other skin conditions.
• Liver Disorders: Provides hepatoprotective benefits, aiding in liver health.

Mode of Action

Mamira works through its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The alkaloids like berberine and coptisine help fight infections, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. The bitter and cooling qualities aid in digestive and liver health, while the antimicrobial properties make it effective in treating eye and skin disorders.

Home Remedies

• Eye Drops: A diluted decoction of Mamira can be used as eye drops to treat conjunctivitis and other eye infections.
• Fever Reduction: A decoction made from the rhizome can be taken to reduce fever.
• Digestive Aid: The powdered rhizome can be mixed with honey and consumed to alleviate digestive issues.

Dosage

The dosage of Mamira varies based on the condition being treated and the form in which it is administered. Typical dosages include:

• Decoction: 10-20 ml, taken 1-2 times a day.
• Powder: 1-3 grams, mixed with water or honey, taken once or twice a day.
• Infusion: 1-2 cups of herbal tea, prepared from 1-2 grams of the dried rhizome, taken daily.

Caution

• Toxicity: Mamira is generally safe when used appropriately. Excessive use may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances due to its bitter nature.
• Contraindications: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical supervision.
• Side Effects: In rare cases, it may cause nausea or dizziness if taken in large quantities.

Diseases and Conditions Treated with Mamira

1. Kushta (Skin Disorders)

   • Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections.
   • Explanation: Mamira’s antimicrobial and detoxifying properties make it effective in managing chronic skin conditions by pacifying Pitta.

2. Netra Roga (Eye Disorders)

   • Conditions: Conjunctivitis, redness, burning sensation.
   • Explanation: The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties of Mamira are used to soothe eye conditions and reduce irritation.

3. Jwara (Fever)

   • Conditions: Persistent or intermittent fever, especially of infectious origin.
   • Explanation: Its antipyretic action helps in reducing body temperature and managing fever symptoms.

4. Pitta Vikara (Pitta-Related Disorders)

   • Conditions: Hyperacidity, gastritis, and burning sensations.
   • Explanation: Mamira pacifies Pitta and helps in reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

   • Conditions: Nasal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding.
   • Explanation: It is hemostatic and works effectively in managing bleeding tendencies caused by aggravated Pitta.

6. Atisara (Diarrhea)

   • Conditions: Infectious diarrhea, dysentery.
   • Explanation: Mamira’s antibacterial properties help combat infections in the gut and soothe irritation.

7. Vrana (Wounds and Ulcers)

   • Conditions: Non-healing wounds, ulcers, or abscesses.
   • Explanation: Mamira promotes wound healing due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions.

8. Mukha Roga (Oral Disorders)

   • Conditions: Mouth ulcers, gingivitis.
   • Explanation: It acts as a soothing agent for oral inflammations.

Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Mamira

1. Mamira Swarasa (Juice Extract)

   • Indications: Conjunctivitis, eye inflammation.
   • Explanation: Fresh juice is used as an eye drop to relieve redness and burning.

2. Panchatikta Ghrita

   • Indications: Skin diseases, chronic fever.
   • Explanation: A medicated ghee preparation where Mamira enhances detoxification and immunity.

3. Jwarahara Kashaya

   • Indications: Fever and inflammation.
   • Explanation: A decoction to reduce fever and associated symptoms.

4. Chandanadi Lepa

   • Indications: Skin diseases, burning sensation.
   • Explanation: A topical paste used for soothing irritated skin.

5. Raktapitta Nashak Yoga

   • Indications: Bleeding disorders.
   • Explanation: A powdered formulation where Mamira controls bleeding tendencies.

Harmful Effects and Precautions of Mamira

1. Overuse in Vata Disorders

   • Explanation: Excessive use may aggravate Vata due to its dry and light qualities, causing digestive discomfort or weakness.

2. Pregnancy and Lactation

   • Explanation: Mamira’s strong bitter nature may not be suitable during pregnancy or lactation unless specifically prescribed.

3. Gastrointestinal Upset

   • Explanation: In high doses, its bitterness can lead to nausea or loss of appetite.

4. Allergic Reactions

   • Explanation: Some individuals may experience hypersensitivity when applied topically or consumed internally.

5. Interaction with Medications

   • Explanation: Its strong antimicrobial action might interfere with conventional antibiotics or similar therapies.
     
     

Conclusion

Mamira (Coptis teeta) is a valuable medicinal herb in Ayurveda, known for its diverse therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating eye disorders, fever, digestive issues, skin conditions, and liver health. While generally safe, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure proper dosage and effectiveness.