Blepharis, Utangana

Utangana, Utingana, Shikhi (Ayurveda)
Tukhm Utangan, Uttanjan (Seed, Unani)
Anjura, Bazar-al-Qareez (Arabic)

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Blepharis edulis
Raffeneau-Delile, A., Flore d’Egypte, Plates [in: Description d’Egypte] (1826)

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Blepharis edulis
Die Natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien, Engler & Prantl, 1887

Botanical name:

Blepharis spp:

1. B. edulis (syn. B. persica, B. obovata, Acanthodium delilii Acanthodium spicatum, Acanthus delilei)
2. B. linariifolia (syn. B. sindica, B. hirta)
3. B. molluginifolia

Parts used:

Seeds

Temperature & Taste:

Warm, dry. Sweet, Bitter

Classification:

Uses:

1. Warms and Strengthens the Kidneys:

-Aphrodisiac, Impotence (Ayurveda, Unani)
-Nourishes Semen, Increases Sperm count
-promotes Semen Retention, used for Premature Ejaculation (Unani)

2. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:

-Anuria, Dysuria, Strangury

3. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough:

-Cough and Wheezing from Cold Phlegm

4. Externally:

-dissolves phlegm swellings (poultice or in ointments)
-rubefacient
-seeds are applied topically to bleeding piles

Dose:

In Ayurveda it is usually taken with Milk to increase semen and as an aphrodisiac. It can also be taken with Ghee.
Seed Powder: 2–5 grams. The powder can be boiled in milk and taken to increase Sperm and as an aphrodisiac for men.
Standard leaf decoction (1 in 8): 10–20 mls.

Substitute:

Sebesten

Corrective:

1. Jujubes
2. Rose

Comment:

The seeds are reportedly used for water purification in Sudan.

Main Combinations:

1. As an aphrodisiac for men:
i. Blepharis seed, Mucuna, Tribulus seed, all powdered (25 grams each), Honey (40 grams). Mix and take 10 grams as a dose
ii. Blepharis seed, Withania, Mucuna, Shilajit
ii. Blepharis seed, Withania, Mucuna, Tribulus seed, Curculigo, Chlorophytum
2. Topically for Scrofula and Phlegm swellings, Blepharis seed, Gum Ammoniac, Bdellium, Sulphur in a base of Wax and Sesame oil (as in Ointment of Gum Ammoniac of Unani)

Major Formulas:

Electuary Murraweh ul Arwah (Unani)
Ointment of Gum Ammoniac (Unani)

Cautions:

The seed is irritant and can cause itching.

Main Preparations used:

Genus Blepharis (Acanthaceae): A review of ethnomedicinally used species, and their phytochemistry and pharmacological activities

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