Clerodendron phlomidis, Agnimantha

Agnimantha (Ayurveda)
Tazhuthaazhai (Siddha)
Baharangi (Unani)

Clerodendron phlomidis
N.L. Burman, Flora Indica, (1768)

Clerodendrum phlomidis flower
(Photo by J.M.Garg) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Clerodendrum phlomidis (syn. Clerodendron phlomidis, C. multiflorum)
Agnimantha is Premna spp. However, C. phlomidis is the accepted substitute for Agnimantha.
According to some sources, C. phlomidis is the lesser variety, and Premna spp. is the greater variety.
C. indicum has also been given as a Unani source of Baharangi

Parts used:

Root

Temperature & Taste:

Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter.

Uses:

1. Warms and Strengthens the Stomach: (Ayurveda, Unani)

-suppressed or weakened digestion
-Indigestion, Stomachache, wind, Colic
-Phantom Tumors
-Constipation; Piles

2. Clears Wind-Cold, Resists Poison

-Cold Fever
-Diarrhea, Dysentery (Ayurveda, Unani):
-Postnatal Fever
-convalescence from Measles
-Syphilis
-Folk remedy against Snake Bite (stem decocted with Black Pepper)

3. Warms the Kidneys, Clears Wind-Damp, Promotes Urine: (Ayurveda)

-Dysuria, suppressed Urine, Urinary retention (API, root)
-Edema; expels Fluid accumulation
-Rheumatism
-Folk use for Impotence

4. Settles Wind, Stops Spasms: (Unani)

-Paralysis, Facial Paralysis, Epilepsy
-Tremor
-Neurasthenia

5. Clears Cold Phlegm: (Unani)

-Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma (half a spoonful of the root powder twice daily)
-Scrofula, Lipoma

Dose:

In Ayurveda it most commonly appears in external compounds.
12–24 grams in Decoction
Leaf juice has been used (for Syphilis) in doses of half ounce twice daily.

Comment:

1. C. phlomidis and C. serratum have both been listed as sources of Baharangi in Unani sources (Unani Pharmacopoeia of India). Bharangi is the name in Ayurveda for C. serratum. C. phlomidis is called Agnimantha in Ayurveda. We have therefore separated them into different entries.
2. Ayurvedic use focuses on Stomach, Digestion and Urinary effects, while Unani use focuses on Nervous system and Asthma.

Substitute:

C. phlomidis is the official substitute for Premna integrifolia (API)

Main Combinations:

Clerodendron phlomidis is one of the Dashmula (10 plants), often used in compounds. It is a potent antipyretic and anti-inflammatory group with sedative effects.

Major Formulas:

Dhanvantara Taila
Majun Jograj Guggal

Cautions:

Avoid overdose.

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