Cymbopogon schoenanthus – Azkhar, commonly known as camel grass, straw of Mecca, or West Indian lemon grass, is an herbal plant of Southern Asia and Northern Africa, with fragrant foliage. It belongs to the family Poaceae, and is one of the species of the genus Cymbopogon, which comprises about 140 aromatic grasses.
In Unani medicine, Cymbopogon schoenanthus is known as Azkhar, and is used for various therapeutic purposes. In this post, we will explore the nature, temperament, synonyms, functions, side effects, substitutes, and dosage of this plant.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus – Azkhar
Cymbopogon schoenanthus, commonly known as Azkhar or camel grass, is a perennial grass native to Asia and Africa. Its aromatic leaves have been used traditionally in Unani medicine for various therapeutic purposes. However, like other potent herbs, its uses and implications need to be understood within the principles of Unani medicine.
Nature of Drug
Cymbopogon schoenanthus is a perennial grass that grows up to 1.5 m tall, with linear leaves that are green or purple in color. The leaves have a strong lemon-like odor, and contain essential oil that is rich in piperitone, a monoterpene ketone. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh or dried leaves, and has a pale yellow or greenish color, with a pleasant, refreshing aroma. The essential oil is the main active constituent of the plant and is responsible for most of its pharmacological effects.
Azkhar is considered a single herb (mufrad dawa) in Unani medicine. It undergoes traditional processing methods to prepare it for various formulations.
Temperament of Azkhar
According to unani medicine, Cymbopogon schoenanthus has a hot and dry temperament, with a degree of 1 for heat and 2 for dryness. This means that it can balance the excess of cold and moist humors in the body and restore the equilibrium of the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. The temperament of the plant also determines its suitability for different types of diseases and patients.
Synonymous name of Azkhar
Cymbopogon schoenanthus has many synonymous names in different languages and regions. Some of the common ones are:
- Urd.: Aghin ghās, Agiyā ghās, Atigandha, Gandhel, Izkhar
- Hin.: Aghin ghas, Agiyā ghās, Atigandha, Bujina, Buraro, Gandhatrina, Gandhis, Mirchiya gandh, Rajhans, Ruaghas, Rusa, Sugandha rosa
- San.: Bhustrina, Bhutrina, Putimugdala, Rohisha, Rohishatrina, Sugandhatrinashita
- Ben.: Agiya-ghas, Gandha-bena, Ramakarpura, Roshel
- Guj.: Roshdo, Roshghas
- Mal.: Sambarapul, Shankanaru-pillu
- Mar.: Gavati chaha, Hirva cha, Rohisha, Rohishe-gavat, Rosegavath, Rushagavath, Sugandhirohisha
- Tam.: Camparappul, Cukkunarippul, Kamatcippul, Kantaketam, Karuppurappul, Kavattampu, Sakanaru-pillu
- Ara.: Askheer, Eskhabar, Ethkher, Hashmah, Idkhir, Khilal mamoon, Kur-al-eer, Taban maka, Teeb al-ghareeb
- Bur.: Sabalin-hmwe
- Dut.: Citroengras
- Eng.: Camel grass, Straw of Mecca, West Indian lemon grass
- Fre.: Herbe à chameau, Pasto de camellos
- Ger.: Zitronengras
- Per.: Izkhir
- Spa.: Capim-cheiroso
- Swa.: Rusa grass
Functions of Azkhar
Cymbopogon schoenanthus has various functions in unani medicine, depending on the part of the plant and the mode of administration. Some of the main functions are:
- The root is astringent, stomachic, digestive, appetizer, laxative, deobstruent, antiflatulent, constipatory, and styptic. It is used in the treatment of paralysis, palsy, epilepsy, uterine, stomach and joint inflammation.
- The essential oil is stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic. It is also aromatic and stimulant, and useful in bilious and phlegmatic affections.
- The plant is lithotriptic, diuretic, carminative, and emmenagogue. It is recommended to be boiled in wine as a diuretic. Ground into a paste, it is a good application for abdominal swellings. Added to purgatives, it is administered in rheumatism. The flowers are used as hemostatic.
Traditionally, Azkhar is used in Unani Medicine for the following functions:
- Muqawwi-e-Asab (Nerve tonic): It is believed to strengthen and stimulate the nervous system.
- Muqawwi-e-Meda (Stomach tonic): It may have potential benefits for improving digestion and reducing gas.
- Musakkin (Sedative): In specific formulations, it may have calming properties.
- مدر البول (Mudir al-baul) Diuretic: It may promote urine flow.
Side effects of Azkhar
Cymbopogon schoenanthus is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but some possible side effects are:
- Allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, may occur in some people who are sensitive to the plant or its essential oil.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, may occur if the plant or its essential oil is taken in large doses or for a long time.
- Uterine contractions, bleeding, or miscarriage may occur if the plant or its essential oil is used during pregnancy, as it has emmenagogue and abortifacient properties.
- Drug interactions, such as increased or decreased effects of certain medications, may occur if the plant or its essential oil is used along with other drugs that affect the liver, the nervous system, or the blood.
- Excessive use of Azkhar, especially by individuals with a hot and dry temperament, can lead to dryness, agitation, or imbalances in the body’s humors.
- Unprocessed or improperly prepared Azkhar may have other side effects.
Substitutes of Azkhar
If Cymbopogon schoenanthus is unavailable, some possible substitutes are:
- Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemon grass, which has similar properties and uses as Cymbopogon schoenanthus, but with a milder aroma and flavor.
- Cymbopogon nardus, also known as citronella grass, which has similar properties and uses as Cymbopogon schoenanthus, but with a stronger aroma and flavor, and more insect repellent activity.
- Cymbopogon martinii, also known as palmarosa grass, which has similar properties and uses as Cymbopogon schoenanthus, but with a sweeter and more floral aroma and flavor, and more skin care benefits.
Dosage of Azkhar
The dosage of Cymbopogon schoenanthus depends on the form, the purpose, and the condition of the patient. Some general guidelines are:
- The root can be taken as a powder, a decoction, or a paste, in doses of 3 to 6 g per day.
- The essential oil can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied topically, in doses of 0.5 to 2 ml per day.
- The plant can be taken as a tea, an infusion, or a tincture, in doses of 10 to 30 ml per day.
The appropriate dosage of Azkhar is highly individualized and determined only by a qualified Unani practitioner. They will consider the patient’s age, overall health, temperament, and the specific ailment being treated.
Conclusion
Cymbopogon schoenanthus is a valuable medicinal herb in unani medicine, with a wide range of functions and benefits. It has a hot and dry temperament and is suitable for treating diseases caused by cold and moist humors. It has many synonymous names in different languages and regions and can be substituted by other species of Cymbopogon. It can be used in various forms and doses, depending on the need and preference of the patient. However, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as it may have some side effects or interactions with other drugs.