Danti / Red Physic Nut (Baliospermum montanum) – Uses Benefits & Side Effects

Danti (Baliospermum montanum) ,  is a robust, monoecious underbrush that can reach a height of 1.8 meters. Herbaceous branches grow from the roots of this plant. Lower branches contain three to five lobed, big, simple, sinuate-toothed leaves; while above branches have short, lanceolate leaves. Numerous unisexual flowers are grouped in axillary racemes.

The shade-loving danti plant thrives in humid climates. Common names for this herb include red physic nut, wild castor, wild croton, and wild sultan seeds. It is a herb used to treat a variety of ailments in Ayurvedic therapy.

Description

Danti Dried roots, leaves, or dantimool are used for a variety of therapeutic uses. This plant’s roots and seeds have purgative properties. The root’s solvents and extract have hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.

Botanical Name:

Baliospermum montanum

Family:

Euphorbiaceae

Leaves:

Danti leaves have a pointy tip and serrated edges, and they range in shape from elliptical to oblong. They have a smooth, green top with noticeable veins underneath, and they are grouped alternately on the stem.

Flowers:

Danti blooms in little clusters at the leaf axils, with greenish-yellow flowers. The flowers have a distinct, disagreeable smell but are not particularly spectacular.

Stems:

The woody, slender stems have a brownish-gray hue. They may occasionally branch out and reach heights of two to three meters.

Roots:

When it comes to medicine, the Danti plant’s roots are its most valuable component. They have a white core within and an exterior that is light brown or yellowish. They are thick and meaty.

Seeds:

When the Danti plant’s fruits ripen, they break open like capsules to reveal three black, oval seeds. These huge seeds have a white kernel inside and a glossy black covering.

Habitat:

Red Physic Nut grows throughout China, India, and Southeast Asia, which includes the Himalayas. Medicinal uses: Jaundice, constipation, piles, anemia, conjunctivitis, and seeds, leaves, and roots are all treated with seed oil. The roots have carminative, rubefacient, anthelmintic, purgative, and anodyne properties.

Parts Used:

  • Roots
  • Seed
  • Leaves
  • Seed oil

Dosage:

  • Seed Powder – 125-250mg
  • Powder – 1-3gm
  • Seed oil – 3-5 drops

Sanskrit Synonyms

Erandaphala – As its fruit resembles castor fruit

Udumbaraparni – As its leaves resemble those of Udumbara (Ficus racemosa)

Upachitra – It has mottled seeds

Other Language Names of Danti (Baliospermum montanum)

Gujarati name – Jamalgota, Dantimul

Oriya name – Donti

Malayalam name – Dantika, Nagadanti, Katalavanakku

English name – Wild castor, Red physic nut, Wild croton

Hindi name – Hakum, Hakun, Danti

Malayalam name – Danti, Nagadanti

Persian name – Bedanjirekhatai

Arabic name – Habbussalantinebarri

Burma name – Natcho

Bengali name – Hakun, Danti

Marathi name – Danti

Telugu name – Kanakapata, Ettadungida

Tamil name – Niradimutta, Kattamaraku

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Order Malpighiales
Family Euphorbiaceae

Ayurvedic Properties

Hindi/Sanskrit

  • Rasa -Katu
  • Guna -Guru,Tikshna
  • Virya -Ushna
  • Vipaka -Katu

English

  • Taste -Pungent
  • Physical Property-Heavy,Sharp
  • Potency- Hot
  • Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent

Danti (Baliospermum montanum) Uses

  • Danti is a blood purifier, and it is used to treat pain and edema by making a paste from its roots and seeds. Both function as painkillers, or analgesics.
  • This herb is used to cure fever because of its antipyretic qualities. Additionally anti-inflammatory, this plant is used to lessen inflammation. Pittaj Jawara uses danti decoction.
  • Jaundice patients have been reported to benefit greatly from danti leaves.
  • Danti seeds are applied externally as a stimulant and rubefacient. This plant works wonders for bloating, abdominal tumors, and pain in the abdomen.
  • Applying root paste externally to the pile mass reduces discomfort, edema, and pile mass shrinking.

Danti (Baliospermum montanum) Benefits

Treats Haemorrhoids:

Enlarged blood vessels in and around the anal areas are known as hemorrhoids or piles. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Arsh and is brought on by poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Constipation arises from poor digestive fire caused by an inflamed Vata dosha in the body. If untreated, it may because the veins in the rectal area to expand and develop a pile mass. Consuming powdered danti root helps reduce the mass of the piles and manage constipation.

Cures Intestinal Worms:

Danti’s (Baliospermum montanum ) strong anti-inflammatory and anti-worm properties help control intestinal worms. Worm growth is facilitated by low Agni, or weak digestive fire. Consuming powdered danti root helps to strengthen the digestive fire and disrupts the conditions that are conducive to the formation of germs. This is because the danti formulation’s Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan properties work together.

Constipation:

Both an exacerbated pitta and a weakened vata dosha contribute to constipation. because of overindulging in tea or coffee, junk food, staying up late, sadness, worry, tension, etc. This herb’s roots have purgative properties that help with constipation and facilitate easy elimination of waste.

Piles:

According to Ayurveda, Danti is brought on by an improper food and way of life that upsets the body’s equilibrium of the three doshas—pitta, vata, and kapha. Low digestive fire brought on by an inflamed vata dosha in the body results in constipation. Because this plant has anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces swelling and inflammation in the rectum’s veins, which can cause piles. As a laxative, it eases constipation and facilitates the easy evacuation of feces from the stomach.

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Danti (Baliospermum montanum) Side Effects

Internal irritation:

Due to its laxative qualities, long-term or high-dose usage of danti may irritate the digestive tract, result in diarrhea, and induce stomach cramps.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Due to a paucity of safety information, Danti is not advised for use by women who are pregnant or nursing.

Interaction with medications:

Blood thinners and diuretics are two drugs that Danti may interact with. If you take any drugs, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor before using Danti.

Poisonous seeds:

The Danti plant’s seeds are especially poisonous; therefore avoid eating them at all. They include a strong purgative called curcin, which can result in severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and even death.

Conclusion

Danti (Baliospermum Montanum) has purgative, appetizer, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It works effectively for constipation, edema, skin conditions, burning sensations, etc. However, an overdose could result in nausea and diarrhea. Pregnant women, nursing moms, and tiny children should not use it.

FAQS

What adverse effects does danti have?

Overdosing on this herb may result in pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

What is the botanical name of Danti plant?

Baliospermum montanum

What therapeutic use does danti have?

In the case of piles, Danti can be applied. Intestinal worms, edema, skin conditions, constipation, and indigestion, among other things.

What advantages does the Danti plant offer?

Danti’s potent laxative effect makes it useful in the treatment of constipation. Bowel movements are accelerated, and it facilitates the smooth passage of feces. Because of its anthelmintic properties, it also aids in the removal of parasites and worms from the stomach.