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Tephrosia purpurea

English: Wild Indigo

Sanskrit/Indian: Sarapunkha

Russian: Тефрозия пурпурная

Tephrosia purpurea

General information:

The Sanskrit name of Wild Indigo, Sarapunkha, is a combination of two words—arrow and wings. This refers to the physical appearance of the plant. If both the ends of its leaf are held and pulled, edges like that of an arrow are formed (Source: www.herbalcureindia.com).
The plant is beneficial in treating skin eruptions and has insecticidal properties.

Constituents:

The leaves of Wild Indigo contain rotenoid, which is an insecticidal. The seeds contain a flavonoid, lanceolarin B, which gives the plant its skin healing property.

Benefits:

  • Wild Indigo promotes skin healing. The oil from the seeds of the plant are beneficial in treating skin eruptions, eczema, scabies and leprosy.
  • A poultice made from the plant acts as an insect-repellant.