Changeri – Oxalis Corniculata – Indian Sorrel – Full Ayurveda Details

Changeri is an Ayurvedic herb with a sour taste. It is used in digestive disorders. Its botanical name is Oxalis corniculata, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family (Charngeri kula).

Vernacular Names

English name – Indian Sorrel
Hindi name – Teen Pattia (because of the three leaflet structure of the leaves)
Tamil name – Paliakiri

Medicinal properties, indications

Rasa – Amla (sour), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest), Rooksha (dryness)
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion – amla (sour)
Veerya (Potency) – Ushna – Hot
Action on dosha – Kapha vata samaka
Action – Ruchya, Dipana, Atisarahara
Pharmacological Action – Anti – inflammatory, analgesic, Antipyretic, Anti bacterial, Hypotensive

As per mentioned in Bhojana Kutuhalam twelfth chapter, changeri is very hot in potency, pungent in taste, it is appetizing and imparts taste, stimulates digestive fire and treats kapha and vata related disorders, hemorrhoids, grahani and diarrhea.

Ushnaveerya -Hot in potency
Grahini – absorbent.
Kapha maarute – Useful in kapha and Vata disorders
Grahani  – Useful in malabsorption syndrome, sprue
Arsha – Useful in hemorrhoids
Kinchit Kashaya – Slightly astringent
Agnideepani – Improves digestion power
Pittakrut – Increases Pitta
Saamavate Hita – Useful in rheumatoid arthritis
Kaphe hita – Useful in Kapha disorders.
Laghu (light to digest)
Atisara Hanti – useful in diarrhea
Kushtanashani – useful in skin diseases.

Charaka Sutrasthana 27
Changeri( Rumev dentaus / Oxalis corniculata) is hot in potency
Ushna – hot
Grahi – absorbent
Useful in disorders of Kapha and Vata imbalance
Grahani – Malabsorption syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Arsha – Hemorrhoids

Usage in Grahani
Because of Changeri’s sour taste, it improves digestion strength.
Because of its Grahi nature, it acts as an absorbent and helps in improving formation of stools and it improves stool bulk.

Part used, chemical constituents

Part used – leaf, fruit, whole plant
Dosage – Juice – 10- 20 ml
Powder – 3 – 6 g

Major chemical constituents – Malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, , isovitexin

Morphology

Creeping perennial herb
Leaves – Alternate, trifoliate with long petiole.
Flowers – Yellow coloured
Fruit – Capsule with many black seeds

Ayurvedic medicines

Important Ayurvedic medicines with Changeri –
Changeri Ghrita – for the treatment of bloating, malabsorption syndrome, diarrhea etc
Jivantyadi Ghrita – for the treatment of the early stage of cataract.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Sanskrit Synonyms

Kshudra amlika, Lonika, Amlalonika, Lola, Chatushparni,
Dantasatha – Induce tingling sensation in teeth
Amlapatrika – Its leaves have sour taste
Sunishannachada – Leaves resembles leaves of Sunishannaka

Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

External Application – Possess Analgesic and anti inflammatory properties. It shows a scraping effect on the dhatus. Indicated in headache, inflammatory wounds etc. Because of its scraping action it can be used in eye disorders like Pterygium (Armam), inflammatory diseases of sclera etc..

Internal administration-
Nervous system – Its juice is indicated in intoxication, helps to regain consciousness.

Digestive System – Absorbent and Carminative, digestant, Liver stimulant. Indicated in Anorexia, Loss of appetite, Malabsorption syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Rectal prolapse etc.Circulatory System – It protects the heart and exhibits styptic action, and is useful in the treatment of bleeding disorders. Its astringent taste enables it to effectively constrict small blood vessels.
Satmikarana –Anti poisonous action. It is recommended for use in cases of Dattura poisoning.
Tapakrama – Cold to touch, relieve burning sensation, indicated in quaternary type of fever (Chaturthaka jvara)