Peppergrass – Todari Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Research

Todari – Pepper-grass is used in Ayurveda to treat cough, asthma, diabetes, urinary retention etc. It is also used as aphrodisiac and anti aging herb. It is not mentioned in Samhitas.

Botanical name- Lepidium iberis Linn
Family- Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) (Rajika kula)

Names in different languages: 
English name- Pepper grass, Peppergrass, Peppercress, Pepper wort
Hindi / Parsi name-Todari
Arabic name- Vajral Khumkhum, Toodharee, Toodharanj
Sanskrit name – Todari
Urdu name – Tudri

Distribution: It is found in South Europe and Himalayas

Varieties:
PV Sharma has mentioned three varieties based on seed colour.
1. White – Lepidium iberis Va. alba
2. Yellow
3. Red

Peppergrass medicinal Properties:
Guna (qualities) – Guru (heaviness), Picchila (sticky)
Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
Vipaka- Katu (Madhura according to Bapalal) – Pungent or sweet taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Ushna – hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Vata and Kapha dosha, increases Pitta Dosha.

Chemical composition:
Seeds yield Lepidin – a bitter sulfur containing volatile oil.

Part used- Seeds
Dosage of pepper grass –
Powder 3-6 g
Kashaya – Water decoction – 50 – 100 ml in divided dose per day.

Lepidium iberis medicinal uses:
It improves Lactation.
Vrushya – It acts as aphrodisiac
Mutrala – diuretic
Jara Hari – anti aging, rejuvenating
Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgation, relieves constipation

Pepper-grass is indicated in the treatment of –
Prameha – Urinary tract disorders, diabetes
Shwasa – asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
Kasa – cough, cold
Darubalya – fatigue, weakness
Its water decoction is used in treating acute bronchitis.
As per plants for a future,
Leaves of Lepidium iberis are edible. The plant paste is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to improve joint flexibility and to relieve stiffness and pain.
The seeds are used in the treatment of dropsy.

Side effects:
Because it can increase Pitta dosha, people with Pitta body type need to take care.
Seek medical advice for its use in pregnancy / lactation periods. Can be used in children above 5 years of age.

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.

Sthanika karma (Systemic Acton)

Externally – Can cause blood vitiation, Seed is anti inflammatory in nature. Seed oil is used in joint inflammatory diseases

Internally
Respiratory System – Eliminate vitiated kapha dosha, Herbal jam prepared out of it is indicated in cough, Breathing disorders etc.
Reproductive system – Aphrodisiac, increases breast milk production. Seed powder along with milk is used for Aphrodisiac purposes.
Excretory system – Indicated in Dysuria
Satmikarana – indicated in general debility