Dashapushpa 10 Sacred Flowers Uses, Indications, Research

By Dr Renita D’Souza
Dashapushpa is a group of 10 herbs. The term Dashapushpa literally mean group of ten flowers. They are considered as sacred in Kerala state of India and are worn by the women as garland on the head. They are also used for decorative purposes. As these flowers are less attractive and non fragrant, its traditional usage for decorations is hard to explain.
Read – Durva (Bermuda Grass) Cynodon dactylon Uses, Research, Remedies, Medicines

‘ Tiruvatira kali’ the famous feminine festival of Kerala, the women participating in the dance wear these 10 flowers in their hair after midnight bath. (Ref – Medicinal Plants of India by C.K.N Nair and N.Mohanan)

Meaning of ‘Dashapushpa’

The term ‘Dashapushpam’ has 2 words –
‘Dasha’ – ten
‘Pushpam’ – Flowers
Read – Bhringraj Eclipta Alba: Benefits, Usage, Dose, Side Effects

Dashapushpas of Ayurveda

‘Dashapushpas’ potential ten herbs are known for its medicinal values and consumed as ‘karkkadaka kanji’ in karkkidaka masam for gaining health benefits.
Karkkidaka masam – Period between mid-July to mid-August. There is sudden shift in the climate during this period, which brings imbalance in tridoshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha in the human body. This makes the body susceptible for various diseases. Ayurveda recommends specific diet, regimen and remedies during this period that helps to boost immunity and strength.

Gorakshaganja- Aerva lanata

List of 10 Sacred Flowers

Dashapushpam –

1. Gorakshaganja- Aerva lanata
2. Viparitha lajjalu – Biophytum sensitivum
3. Karnasphota- Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.
4. Krishna Musali – Curculigo orchioides Gaetrn.
5. Durva – Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers.
6. Bhringaraja – Eclipta alba Hassk.
7. Akhukarni – Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.
8. Harikrantha – Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
9. Lakshmana – Ipomoea sepiaria koen. Ex Roxb.
10. Sahadevi – Vernonia cinerea (Linn.) Less.

Viparitha lajjalu – Biophytum sensitivum

Therapeutic Indications of Dashapushpa

Dysentery
Constipation
Skin Diseases
Vomiting
Indigestion
Dyspepsia
Typhoid
Insomnia
Haemorrhage
Strangury
Intermittent Fever
Flatulence
Urogenital Diseases
Lithiasis
Gonorrhea
Headache
Jaundice
Liver Congestion
Pneumonia
Tumours
Read – Lakshmana (Ipomoea sepiaria) – Uses, Actions, Side Effects, Research

Karnasphota- Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.

References

Reference for Dashapushpa is found in following Ayurvedic texts –
Arogya Kalpadruma
Sarvaroga  Chikitsaratna
Abhidana Manjari
Kodasheri  Margam
Prayoga Samuchayam
Chikitsa  Kauthukam
Vaidya Manorama
Agastya Marmashastra
Read – Dashamoola: Anti Inflammatory Group Of Herbs

Krishna Musali – Curculigo orchioides Gaetrn.

Hindu deity associated with Dashapushpa

Dashpapushpas are considered sacred because each among 10 is associated with a deity as per Hindu mythology.

1. Gorakshaganja- Yama dev
2. Viparitha lajjalu – Shree parvathy
3. Karnasphota- Lord Indra.  
4. Krishna Musali – Bhumi dev
5. Durva – Sun
6. Bhringaraja – Lord Shiva
7. Akhukarni – Kamadeva
8. Harikrantha – Lord Vishnu
9. Lakshmana – Shree Bhagavathy
10. Sahadevi – Brahma
    Read – Lord Dhanwantari ‘The God of Ayurveda’

Akhukarni – Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.

Uses

• According to Ayurveda, these herbs possess medicinal properties and are used in various formulations. 
• According to the book ‘Prayogasamucchaya’ (Book on Toxicology in Malayalam)- This group of ten medicinal flowers are used in the treatment of Mandalivisha.
• Traditional Ayurveda physicians practising Toxicology (Visha Vaidhyas) have mentioned the use of Dashapushpa in the cancer treatment. The fatal and rapidly growing disease cancer is well understood by comparing with Visha Gunas.
  Read – Charaka Visha Chikitsa 23rd Chapter of Chikitsa Sthana

Harikrantha – Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.

Pharmacological Activities

Dashapushpa possess various medicinal properties such as Anti-diabetic, Anti-cancer, Anti-tumor, Hepatoprotective, Immunomodulatory, Anti-diarrheal, Anti-helminthic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Anti-microbial activity.
Read – Vishaghna Gana Anti toxic Herbs: Review, Benefits, Formulations

Lakshmana – Ipomoea sepiaria

Sahadevi – Vernonia cinerea (Linn.) Less.

Research

Anticancer Activity – A research article on the contribution of Dashapushpa in the management of cancer have reviewed various folklore, therapeutic uses and pharmacological studies conducted for the anti-cancer  activity  of  Dashapushpa
Antibacterial Activity – A research study conducted to evaluate anti-bacterial activity of Dashapushpam Ghritham have concluded that extract of the ten plants – dashpushpampossess significant antibacterial properties.

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