Health Benefits Of Chavya (Piper Retrofractum Vahl)

Chavya

Chavya is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Piperaceae family. Piper retrofractum Vahl is the botanical name of Chavya. Chavya is a flowering vine and the dried fruits and roots of the plants have medicinal values. The taste of the Chavya is similar to Indian long pepper. Chavya is classified as one of the panchakola group of species. Chavya usually grows on trunks in humid tropical deciduous forests and also along beaches. It can be mainly found in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Bali, and some other neighboring islands.

As per Ayurveda, Chavya is very effective in treating indigestion, worm infestation, abdominal colic, anorexia, productive cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, diarrhea, poisoning, piles, dysmenorrhea, throat disorders, fistula, chronic respiratory disorders, and rheumatic conditions. Chavya is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, laxative, carminative, and analgesic properties.

Plant Description

Plant name: Chavya.

Botanical name: Piper retrofractum Vahl.

Useful parts: Fruit and roots.

Regional Name

English: Cubeb.

Hindi: Chavya.

Sanskrit: Cavika.

Urdu: Peepal Chab, Kababah.

Assamese: Chepaan.

Bengali: Chei.

Gujarati: Chavka, Chavaka.

Kannada: Kadumenasinaballi, Chavya.

Malayalam: Kattumulaku, Kattumulakunveru.

Marathi: Chavaka.

Oriya: Chainkath.

Punjabi: Chabak.

T

amil: Chavyam, Chevuyam.

Telugu: Chevyamu.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Chavya

Rasa (taste): Katu( pungent).

Guna: Laghu ( light), Ruksa (dryness).

Virya: Usna( hot potency).

Vipaka: Katu( pungent taste conversion after digestion).

Chemical Constituents Of Chavya

• Piperine.
• Sitosterol.
• Piplartine.

Medicinal Properties Of Chavya

Chavya is rich in a variety of medicinal properties that help to manage various health conditions.

• Anti-venom.
• Anti-worm.
• Expectorant.
• Alexeteric.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Analgesic.
• Anti-cancer.
• Antioxidant.
• Hepatoprotective.
• Antimicrobial.
• Antifungal.
• Immunomodulatory.

Chavya is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, analgesic, expectorant, anti-worm, and anti-venom properties.

Health Benefits Of Chavya

• Treats Bronchitis

  Bronchitis is a condition of inflammation of the airways. As per Ayurveda, poor digestion leads to the accumulation of ama in the form of mucus in the lungs. Chavya is rich in deepan (appetizer) and pachan (digestive) properties that helps to reduce ama by expelling excessive mucus from the lungs; hence helping to get rid of bronchitis.

• Treats diarrhea

  The dried fruit of Chavya has been used for the treatment of diarrhea. According to Ayurveda, aggravated Vata causes diarrhea like aggravated Vata brings fluids in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes it with stool. Such a condition leads to diarrhea. Chavya is rich in Vata balancing and deepan ( appetizer) properties that help to cure diarrhea effectively.

• Treats asthma

  Chavya is found very effective in the treatment of asthma. As per Ayurveda, respiratory diseases arise due to the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. The aggravated Kapha dosha causes the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract and leads to breathing difficulties. Chavya's decongestant, a bronchodilator, and expectorant properties aid in the treatment of asthmatic conditions.

• Treats dysmenorrhea

  Dysmenorrhea is a condition of pain or cramps either before or during the menstruation period. According to Ayurveda, aggravated Vata is the reason behind the development of dysmenorrhea. Chavya is rich in Vata balancing properties that help to get rid of pain or cramps associated with menstruation.

• Treats Flatulence

  An imbalance of Pitta and Vata dosha leads to low digestive fire and weak digestion that in turn causes flatulence( gas formation) and stomach pain. The mild hot potency of Chavya helps to correct the digestive fire and get rid of flatulence symptoms.

• Treats fever

  Chavya contains rejuvenating and immunomodulatory properties that help to boost the immune system, giving the body the energy it needs to fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses that cause fevers.

• Treats constipation

  The laxative property of Chavya helps in promoting bowel movements and prevents constipation.

The roots and fruits of Chavya have been widely used to make Ayurvedic formulations that help to cure various health conditions like fever, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Ayurvedic Medicines With Chavya As An Ingredient

• Panchakola Ghrita

  Used for the treatment of asthma, colds, indigestion, anemia, and fever.

• Eranda Paka

  Used for the treatment of abdominal colic, bloating, Vata disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Chavikasavam

  Used for the treatment of gout, cough, and UTI.

• Mandoora Vatakam

  Used for the treatment of anemia, hepatitis, and jaundice.

• Saptavinshati Guggulu

  Used for the treatment of skin diseases, and sinuses.

Dosage Of Chavya

• Generally, 1-2 grams of Chavya churna is recommended by Ayurveda.

Side Effects Of Chavya

• Overdosages may cause gastritis and a burning sensation in the stomach. .
• The spicy root of Chavya is difficult to digest sometimes.

Precautions

Chavya is not advisable during pregnancy and lactation periods.

Conclusion

The information regarding the medicinal benefits of Chavya was collected from ancient Ayurvedic resources. Always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before self-medication.

References

• Charaka Samhita.
• Susrutha Samhita.