Kaashani, काशनी, कसौंडी, काँशमर्द, Cichorium intybus ~ NepalAyurveds.com

Monday

Kaashani, काशनी, कसौंडी, काँशमर्द, Cichorium intybus

यो ३ फिट अग्लो गोब्रे पालुङ्गोसमान पात चम्किलो निलो फुल्ने उष्ण तथा समशीतोष्ण क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ । गुण-धर्म केही तितो र मिठो स्वाद, स्वभाव शीतल । औषधीय उपयोग : यसको साग खाँदा मृगौलालाई शक्ति दिन्छ, मूत्रकष्टमा लाभ गर्छ, पित्तरोग र गर्मीज्वर सन्चो गराउँछ, विषमज्वर र मलेरियाज्वरमा फाइदा पुऱ्याउँछ, दम-खोकीमा लाभ दिन्छ । सुकेको पात धूलो १/१ चम्चा ३-५ पटक । यसको बीजले मस्तिष्कलाई शक्ति दिन्छ । यसको फूलले रक्तविकार हटाउँछ र रगत बढाउँछ ।

परिचय

काशनी (Cichorium intybus) नेपाली भाषामा कसौंडी, काँशमर्द वा काशनी भनिन्छ। यो एक औषधीय गुण

भएको बुटी हो जुन नेपालका विभिन्न भू-भागमा पाइन्छ। यसको वैज्ञानिक नाम Cichorium intybus हो र यो Asteraceae परिवारमा पर्छ। यसको पात गोब्रे र पालुङ्गोजस्तै देखिन्छ भने फूल चम्किला निला रंगका हुन्छन्। यो बुटी नेपालका तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ। यसको स्वाद तीतो-मिठो हुन्छ भने यसको प्रयोग धेरै रोगहरूको उपचारमा गरिन्छ।

नेपाल र अन्य देशहरूमा उपलब्धता

काशनी नेपालको तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा प्राकृतिक रूपमा उम्रने गर्छ। यो युरोप, एसिया, अमेरिका र अफ्रिकाका विभिन्न देशहरूमा पनि पाइन्छ। यो बुटी उष्ण र समशीतोष्ण जलवायुमा राम्रोसँग फस्टाउँछ। नेपालमा यसलाई जङ्गली बुटीको रूपमा पाइन्छ भने केही ठाउँमा किसानहरूले पनि यसको खेती गर्छन्।

भौतिक गुणहरू

यो बुटी करिब ३ फिट अग्लो हुन्छ।
पातहरू गोब्रे, पालुङ्गोजस्तै देखिन्छन्।
फूलहरू चम्किला निला रंगका हुन्छन्।
यसको जरा लामो र पहेँला रंगको हुन्छ।
यसको स्वाद तीतो र मिठो मिश्रित हुन्छ।
यसको स्वभाव शीतल हुन्छ।

औषधीय गुणहरू

काशनीमा निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:

मूत्रवर्धक (Diuretic): यसले मूत्र सम्बन्धी समस्याहरू हटाउन मद्दत गर्छ।
पित्तशामक: यसले पित्तजन्य रोगहरू (जस्तै पित्त बढ्ने, गर्मी लाग्ने) कम गर्छ।
ज्वरनाशक (Antipyretic): यसले विषमज्वर, मलेरिया र अन्य ज्वरहरूमा फाइदा गर्छ।
रक्तशोधक (Blood Purifier): यसको फूलले रक्तलाई शुद्ध गरेर रक्तविकार हटाउँछ।
श्वासप्रश्वास सम्बन्धी लाभ: दम, खोकी र श्वासप्रश्वास समस्यामा यसले राम्रो असर गर्छ।
मस्तिष्क बलवर्धक: यसको बीजले दिमागलाई ताजा र सक्रिय बनाउँछ।

फाइदाहरू

मूत्रकष्ट (युरिनरी प्रॉब्लम) हटाउँछ।
पेटको गर्मी, पित्त रोग र ज्वरमा लाभदायक।
रक्त शुद्ध गरेर रक्त बढाउँछ।
मृगौलालाई शक्ति दिन्छ।
खोकी, दम र अस्थमामा फाइदा गर्छ।
मानिसहरूको पाचन शक्ति बढाउँछ।

प्रयोग विधि

सागको रूपमा: यसको ताजा पातको साग बनाएर खानाले मृगौला र पाचन शक्ति बढाउँछ।
धूलो बनाएर: सुकेको पातलाई पिँधेर धूलो बनाइन्छ। यसको १/१ चम्चा दिनमा ३-५ पटक सेवन गर्न सकिन्छ।
बीजको प्रयोग: यसको बीजलाई पानीमा उमालेर वा धूलो बनाएर खानाले दिमागी शक्ति बढाउँछ।
फूलको प्रयोग: यसको फूललाई पानीमा उमालेर पिउँदा रक्त शुद्ध हुन्छ।

कटाई र संरक्षण

काशनीको पात र फूलहरू ताजै प्रयोग गर्न सकिन्छ।
यसलाई सुकाएर धूपमा राख्नुपर्छ र सुकाएपछि एयरटाइट कन्टेनरमा राख्नुपर्छ।
यसको जरा पनि औषधीको रूपमा प्रयोग हुन्छ। जरालाई सफा गरी सुकाएर पछि धूलो बनाइन्छ।

निष्कर्ष

काशनी (Cichorium intybus) एक महत्त्वपूर्ण जडीबुटी हो जसको औषधीय प्रयोग नेपालमा धेरै पुरानो समयदेखि हुँदै आएको छ। यसले मूत्रकष्ट, पित्त रोग, ज्वर, रक्तविकार लगायत धेरै रोगहरूको उपचार गर्छ। यो नेपालका विभिन्न क्षेत्रहरूमा प्राकृतिक रूपमा पाइन्छ भने यसको खेती पनि गर्न सकिन्छ। यसको सही प्रयोगले स्वास्थ्यलाई धेरै फाइदा पुर्याउँछ। त्यसैले यसलाई संरक्षण गर्नुपर्छ र आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सामा यसको प्रयोग बढाउनुपर्छ।

Chicory, known as Kaashani (काशनी) in Nepali, is a versatile herb celebrated for its culinary and medicinal applications. Scientifically termed Cichorium intybus, this plant is recognized by various names across different regions, such as कसौंडी and काँशमर्द in Nepal. Its distinctive blue flowers and beneficial properties have made it a valued plant in traditional medicine and modern health practices.

Introduction

Chicory is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It typically grows up to 3 feet tall and is characterized by its erect stems and vibrant blue flowers. The plant has a slightly bitter taste and a cooling nature, which contributes to its therapeutic uses. Historically, chicory has been utilized for its digestive benefits and as a coffee substitute due to its rich inulin content

Availability in Nepal and Other Countries

In Nepal, chicory thrives in warm and temperate regions, commonly found along roadsides, pathways, and dry lands. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in various climates, making it accessible in many parts of the country. Globally, chicory is prevalent across Europe, North America, and Asia, often growing wild in similar habitats. Its widespread distribution has facilitated its incorporation into diverse culinary traditions and medicinal practices worldwide.

Physical Properties

Chicory is a perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 1 meter. It features erect, glabrous or bristly stems with irregular branching. The basal leaves form a rosette and are toothed, while the upper leaves are smaller with reduced teeth. The plant's most striking feature is its blue flowers, which can be up to 4 centimeters in diameter. These flowers bloom during the summer months, adding a splash of color to the landscapes where chicory grows

Medicinal Properties

Chicory has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for its beneficial effects on the digestive system. The plant contains compounds such as inulin, lactucin, and lactucopicrin, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. These compounds make chicory an effective bitter tonic, stimulating various digestive organs and promoting overall digestive health. Additionally, chicory has been recognized for its hepatoprotective properties, aiding in liver function and bile production. Its diuretic effects also support kidney function and help in managing conditions like water retention and rheumatism

Advantages

Incorporating chicory into one's diet or health regimen offers several benefits:

Digestive Health: Chicory's inulin content acts as a prebiotic, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving digestion
Liver Support: The plant's compounds stimulate bile production, aiding in digestion and supporting liver health.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chicory possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Heart Health: Regular consumption may contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies have indicated that chicory can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Uses

Chicory is utilized in various forms, each serving different purposes:

Culinary Uses: Young leaves can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. The roots, when roasted and ground, serve as a coffee substitute or additive, providing a caffeine-free alternative with a rich, earthy flavor.
Medicinal Uses: Chicory is employed to address a range of health issues, including digestive disorders, liver ailments, and inflammatory conditions. Its diuretic properties also make it useful in managing hypertension and fluid retention.
Animal Fodder: The plant is cultivated as forage for livestock, offering a nutritious feed option that also possesses natural anthelmintic properties, helping to reduce internal parasites in animals.

Using Methods

To harness the benefits of chicory, various preparations can be made:

Decoction: Boil 30 grams of dried, crushed chicory root in a liter of water. Consuming a small cup before meals can stimulate appetite and aid digestion
Infusion: Steep 2 to 4 grams of the whole herb in 150 to 250 milliliters of boiling water for 10 minutes. This tea can be consumed to support liver function and alleviate digestive discomfort.
Poultice: Fresh leaves can be crushed and applied externally to the skin to treat conditions like acne, eczema, or varicose veins.

Harvesting and Preservation

For optimal potency, chicory leaves should be harvested during the summer months as the plant begins to flower. These leaves can be dried in the shade and stored in a dry, dark place. Roots are best collected in autumn; they should be cleaned, sliced, and dried in the sun before storage. Proper drying and storage ensure that the medicinal properties are retained for future use.

Conclusion

Chicory (Cichorium intybus), or Kaashani, is a remarkable herb with a rich history of medicinal and culinary use. Its wide availability in Nepal and across the globe, coupled with its numerous health benefits, makes it a valuable addition to both traditional remedies and modern health practices. Whether incorporated into the diet as a leafy green, consumed as a coffee alternative, or utilized for its therapeutic properties, chicory offers a natural means to enhance well-being.

Reference

दतिवन Washerman’s Plant (Achyranthes aspera अपामार्ग): Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties

ज्योतिष्मती Jyotishmati (Black Oil Tree) – Intellect Tree (Celastrus paniculatus) Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties

लाली गुराँस Lali Gurans (Rhododendron campanulatum) – Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties of Rhododendron

Kooth (Saussurea Lappa) – कूठ Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties of Costus Root

काने झार Commeline Benghalensis (Kane Jhaar) – Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Overview

गिँदरी Premna Serratifolia L. (Gindari): Benefits, Medicinal Uses, and Importance

पाञ्चान Ougeinia oojeinensis (Paanchan): तिनिश Medicinal Uses, Benefits, and Ecological Importance

बोके टिमुर Zanthoxylum Armatum (Boke Timur) Benefits, Uses, and Medicinal Properties

ठूलो नीम Thulo Neem: महारूख Medicinal Benefits, Uses, and Natural Remedies

सिउँडी Siudi (Euphorbia Neriifolia) Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Medicinal Properties

काठेकार, फर्कफल, काठआँवली, Averrhoe acida :