The Versatile Sadabahar Plant: Benefits and Uses
Introduction to Sadabahar
Sadabahar is a perennial shrub. Its round leaves are elongated, oval-shaped, and exhibit a glossy, smooth texture. Once established, this plant tends to propagate naturally around it. The flowers bloom in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and others, featuring five petals.
The leaves and fruits have a slightly thick surface. Due to the thick, smooth leaves, water evaporation is minimized, requiring less water, allowing it to thrive in various environments. This characteristic has led flower enthusiasts to name it Nayan Tara or Sadabahar. Even when cut, the flowers remain fresh throughout the day and are commonly used in temple offerings.
Medicinal Uses of Sadabahar
There are documented uses of this plant in treating ailments. In India, natural healers recommend that diabetes patients consume the white flowers on an empty stomach in the morning. This plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which includes other popular shrubs and vines like Nerium, Plumeria, and others.
Characteristics of this family include a sticky, thick, white latex that oozes when the plant is cut.
Home Remedies with Sadabahar
1. For wounds on the skin, tribal communities apply a mixture of its leaf juice with milk. They believe this helps the wound to mature and pus to drain quickly.
2. Chewing three to four tender leaves of Sadabahar (Sadaphuli) and sucking the juice can provide relief from diabetes. Soak three fresh pink flowers in half a cup of warm water for five minutes, then remove the flowers and drink the water on an empty stomach. Repeat this for 8 to 10 days.
Check your sugar levels; if they decrease, repeat the process after a week.
3. The latex from the leaves can be applied to relieve itching and rashes. It should be applied at least twice a day to the affected area.
4. Chewing four clean leaves of Sadabahar on an empty stomach and drinking a couple of sips of water can help manage diabetes. This should be done for at least three months.
5. Applying the latex from the leaves on wounds prevents infections and promotes faster healing.
6. Crushing the leaves and flowers and applying them for hemorrhoids can provide quick relief, as advised by tribal experts, preferably done before bedtime.
7. Applying the juice from the flowers and leaves on acne can lead to noticeable improvements within days. The mixture should be applied at least twice daily.
8. The juice from the leaves can also be effective against stings from wasps or bees, providing quick relief. It can also help wounds heal faster and alleviate skin irritations, redness, or allergies.