PODUTHALAI HERB (BOTANICAL NAME: PHYLA NODIFLORA GREENE)

Poduthalai is a creeping annual herb which is very often rooting at the nodes, with

numerous sub quadrangular branches. The leaves of this medicinal plant is opposite, sub 

sessile, 2 to 3.2 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide 

Fruits and flowers of this plant are seen almost throughout the year, but chiefly

between the months of September and December. 

There are various other names for this medicinal plant is known by the languages of India

includes Ratoliya, Ratuliyo and Ratveliyo in Gujarati, Nela hippali in Kannada, Jalapimpali

and Ratoliy in Marathi, Bakan, Bukan, Bhuiokra and Moknaa in Punjabi, Podutalei in Tamil,

Bhuiokra in Bengali, Jalapa-pili, Bhuiokra and Lundra in Hindi, Kattuttippali in Malayalam,

Bukkan in Oriya, Jalapippali and Vachira in Sanskrit and Bokkena, Bokenaku and

Nelaguridi in Telugu. 

Poduthalai is regarded as a cooling, aphrodisiac, astringent to the bowels, vulnerary,

stomachic, anthelmintic and alexiteric. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the heart,

asthma, blood and eye, bronchitis, loss of consciousness, thirst and to promote in the

healing of wounds and ulcers. In Unani, it is regarded as a diuretic and  antibiotic and used

in the treatment of colds and fevers. Poduthalai is also used to treat constipation, injuries

and knee-joint pains. A paste or poultice prepared from the fresh plant is used as a

support to heal swollen cervical glands, erysipelas, chronic indolent ulcers 

and boils. An astringent, bitter infusion prepared from the leaves and tender stalks of this

plant is given to children to relieve indigestion and to women following childbirth. The

crushed leaves are applied externally over the forehead to relieve headache by people of 

Gujarat.

The leaves of Poduthalai, ground with garlic, are used to relieve tooth-ache among the

 tribals of Andra Pradesh.

Poduthalai leaves are very effective and helpful to cure dandruff that is why this poduthalai

is called as dandruff controller.

Let us prepare the Poduthalai Thylam.

Take equal quantity of extract of poduthalai leaves and the equal quantity of coconut oil 

Mix well.

Heat this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.

Allow to cool and filter it.

Store it in an airtight container.

Apply this oil thoroughly over the scalp and leave it  for one hour and wash it.

Repeat the process twice weekly.

Dandruff will be definitely reduced and prevented.

Poduthalai powder is also availabale in herbal stores  also. Take some powder and make a

paste in a bowl and apply it on your scalp. Leave it for one hour and wash it. This is also a

simple easy method to cure dandruff.