Ayurvedic Herbs of Kerala: A Regional Guide

Ayurvedic Herbs of Kerala: A Regional Guide

1. Dasapushpam – The Ten Sacred Flowers of Kerala

A culturally significant group of ten wild herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda and folk medicine, especially during Kerala’s Onam festival.

• Included Herbs:

  • Evolvulus alsinoides (Krishnakranthi) – used for memory, anxiety

  • Cynodon dactylon (Karuka) – wound healing, urinary issues

  • Emilia sonchifolia (Muyal cheviyan) – anti-inflammatory

  • Ipomoea sepiaria (Thiruthaali) – antimicrobial 

  • Aerva lanata (Cheroola) – urinary health

  • Curculigo orchioides (Nilappana) – hormone balance

  • Eclipta alba (Kayyunniam) – hair and liver tonic

  • Biophytum sensitivum (Mukkutti) – joint pain relief

  • Cardiospermum halicacabum (Uzhinja) – rheumatic aid 

2. Tirur Vettila (Tirur Betel Leaf)

A renowned variety of betel leaf native to Malappuram, known for its unique flavor, antioxidant richness, and use in Ayurvedic preparations.

• Holds a GI tag and widely used by Ayurvedic centers like Arya Vaidya Sala.

• Promotes digestion and serves as a ceremonial plant.

3. Pathimugham (Biancaea sappan)

Locally used as a pink-toning Ayurvedic drink—appreciated for its antibiotic and digestive properties. Often consumed for supporting gut health. 

4. Odakkali Lemongrass Varieties

Kerala’s unique breeding of lemongrass, such as the "Sugandhi" (OD19), is renowned for high essential oil yield rich in geranyl acetate—used in aromatic and digestive preparations. 

5. Malabar Cinnamon / Malabathrum (Cinnamomum malabatrum)

Also known as "Vazhana" or "Edana," this wild cinnamon species from the Western Ghats is aromatic and economically and medicinally valuable, traditionally used like tamalapatra. 

6. Flacourtia montana

Grows in Kerala’s semi-evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. Used in Ayurveda for fever, diarrhea, asthma, pain relief, and gynecological complaints. 

7. Saraca asoca (Asoka Tree) & Kaempferia rotunda (Chengazhi)

Both regarded as endangered and heavily studied for conservation.

• Asoka bark is the key ingredient in Asokarishtam, used for menstrual disorders.

• Chengazhi is a component of Drakshadhi Kaṣāya for treating fever, vomiting, fainting, and fatigue. 

8. Malabar Nut (Aaḍalodakam / Justicia adhatoda)

A treasured local herb for respiratory ailments like bronchitis, cough, asthma. Its leaves and roots offer bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. 

9. Common Ayurvedic Herbs Cultivated in Kerala

These form the basis of many formulations:

• Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Turmeric, Neem, Tulsi, Amalaki, Guduchi.
  Employed for rejuvenation, immunity, inflammation, respiratory care, and more. 

10. Popular Indian Ayurvedic Herbs (Also Used in Kerala)

Standard medicinal herbs such as:

• Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus), Adulsa (Adhatoda vasica), Aloe, Guggulu, Punarnava, Daruharidra (Berberis), among others—widely used in balances of kapha, cleansing, and wellness therapies. 

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Summary Table: Key Kerala Ayurvedic Herbs

Herb / Group	Malayalam Name(s)	Notable Uses
Dasapushpam	Various	Traditional wellness, Onam rituals
Tirur Betel Leaf	Vettila	Digestion, Ayurvedic medicine
Pathimugham	—	Antimicrobial beverage
Odakkali Lemongrass	Sugandhi	Aroma therapy, digestion
Malabar Cinnamon	Edana / Vazhana	Spice, digestion
Flacourtia montana	—	Fever, respiratory, pain
Saraca asoca	Asoka	Menstrual disorders
Kaempferia rotunda	Chengazhi	Fever, fatigue
Malabar Nut	Aaḍalodakam	Respiratory ailments
Common Herbs	—	Rejuvenation, immunity

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Conclusion

Kerala’s rich Ayurvedic heritage derives from both its cultivated staples—like Ashwagandha and Neem—and its regionally endemic treasures such as Malabar Cinnamon and Tirur Betel Leaves. Understanding their traditional uses and ecological status helps preserve this botanical legacy and informs modern herbal medicine.