Katu pila - කටුපිල

Botanical name  -Tephrosia purpurea
Family                 -Leguminoseae
English name      -Purple tephrosia
Sanskrit names  - Plihasatru, Sarapunkha
Singhalese name- Pila / Katu pila

Parts used   -Whole plant, Kshara, Root & Seeds.
                     
Properties:      
Rasa          Tikta, Kashaya
Guna         Laghu,
Veerya      Ushna              
Vipaka      Katu
Prabhava   Bhedana

Attributes / Karma:
Alleviates Kapha & Vata.
Cures – hepatic & spleenic disorders, Gulma, wounds, poisoning, cough, blood disorders, asthma, fever                                                                                            

Medicinal uses

Internal
• Decoction of the roots is used in flatulence.
• Hepatomegaly – root decoction along with black pepper powder is used.
• Rat poisoning – powdered seeds are used with Takra (liquid part of cured) poisoning.
• Gulma – equal quantity of Sarapunkha kshara + powdered haritaki is used (B.P)