Pitavakka-පිටවක්කා

Botanical name  -Phyllanthus niruri
Family                 -Euphorbiaceae
Sanskrit names   -Lajjalu, Samipatra, Samanga, Anjalikarika, Raktapadi, Namaskari,
                               Khadiraka                              
Singhalese name- Pitavakka

Verities – according to the colure of the plant
1. White
2. Brown

Parts used   - Whole plant & Seeds.

Properties:      
Rasa          Madhura, Kashaya, Tikta
Guna         Laghu, Ruksha
Veerya      Sheeta              
Vipaka      Madhura


Attributes / Karma:
Alleviates Pitta & Kapha. Vitiates Vata.
Cures – excessive thirst, cough, (Rakta pitta) bleeding disorders, (Pandu), ulcers.                                                                                                      
Medicinal uses
External.
• Wounds, edema. Dermatitis – paste of the leaves is applied.
• Fractures – paste prepared from leaves crushed with salt is used.
• Eye disorders – an application of roots + rice gruel + salt is used.
• Hiccough – juice of roots mixed with sugar is used as nasya.  

Internal
• Seeds + rice water is useful in menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, dysurea, diabetes.
• Hiccough – Tamalaki decoction made with cow’s milk is used.

Formulations:
Tamalakyadi kvata
Samangadi kvata