Kashmal plant, a traditional Himalayan medicinal plant, has long been revered in folk medicine for its superb healing properties since antiquity. Known for its natural vision remedies and digestive wellness, it is found primarily in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The term Kashmal broadly refers to Rhamnus purpurea and sometimes Berberis lycium, depending on local traditions. This article explores both botanical variants, their therapeutic uses, and the reasons for their popularity in modern herbal medicine.
Traditional Relevance Of Rhamnus Purpurea And Berberis Lyceum
In rural Himalayan regions, Kashmal (whether Rhamnus purpurea or Berberis lyceum) is more than just a plant and indeed a part of the local healthcare system. While both varieties are typically harvested from the wild, herbalists rely on it for preparing traditional medicines, combining it with other herbs for enhanced effects.
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Rhamnus Purpurea-The True Kashmal
Kashmal, in the true sense, Rhamnus purpurea is a shrub belonging to the family Rhamnaceae. It grows in dry temperate forests, typically at elevations ranging from one thousand to two thousand meters. Simple, ovate leaves and greenish-yellow blooms usually appearing in clusters, it has purplish-black drupes that are sweet when ripe. Rhamnus purpurea contains flavonoids, tannins, and anthraquinones, compounds known for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Research is ongoing into its potential as a herbal treatment for gastrointestinal disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Here are the health benefits of Rhamnus Purpurea
Protects Digestive Health
Due to mild laxative effects, the bark and fruit of Rhamnus purpurea are traditionally used to relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion
Combats Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory benefits of the plant are more than ordinary, and thus it is used in poultices and decoctions to treat joint pain, swelling, and skin inflammation.
Aids Wound Healing
Its leaves and bark are applied externally for treating wounds, cuts, and skin infections.
Vision Booster-Berberis Lycium
Berberis lycium is a completely different plant with its own significant medicinal value, but sometimes also referred to as Kashmal, especially in areas where Rhamnus purpurea is scarce. From the Berberidaceae family, it is also known as Indian Barberry or Daruhaldi. A spiny shrub, it is found on rocky slopes and forest margins up to three thousand meters in elevation. It has small, oval, and leathery leaves and bright yellow flowers. The fruits are elongated berries that become dark purple when ripe. Berberis lycium is a rich source of berberine, a powerful alkaloid with antimicrobial properties that can combat eye problems, common cold and flu, as well as a powerful remedy with anti-diabetic properties to cure diabetes.
One of its most potent uses is for vision health. A time-tested remedy, traditionally, its extract is used to treat eye conditions like conjunctivitis, eye infection, and blurred vision. The root bark is especially potent and forms a key ingredient in several Unani and Ayurvedic formulations for eye-related disorders. Berberis Lycium is also a potent remedy in managing conditions such as:
Liver Issues
The root extract is used to support liver function and detoxification.
Blood Sugar Regulation
It has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in diabetic patients. Even in the present time, it is a herbal remedy for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and many types of bacterial infections.
How Are Kashmal Extracts Used?
Both varieties of the plant have been used as:
- Herbal tea
- Decoctions
- Topical pastes
- Root powder
Conclusion
Whether Rhamnus purpurea or Berberis lycium, the Kashmal plant holds an important place in traditional medicine. With scientifically proven therapeutic properties, it bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern herbal medicine. However, due to overgrazing and unregulated harvesting, populations of Rhamnus purpurea and Berberis Lycium are declining in several areas. With an interest in herbal medicine growing worldwide, though, Kashmal is a blend of natural remedy and a deep cultural legacy. Yet scientific validation of its traditional uses is crucial.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a master’s in electronic media and mass communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Anthocyanin profiling of Berberis lycium Royle berry and its bioactivity evaluation for its nutraceutical potential
Prakash Chandra Pradhan, Supradip Saha
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4837717/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9993256/
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