Common names for Phyllantus include Chanca Piedra in Spanish, Bhumyamalaki in Ayurveda, Quebra Pedra in Portuguese, Eyin Olobe in Yoruba, Enyikwonwa and Ngwu in Ibo, Oyomokeso Amanke Edem in Efik and Geeron-Tsuntsaayee (bird’s millet) in Hausa.
It grows 50 to 70 centimeters tall and bears ascending herbaceous branches. The bark is smooth and light green. It bears numerous pale green flowers which are often flushed with red. The fruits are tiny, smooth capsules containing seeds.
Its very useful in the treatment of liver diseases like jaundice and liver cirrohosis. It helps to remedy fatty liver and liver damage due to any reason. It promotes liver action.
• It is also said to be used in the case of anorexia.
• It is diuretic and hence is used in urinary tract infections and bacterial infections like cyctitis and protastitis.
Home remedies with Phyllanthus niruri
• It can be used to increase the appetite and locally to relieve inflammations.
• Leaves are a popular remedy against fever.
• Infusion of young shoots is given in dysentery.
• Fresh juice of the whole plant along with clarified butter is very effective in the treatment of Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea and Gonorrhea.
The whole plant also contains potassium. Regular intake of a small quantity of leaves in the morning on an empty stomach helps to get rid of the toxins due to insect and spider bites.
Phyllanthus Side Effects and Safety Concerns
To date, little is known about the safety of long-term use of supplements containing extracts of plants of the Phyllanthus genus.
