Photo: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kanghi कंघी
Abutilon indicum
Also known as: Atibala
Part used: Whole Plant, Root
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Abutilon indicum
- Part used: Whole Plant, Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; leaf as external application.
Kanghi in other languages
Introduction
Kanghi, classically Atibala (Abutilon indicum), is the country mallow, a soft-haired shrub of Indian waste ground whose seed capsule resembles a comb — the source of its Hindi name.
It is a sweet, cooling, mucilaginous drug used for strength and for the urinary tract, closely paired in the texts with Bala, whose action it shares.
Classification
Family Malvaceae. The root, leaf and seed are officinal. Rasa: Madhura. Guna: Guru, Snigdha, Picchila. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Madhura. Doshaghnata: pacifies Vata and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given as a Balya drug in weakness and Vata disorders, and as a Mutrala in burning urination and urinary irritation, where its mucilage soothes the passage. The leaf is applied externally to boils and inflamed skin, and the seed is used in cough and as a mild laxative.
Atibala for strength
Sweet and nourishing, it is used alongside Bala in the classical strengthening formulations, particularly where Vata has produced dryness and weakness.
Atibala for urinary comfort
Its mucilaginous quality soothes burning and irritation of the urinary passage, which is why it appears in the urinary formulations of this catalogue.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; leaf as external application.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kanghi?
The citations held for Kanghi in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Balya group); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Atibala).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Kanghi?
Among the drugs giving strength. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Balya group.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kanghi?
Madhura rasa, sheeta virya; balya and mutrala. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Atibala.
What is Kanghi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given as a Balya drug in weakness and Vata disorders, and as a Mutrala in burning urination and urinary irritation, where its mucilage soothes the passage. The leaf is applied externally to boils and inflamed skin, and the seed is used in cough and as a mild laxative.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kanghi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kanghi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kanghi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kanghi is used medicinally?
The part used is Whole Plant, Root.
How much Kanghi is taken, and how?
Root powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 50–100 ml twice daily; leaf as external application. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kanghi be avoided?
Gentle and well tolerated. Being sweet and heavy it may not suit those with sluggish digestion or heavy Kapha. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Where does Kanghi grow?
A common shrub of waste ground, roadsides and hedges throughout India up to about 1,200 m.
Classical references
- Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Balya group
Among the drugs giving strength. - Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Atibala
Madhura rasa, sheeta virya; balya and mutrala.
Safety & precautions
Gentle and well tolerated. Being sweet and heavy it may not suit those with sluggish digestion or heavy Kapha. Consult a physician in pregnancy.
Where it grows
A common shrub of waste ground, roadsides and hedges throughout India up to about 1,200 m.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atibala the same as Bala?
They are different plants with a similar action and are frequently prescribed together. Bala is Sida cordifolia; Atibala is Abutilon indicum.
Which part is used?
Chiefly the root. The leaf is used externally and the seed in cough preparations.
