What is Patala?
Patala (पातल) is a significant Ayurvedic medicinal herb derived from Stereospermum suaveolens (also referred to as Stereospermum chelonoides), a medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. It is one of the ten Dashamoola (ten root) herbs — a group of classical Ayurvedic roots widely used in anti-Vata, anti-inflammatory, and tonic formulations. The tree produces beautiful rose-pink to white fragrant flowers, which give it its Sanskrit name Patala, meaning “pale red” or “trumpet flower”.
Ayurvedic Properties of Patala
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Name | Pātala (पातल), also Amoghaa, Krshnvrintaa |
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet) |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna (Hot) — roots; Sheeta (Cooling) — flowers |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha Effect | Vata-Kapha Shamak (pacifies Vata and Kapha; flowers are cooling and Pitta-pacifying) |
| Part Used | Roots, root bark, heartwood, flowers, leaves, seeds |
Health Benefits of Patala
1. Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic Properties
Patala’s root contains lapachol, scutellarein, and other bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a Shothaghna (anti-inflammatory) herb, particularly effective for Shwayathu (oedema) and Shotha (inflammatory swelling) in the body. It is used in classical decoctions for managing systemic inflammation associated with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions.
2. Respiratory Health Support
As a Dashamoola constituent, Patala plays an important role in the management of Shwasa (asthma) and Kasa (cough) through its bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory mucosa. The Dashamoola Taila (oil) and Dashamoola Kashaya (decoction) containing Patala are classical preparations for respiratory Vata-Kapha disorders. Its mild expectorant action helps clear mucus accumulation in chronic bronchial conditions.
3. Digestive Health & Agni Improvement
Patala exhibits Deepana (appetiser) and Pachana (digestive) properties, helping to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gastric motility. It is used in Ayurveda for Aruchi (anorexia), indigestion, and bloating, particularly when these arise from Vata-Kapha imbalances. Its astringent properties also help in managing diarrhoea and intestinal inflammation.
4. Diuretic & Urinary Tract Health
Patala is a classical Mutravirajaniya (urine-promoting) herb that improves kidney function and supports healthy urine flow. Its diuretic properties help clear excess Kapha from the urinary channels and reduce water retention. In classical Ayurvedic medicine, Patala roots are used in formulations for Mutraghata (urinary obstruction) and Mutrakrichra (painful urination).
5. Cardiac Tonic Properties
The phytochemicals in Patala, including cardiac glycoside-like compounds and flavonoids, provide Hridya (cardiotonic) effects. In Ayurveda, it is used as part of cardiac-supporting formulations that strengthen the myocardium, regulate heart rhythm, and improve circulation. It is particularly relevant in managing Vata-type cardiac conditions involving palpitations and anxiety.
6. Fever Management & Antipyretic Action
Patala is a Jwaraghna (fever-reducing) herb used in classical Ayurvedic fever management formulations, particularly for fevers associated with Vata-Kapha imbalances. Its bitter and astringent tastes help clear the accumulated Ama that underlies many febrile conditions in Ayurvedic pathology, while its mild cooling flowers are used in Pitta-type fevers.
7. Wound Healing & Skin Health
Patala’s Kashaya (astringent) property makes it effective as a Vranaropana (wound-healing) herb. The bark and leaf extracts, when applied topically, help reduce skin inflammation, tighten tissues, and accelerate the healing of chronic wounds, skin ulcers, and inflammatory dermatoses. In classical Ayurveda, it is used in Lepa (medicinal paste) formulations for various skin conditions.
How to Use Patala
| Form | Dosage | How to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Decoction (Kashaya) | 50–100 ml | Boil 10–15 g of root/bark in 400 ml water, reduce to 100 ml; drink twice daily before meals |
| Powder (Churna) | 3–6 g | With warm water or honey, twice daily; as part of Dashamoola compound |
| Dashamoola formulations | As prescribed | In classical preparations like Dashamoola Kashaya, Dashamoola Taila, or Ashtaguna Taila |
| Topical (Lepa) | As needed | Bark powder mixed with water or oil; apply to affected skin or joints |
Side Effects & Precautions
Patala is generally well-tolerated in therapeutic doses under professional guidance. As with all Dashamoola herbs, it should not be used in excess or for prolonged periods without monitoring. Pregnant women should avoid Patala due to its Vata-pacifying and uterine-stimulating properties in certain formulations. Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution, as Patala’s bioactive compounds may have hepatic interactions. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician for appropriate dosage and duration of use.
Classical References
Patala is prominently mentioned in the Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana) as one of the Dashamoola — the ten great roots that form the backbone of Vata-pacifying and anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic therapy. The Ashtanga Hridayam (Sutra Sthana, Dravyadi Vijnaniya chapter) describes its properties and therapeutic applications in detail. It appears in numerous classical compound formulations including Dashamoola Kashaya, Balarishta, and Ashwagandha formulations as a supportive anti-inflammatory and tonic ingredient.