Usage of herbs and plants that nature provides us has always been a very affordable and organic way to treat several mild to severe diseases and disorders for the longest time. Most herbs are available in abundance on the planet as wild produce or some people cultivate them without much fuss and cost. From an array of such plants that are native to Asian regions and thrive abundantly, one typical herb available to mankind is the Calotropis gigantea. The plant goes by many names such as crown flower, giant Indian milkweed, and shallow wort, and belongs to the family of Apocynaceae. In India, it is commonly called Aak or Madar. A large shrub or small tree that comes under the Asclepiadaceae family, the herb thrives in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, and Nepal in huge amounts. 
The Calotropis Plant
Two varieties of this plant are commonly found in India. One has white flowers (Calotropis gigantea) and another produces lavender-coloured blooms called Calotropis procera. However, the herb and its extracts should be used cautiously as it is considered poisonous in nature. Despite being potentially dangerous, its amazing healing powers have been used in ancient and Ayurvedic medicinal systems for centuries. Several herbal formulations have Aak as a key ingredient to treat various chronic health anomalies. The plant bears five-petalled, whitish-lavender coloured, crown-like flowers hence popularly known as the crown flower. The Calotropis shrub grows up to five to seven meters in height. The stem of the herb produces milky latex and the leaves are light green in hue and oval in shape.
Health Benefits Of Calotropis Plant
The correct usage of this plant provides numerous, powerful health benefits. It can help relieve mild to severe skin woes, and digestive, respiratory, and neurological disorders. It has also been highly beneficial when used to treat fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The milky latex of the herb is used in preventing cancers. It has also been an effective antidote to cure snake bites.
What Ailments Can Calotropis Cure?
- Epileptic attacks
- High-grade fever
- Gout related issues
- Snakebites and scorpion bites
- Digestive disorders and abdominal cramps
- Loose motions
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Boils, skin infections and ulcers
- Inflammation of the body and pain in joints
- Cough, cold and asthmatic anomalies when inhaled in prescribed and safe doses
Also Read: Equisetum: Amazing Curative Benefits of The Horsetail Herb
Effective Home Remedies Using Calotropis Plant
A potent herb that can be made into powder and oil, Calotropis gigantea can cure many health disorders if applied topically or inhaled. However, the doctor's recommendation is always advised, it is highly suggested to avoid giving Calotropis extracts to pregnant and lactating women.
Here are two remedies that can work wonders in alleviating certain pains and aches:
Inflammation And Joint Pain
Method:
Take a handful of leaves and boil them for ten minutes. Let it cool and make a fine paste. This leaf poultice can be applied over the area of inflammation.
How It Works?
Imbued with anti-inflammatory properties, topical application over the joint areas of this paste is very effective in curing all joint-related swelling as well as chronic aches in knee areas.
Pain In Muscles And Tendons
Method:
Take a few drops of oil and warm it a little. Gently massage the painful areas of the body before bedtime.
How It Works?
Calotropis leaf oil provides immense relief in curing chronic muscular pains owing to its analgesic properties. Besides the oil being effective in soothing muscular pains, it can also alleviate stress-related headaches.
Precautions While Using Calotropis Gigantea Extracts
The whitish milk juice that drains from the leaves of Aak can be poisonous if consumed in abnormal doses. Moreover, it should not enter the eyes as it can cause severe damage to the eyesight. Therefore, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner before using extracts of this plant since it can be dangerous if you are not aware of its exact dosage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Calotropis Gigantea Used For?
Calotropis gigantea is used traditionally in Ayurveda and folk medicine for various purposes, including:
Pain relief mainly for joints and muscles
Treats skin diseases like eczema, ringworm, and leprosy
Remedies digestive disorders, constipation, and promotes appetite
Combats fever and respiratory issues
Used externally as an antiseptic for wounds and ulcers
What Is The Medicinal Use Of Rui?
Rui, another name for Calotropi,s has multiple medicinal uses:
The leaves extract is heated and applied for joint pain and swelling
Latex of the plant is used in treating skin diseases, but it must be used cautiously due to its toxicity
Root bark is used in traditional remedies for digestive issues, fever, and toothache
How To Use Calotropis For Joint Pain?
Fresh Rui leaves are used as a traditional remedy to ease joint pain. The leaves are warmed over a gentle flame and applied directly to the painful joint region.
Calotropis-infused herbal oils or balms may also be applied externally for relief.
Do not apply the latex directly to broken skin, as it may cause irritation or toxicity.
What Is Calotropin Used For?
Calotropin is a toxic cardiac glycoside found in Calotropis latex. It has pharmacological effects similar to digitalis, affecting heart muscles. However, it is not used clinically due to its toxicity and is studied primarily for research purposes in cardiac and cancer biology.
What Happens If Calotropis Milk Drops In The Eyes?
Calotropis latex is highly irritating to the eyes and can cause:
Severe pain and burning
Redness and swelling
Temporary blindness or blurred vision
Corneal damage in serious cases
If Calotropis latex contacts the eyes, flush immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek emergency medical attention.
(This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu Health & Nutrition Expert)
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:
Calotropis gigantea extract as a potential anticariogenic agents against Streptococcus mutans: An in vivo comparative evaluation
Meenakshi Sharma 1,✉, Sandeep Tandon 1, Ullal Anand Nayak 1, Damodhar Kappadi 1, Ambika Singh Rathore 1, Anil Goyal 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5706318
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369791518_Review_Article_on_Calotropis_Gigantea
