Chopchini or China root or Smilax China is a potent medicinal plant valued greatly in traditional Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. The rhizomes or roots of this wonder herb possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, stimulant, carminative, laxative, and tonic properties. Further, it is also highly valued for treating several venereal disorders and skin-related woes.
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The yellow-coloured dye obtained from the leaves of chopchini is used widely for commercial purposes, while the roots of this plant are dry and light with a bitter taste and hot potency. The topical application of chopchini cream aids in treating psoriasis and skin problems.
Chopchini works amazingly well, balancing all three doshas -Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Chopchini root is boiled in milk with other herbs like mastagi, elachi, and dalchini. Drinking this concoction is beneficial in treating rheumatoid, gout, epilepsy, Vata disorders, and different stage of syphilis. Additionally, Chopchini and anantmool blend is used to cure chronic headaches.
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Chopchini Plant
Chopchini is an evergreen and deciduous shrub that grows about 10mt in height. The leaves of this plant are heart-shaped, ranging in size from 5-30 cm in different species. Flowers join to form a white cluster and green in hue, and the flowering season is from May to June. The plant produces round berries that are red to blue-black, and the diameter of the fruit is 5-10 m. The fruit is rubbery in texture with a single ample seed inside. Smilax china is a native plant of China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. It is widely distributed in forests, hillsides, and shaded areas along the valleys in India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Myanmar.
Synonyms of Chopchini
Chopchini has different names in various languages Smilax china, China root in English, Chopchini, Chobchini and Toupchini in Hindi, Ayadi in Tamil, Kaltamara in Malayalam, Ghotvel in Marathi, Kondadantena in Telugu, Kaadu hambu in Kannada, Kumariak in Bengali, and Mootrilata in Oriya.
Health Benefits
Remedies Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chopchini is a powerful herb that aids in improving bone health and reducing pain and inflammation at the joints. Aamavata, rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurveda, is a health condition where vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. The Ama carried to different regions via Vata gets collected in the joints instead of getting absorbed. Chopchini helps in reducing Ama owing to its Ushna potency and offers relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as pain and swelling in the joints.
Cures Psoriasis
Chopchini is a traditional remedy for treating several skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, and skin irritation. This herb is highly beneficial in managing psoriasis when applied topically to the affected region in the form of a cream owing to its anti-psoriatic action. It works by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and lessens skin inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative traits.
Manages Fluid Retention
The natural diuretic property of chopchini helps in managing fluid retention. As per Ayurveda, edema can be correlated with Shavthu, and swelling develops in the body due to excess fluid accumulation. It aids in increasing urine output and reducing water retention.
Regulates Diabetes
Chopchini is an impressive herb for regulating blood sugar spikes by improving metabolism and balancing Pitta doshas. It improves insulin sensitivity, promotes digestion of starches, and brings down glucose levels.
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Other Benefits
Chopchini is a very potent herb that aids in unclogging sweat pores, getting rid of toxins from the system, purifying the blood, and combat against skin infections. It is used as Rasayana helps to rejuvenate and improve longevity and maintain the structural integrity of cells in the body.
Dosage:
Chopchini can be consumed in supplementary capsules or the form of root, leaves, and seed extract. The therapeutic dosage of the herb usually varies from person to person depending upon the age, body strength, severity, and condition of the patient. It is strongly suggested to consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner as they would evaluate the patient’s indications and past medical conditions and prescribe an effective dose for a specific time.
