In Kannada, twigs are commonly referred to as “ಕಂಜಿ” (kanji) or “ಅಗಲೆ” (agale). Twigs from various medicinal plants are widely used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties, including for oral health, digestive issues, and general well-being.
Here are some key twigs used in Ayurveda:
Neem Twigs:
Medicinal Use: Neem (Azadirachta indica) twigs are frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are commonly used to brush teeth, helping to improve oral hygiene, prevent gum diseases, and freshen breath. Neem twigs can also be used in pastes to treat skin issues like acne and eczema.
Other Uses: Neem twigs also support the immune system, detoxify the body, and are beneficial for digestive health due to their mild laxative effect.
Banyan Twigs:
Medicinal Use: The twigs of the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) are used in Ayurvedic practices for treating inflammation, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers. The bark and twigs have astringent properties and help in healing wounds and reducing bleeding. They are also used to soothe digestive issues and manage oral health.
Other Uses: Banyan twigs are also believed to have cooling effects on the body, balancing Pitta dosha, and can be used for detoxification.
Mango Twigs:
Medicinal Use: Mango twigs (Mangifera indica) have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for their antioxidant and digestive benefits. The twigs are believed to have a mild astringent action, making them effective for oral care. They can help treat sore gums and toothaches and are sometimes used as part of pastes or gargles for mouth ulcers.
Other Uses: Mango twigs are also known to reduce excess heat in the body and improve digestive health, particularly for stomach disorders.
Other Uses of Twigs in Ayurveda:
Oral Health: Apart from neem, other twigs like peepal and bamboo are also used in traditional practices for brushing teeth or massaging gums, helping to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum infections.
Digestive Issues: Twigs from plants like Ajwain (carom seeds) and Vidanga (Embelia ribes) are often used in Ayurveda for improving digestion, reducing bloating, and treating gastric issues. They are usually consumed in the form of powders, teas, or decoctions.
Respiratory Problems: Twigs from Vata-balance herbs like Pine or Eucalyptus may also be used in steam inhalations for clearing the respiratory passages, especially in cases of cough, cold, and congestion.
Twigs for Detoxification and Immunity:
Neem and Tulsi twigs are commonly included in Ayurvedic detox routines. Neem is especially known for its blood-purifying properties and is used in daily rituals like teeth brushing and face masks to help the body detoxify naturally.
Mango twigs, when used in powdered form, can support immunity and digestion and are sometimes added to herbal teas or supplements to balance doshas and boost the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
How to Use Twigs for Health:
Oral Care: For oral hygiene, twigs can be chewed directly or used as a toothbrush. You can also make a decoction or mouth rinse by boiling the twigs in water.
Teas and Decoctions: For digestive benefits, twigs of plants like Ajwain or Banyan can be boiled in water to make herbal teas.
Topical Use: Paste made from twigs can be applied directly to the skin for conditions like eczema, wounds, or acne.
Precautions:
Sensitivity: Always start with small amounts when using twigs for the first time, especially for oral care or topical applications, to ensure there’s no allergic reaction or sensitivity.
Consultation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before using twigs or herbal remedies.
Overall, twigs in Ayurvedic medicine have a long history of supporting both internal and external health needs, particularly for conditions related to digestion, oral hygiene, detoxification, and immune boosting.
