Description
Worm Killer is a herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of intestinal worms. It is a perennial, or rarely annual, mostly prostrate but occasionally climbing or nearly erect, unpleasantly smelling herb growing from 10-40 cm long. The stem is smooth and little twining. The branches are sharp and small. The leaves are 2-3 inches long, kidney shaped and membranous. The under-surface has small mesh like structure. The flowers are purple colored, single, 1.5-2 inches long. They are inflated and spherical at the base, continuing as a long flower tube, ending in a tongue-shaped, brightly colored lobe. There are no petals. The calyx is 1-6 1-3 whorled, and 3-6 toothed. The sepals are united. There are 6-40 stamens in one whorl. They are united with the style, forming a gynostemium. These flowers have a specialized pollination mechanism. The plants are aromatic and their strong scent attracts insects. The inner part of the flower-tube is covered with hairs, acting as a fly-trap. These hairs then wither to release the fly, covered with pollen. The fruits are oval to round shape, 1 inch long. The seeds are triangular and flat. Worm Killer is found in North and South India.
Medical Benefits:
Good for all toxin and skin diseases, Ulcer, Carbuncle, Scabies.
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Hindi | Malayalam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aristolochia Bracteolata | Worm Killer | ईशरमूल / Isharmul | ഈശ്വരമൂലി / Eeswaramooli, |
