The Bonesetter plant belongs to the family Vitaceae. The typical quadrangular shape of the stem has given this plant its species name. It is a succulent creeper found trailing over bushes and fences. The tendrils are long and slender. The leaves found at the nodes are 2.5-5 cm. long and are broadly ovate or reniform. The greenish yellow flowers with red tips are in short peduncled cymes with spreading umbellata branches. In many of the tribal belts in India local people have successfully used this plant to mend skeletal fractures, muscle injuries, and sprains.MEDICINAL USE:
*Amonorrhoea or absence of menstruation, and painful menstruation.
*Diarrhoea.
*Injuries, muscular pain, and sprains.
*Obesity.
*Piles, stomach ailments, and ulcer.
*stomachache.
*Swelling due to injuries.
*Asthma.
HOW TO USE:
*For amenorrhoea, prepare ash of the bone-setter plant by crushing the stem and mixing it with a
pinch of salt. Then burn it over coal on a slow fire. Take a pinch or two of this ashalong with one
teaspoon of clarified butter or ghee. Administer this three times a day for 3-7 days.
*For diarrhoea, add a pinch of the same ash to a little hot water and drink.
*For injuries, muscular pain, and sprains, grind the whole plant into a fine paste with equal
quantities of fresh turmeric (curcuma domestica) rhizomes. Apply a good amount on the effected
parts. Bandage and leave undisturbed for a few days.
*To control obesity, take 3 to 4 pinches of the earlier mentioned ash long with buttermilk or coconut
water and control the intake of fatty foods. Vigorous exercise for at least 30 to 40 minutes resulting
in perspiration will help shed the unwanted fat.
*For piles, stomach ailments and ulcer, take 3 to 4 pinches of the same ash with 1-2 teaspoons of
clarified butter of ghee fro 2-3 months.
*For stomachache, take a handful each of the whole bonesetter plant and drumstick (Moringa
olrifera) flowers along with 1 tablespoon of copra (dried coconut). Grind with a little water, extract
the juice and drink it.
*For swelling due to injuries, pound the plant and extract one cup of its juice. Add 1-2 teaspoon each
of salt and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and boil the mixture. While it is still warm, apply it onto
the affected parts.
*The stem beaten into a paste is given in small quantities to control asthma.
PARTS USED:
*The whole plant.
DOSE:
As recommended above.
Normal Dosage For:
Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day
A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp
1 litre = 7 or 8 cups