Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Tannins, mucilage, flavonoids
- Also Known As
- English: Maiden hair, Maidenhair Fern
Sanskrit: हंसपदी, हंसराज
Hindi: हंसराज, संसपदी
What is Hansapadi (Maidenhair Fern / हंसपदी)?
Hansapadi (Adiantum lunulatum) is a delicate fern, commonly called Maidenhair Fern. The fronds are the medicinal part. The plant grows in shady, moist areas on rocks and walls. It is described as bitter, astringent, light, dry, and cold in potency. It is primarily used for cough (Kasa), asthma (Shvasa), fever (Jvara), and respiratory conditions. The delicate fan-shaped fronds have a water-repellent surface. Verse refs: page 444.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Kasahara (relieves cough)
- Shvasahara (relieves asthma)
- Jvaraghna (reduces fever)
- Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sushruta Samhita
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.