Overview
Kakanasa is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. Kakanasa (Martynia diandra) is originally from Mexico and has naturalized in India. It is found growing on thorny bushes and waste lands. The plant has claw-like fruits. The text describes it as pungent, sharp, and hot in potency. It is used for worm infestations and as an anti-venom. The juice of leaves is applied for scorpion stings. Verse ref: page 442.
How Kakanasa Helps with Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Kakanasa has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
One prastha of ghrita should be cooked by adding four prasthas of milk and the paste of one karsha each of tryushana, triphala, draksha, kashmari, parushaka, dve patha (patha, raja patha), devadaru, rddhi, swagupta, chitraka, shati, brahmi, tamalaki, meda, kakanasa, shatavari, trikantaka, vidari.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 18: Cough Treatment (Kasa Chikitsa / कासचिकित्सा)
) of bala, At the time of preparation, the decoction of paste of sariwana, payasya, jivanti, veera, rishbhaka, jivaka, shravani, pippali, mudaga parni, pilu, mashaparni, sharkara, ksheerakakoli and kakanasa should be mixed.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
640 gm) ghrita should be cooked with the paste of one karsha each of kashmarya, triphala, draksha, kasamarda, parushaka, punarnava, haridra, daruharidra, kakanasa, sahachara, shatavari and guduchi.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 18: Cough Treatment (Kasa Chikitsa / कासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 30: Gynecological Disorders Treatment (Yonivyapat Chikitsa / योनिव्यापत्चिकित्सा)
For Anuvasana, the Guduchyadi Taila: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Eranda (castor), Putika, Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Vishakrohi, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Sahachara, and Kakanasa — each one Pala.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 5: Sneha Basti Vidhi (Oil Enema Therapy)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 5: Sneha Basti Vidhi (Oil Enema Therapy)
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.