Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Alkaloids, Saponins
- Also Known As
- English: Oldenlandia
Sanskrit: क्षेत्रपर्पट, वनपर्पटा
Hindi: दमनपापड़ा
What is Oldenlandia?
Walk past a rain-soaked field in India and you may be looking at a fever remedy. Oldenlandia (Kshetraparpata), botanically Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn., grows commonly in fields during the rainy season, at altitudes up to 8000 feet.
It is a small plant, 8 to 25 inches tall, with small white flowers. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as the field variety of Parpata, a name that several different plants share across regions of India.
Its main uses are as a remedy for fever and for Pitta disorders. Pitta is the dosha of heat and metabolism, so a cooling, bitter plant like this one is a natural fit.
Benefits of Oldenlandia
Fever
Oldenlandia is classed as Jvarghna, meaning it relieves fever. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) names this as its primary use.
The reasoning comes from its properties: a bitter taste (Tikta Rasa) and a cold potency (Sheeta Virya), both of which counter heat.
Cooling Excess Pitta
The same text calls it Pittashamaka, a Pitta pacifier. Its light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) qualities, together with its cold potency, work against Pitta's hot, oily nature.
Thirst
Oldenlandia is also listed as Trishnanigrahana, a remedy that quenches excessive thirst, a common companion of fever and high Pitta.
How to Use Oldenlandia
Our sources record the plant's properties and actions but give no specific preparation forms or doses. The table below reflects that rather than guessing.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| As prescribed by a practitioner | Not recorded in our sources | Fever, Pitta disorders, excessive thirst | As advised |
Because several plants share the name Parpata, make sure any product names Oldenlandia corymbosa specifically. No vehicle (Anupana) or seasonal guidance is recorded.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no specific contraindications or drug interactions for Oldenlandia.
Its properties do suggest some care. It is cold, light and dry, so people who already feel cold, dry or depleted may find it aggravating. Its post-digestive effect (Vipaka), the effect a substance has after digestion, is pungent (Katu).
A fever can signal a serious illness. Use Oldenlandia alongside proper medical care, not instead of it, and speak to a qualified practitioner before taking it.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to explore Oldenlandia, start by finding a correctly identified product. Because the name Parpata is shared by several plants, look for Oldenlandia corymbosa on the label.
A practitioner can then advise on form and dose, which our sources do not record. Its classical role is cooling: fever, Pitta and thirst.
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For any fever, see a doctor first, and avoid this cooling, drying herb if you already feel cold or dry.
Oldenlandia vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The comparison readers need most is between the plants that share the Parpata name.
| Comparison | Oldenlandia | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldenlandia vs other plants called Parpata | The field variety, Oldenlandia corymbosa; bitter, cold, light, dry; used for fever and Pitta | Other species sold as Parpata, from the Fumariaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Acanthaceae families | Check the botanical name. The properties on this page belong to Oldenlandia corymbosa only. |
Our sources do not record comparisons with other fever herbs, so we have not added any.
Oldenlandia for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources give no guidance on use in pregnancy or while nursing. Do not use it without your doctor's approval.
Children
No dosage for children is recorded. A child with a fever needs medical assessment first.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Its cold, dry and light qualities may not suit older people who tend toward dryness or feel the cold.
Athletes
Our sources describe no athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oldenlandia used for in Ayurveda?
Mainly for fever and Pitta disorders. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists it as antipyretic, Pitta pacifying and thirst quenching.
Is Oldenlandia the same as Parpata?
It is one of several plants called Parpata. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes Oldenlandia corymbosa as the field variety (Kshetraparpata).
Is Oldenlandia cooling or heating?
Cooling. It has a bitter taste, a cold potency and light, dry qualities.
What does Oldenlandia contain?
Our sources list alkaloids and saponins among its chemical constituents.
What is its Hindi name?
It is recorded in Hindi as Damanpapda (दमनपापड़ा).
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.