Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa): Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna): Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya): Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents: Fumaric acid, Fumariline, Protopine
Also Known As: English: Indian Fumitory
Sanskrit: पर्पट, दरदपुष्प, वरतिक्त, पर्पटक
Hindi: पित्तपापड़ा, शाहतरा

What is Parpata / Indian Fumitory (परपटा / पित्तपापड़ा)?

Parpata (Fumaria indica), known as Pittapapda or Indian Fumitory, is a key herb for Pitta disorders. The whole plant is used medicinally. It has a markedly bitter taste and cooling potency. It is extensively used in fevers, burning sensation, excessive thirst, and blood disorders. The Fumaric acid content gives it its characteristic properties. It is one of the herbs commonly used in formulations for Jwara (fever) and Daha (burning sensation). Multiple species are referenced including F. indica, F. officinalis, and F. parviflora.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

Pittashamaka (pacifies Pitta)
Jvarghna (antipyretic)
Dahaprashamana (relieves burning sensation)
Trishnanigrahana (relieves thirst)
Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
Krimighna (anthelmintic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

How to Use Parpata by Condition

Explore how Parpata is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Parpata for Anemia

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Parpata for Parasites and Worms

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Parpata for Skin Disorders

▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)

References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan

Parpata, nadikalaya, gojihwa (godhumi);
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

References in Charaka Samhita

Decoction prepared by boiling drugs such as katphala, kuttrana, bharangi, musta, dhanyaka, vacha, abhaya, shunthi, parpata, shrungi and surahva is to be used in kasa associated with vata and kapha along with madhu and hingu.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 18: Cough Treatment (Kasa Chikitsa / कासचिकित्सा)

Water boiled with duralabha , musta or musta, parpata or only musta which metabolizes the toxins;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)

Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 18: Cough Treatment (Kasa Chikitsa / कासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 24: Alcoholism Treatment (Madatyaya Chikitsa / मदात्ययचिकित्सा)

References in Sharangadhara Samhita

Patoladi Kvatha: Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Triphala, Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus), Parpata (Fumaria indica), and the two types of Chandana (red and white sandalwood) — these should be decocted in water.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)

In Pitta Jvara (Pitta-type fever): Chandana (sandalwood — Santalum album), Ushira (vetiver — Vetiveria zizanioides), Padma (lotus), Utpala (blue lotus — Nymphaea stellata), Dhanyaka (coriander — Coriandrum sativum), Parpata (Fumaria indica), Nanaka, and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) should be decocted.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

In Tridosha Jvara (fever involving all three Doshas): a decoction of Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Parpata (Fumaria indica), Padma, Utpala (blue lotus), Chandana (sandalwood), Shunthi (dry ginger), and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) destroys Tridosha Jvara.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Parpata (Fumaria indica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), and Chandana (sandalwood) — this decoction destroys Jvara (fever) and Atisara (diarrhea).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

Mahamanjishthadi Kvatha, prepared with Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Parpata (Fumaria indica), and other drugs, destroys Kushtha (skin diseases), Vata disorders, and Visarpa (erysipelas), and is supreme in alleviating Shotha (edema) and Pandu (anemia).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)

References in Sushruta Samhita

In fevers arising from Pitta, alcohol, or poison: cold water boiled with bitter herbs -- Gangiya (ginger), Nagara, Ushira (vetiver), Parpata, Udichya, and Chandana (sandalwood).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

Medicated waters with Chandana (sandalwood), Ushira, and Parpata help.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha

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.