Botanical Name

Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers.

Family

Poaceae.

Synonyms

Agrostis linearis Retz., Chloris maritima Trin., Digitaria ambigua (Lapeyr. ex DC.) Merat, Fibichia dactylon (L.) Beck, Milium dactylon (L.) Moench, Panicum ambiguum (DC.) Le Turq., Syntherisma linearis (L.) Nash, Vilfa stellata (Willd.) P.Beauv.

Regional Name

English : Creeping Cynodon, Conch Grass, Hindi : Doob, Sanskrit : Satavirya, Urdu : Doob Ghas, Doob, Punjabi : Dubada, Gujrati : Khadodhro, Lilidhro, Dhro, Bengali : Durva, Kannada : Garike Hullu, Malayalam : Koruka Pullu, Marathi : Doorva, Hariyalee, Harlee, Tamil : Aruvam Pullu, Telugu : Garika, Pacchgaddi.

Part Used

Root.

Description

This species is globally distributed in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Durva is an elegant, hard, perennial, creeping grass growing throughout the country and ascending to 2440 m. Roots fibrous, cylindrical, upto 4 mm thick, minute hair-like roots arise from the main roots; cream coloured. The blades are a grey-green colour and are short, usually 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) long with rough edges. The erect stems can grow 1–30 cm (0.39–11.81 in) tall.

Phytoconstituents

Phenolic Phytotoxins Alkaloids and Flavonoids. Durva is rich in phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium proteins and carbohydrates.

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa : Madhura, Tikta, Kasaya, Guna : Laghu, Vipaka : Madhura, Virya : Sita, Karma : Kaphapittasamaka, Raktapittanasaka, Dahaghna, Atisaraghna, Sramahara, Trptikara.

Ayurvedic Applications

Raktapitta, Trsnaroga, Daharoga, Visarpa, Tvakaroga, Arocaka, Duhsvapna, Bhutaroga, Raktapitta, Chardi, Murccha, Raktapradara, Mutra Daha.

Medicinal Uses

It is used for treatment of fever, Acidity, ulcer, colitis, piles, stomach infection and other health problems. It is also used in the treatment of wounds, eczema, urticaria, injuries, eye problems, skin rashes, constipation, indigestion, mental debility, diabetes, epilepsy, vaginal problems, menstrual problems and gynecological problems.