Kaknasha is evergreen perennial subshrub commonly known as tropical milkweed. It is also known by the name blood flower. It is beneficial in treating diseases of the circulatory system.
Benefits of Blood Flower: Root-used as an astringent in piles. Leaves-antidysenteric, also used against haemorrhages. Flowers-styptic. Alcoholic extract of the plant-cardiotonic. Useful in treating warts, fights cancer, heart and blood vessel diseases.
Habitat: Found in many parts of India and used as an ornamental.
Action: Cardiotonic, spasmogenic, cytotoxic, purgative, antihaemorrhagic, styptic, antibacterial.
Scientific name: Asclepias Curassavica
Useful part: Leaves, root, flowers.
Energetics: Astringent.
Tissues: Plasma, blood, muscle, reproductive.
Systems: Circulatory, respiratory, excretory, reproductive.
Classical and common names
Ayurvedic: Kaakanaasikaa, kaknasha.
English: Blood flower, Curassavian Swallow-wort, West Indian Ipecacuanha.
Preparation: Juice, powder