Japa
- Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Family: Malvaceae
- Synonyms: Gudhal, Japapushpa, Rakta Pushpa, Aruna, Trisandhya
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Hibiscus” in English, “Japa” or “Gudhal” in
Hindi, and “Chembarathi” in Malayalam.
- Classification: A flowering shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family.
- Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, including India. It thrives in well
drained soils and sunny locations, often cultivated in gardens.
- Morphology: A shrub that grows up to 5–7 feet in height. It has ovate, alternate leaves
with toothed margins. The flowers are large, trumpet-shaped, and come in various colors like
red, pink, yellow, and white. The fruit is a dry, five-lobed capsule containing seeds.
- Useful Parts: Flowers, leaves, and roots.
- Chemical Composition: Contains flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, saponins, and
essential oils. It also has cyclopropanoids and beta-sitosterol.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective,
and antimicrobial properties. It is used in treating bleeding disorders, hair loss, and skin
ailments. It also acts as a rejuvenative and cooling agent.
- Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations like Japakusumadi Taila, herbal shampoos,
and hair oils. The flowers are also used in teas and traditional remedies.
Rasa: Kasaya, Tikta
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Katu