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