In Ayurveda, many herbs and plants are used as the prime source of health and wellness. However, one significant herb that has been a component of Ayurvedic medicine is Patha (Cissampelos pareira). Often considered a medicinal plant in Ayurveda, this herb is highly valued due to its diversity of therapeutic uses. With the traditional use of centuries, Patha has been used to treat ailments such as skin infections and digestive issues. Patha is a medicinally valued plant; people use it in various Ayurvedic medicines, including Pushyanuga Churna, Shadharana Gulik, etc. The following blog discusses Patha, its uses, benefits, precautions, dosages, and how it benefits the body.
Last updated on : 19 Jun, 2025
Read time : 13 mins
Patha, also called by the scientific name Cissampelos pareira, is a climbing herb of the family Menispermaceae. It has widely been used for anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and diuretic effects in Ayurvedic medicine. Patha is mainly used to balance the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which are the fundamental principles of health and disease.
Patha is a great assistant in managing diseases associated with digestive problems, skin care diseases, respiratory problems, and fever. It can also be used in medications such as Jathyadi Ghrutham, an ancient Ayurvedic medicine traditionally used to support wound healing. Since this herb acts as an agent in treatment, many Ayurvedic medicines that direct well-being in every aspect have used this herb.
There are a variety of places that produce Patha, primarily the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates. Some of the most common sources include:
Feature | Details |
What is Patha? | Patha is an essential herb in Ayurveda. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and aids in digestion. |
Origin | India, primarily used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for centuries. |
Common Use | Skin infections, digestive problems, respiratory system disorders, urinary disorders. |
Chemical Composition | It contains alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and flavonoids. |
Alternative Names | Cissampelos pareira, Patha Lata. |
Health Benefits | It facilitates digestion and functions as a lung tonic; it is good for the healing of wounds, reduces diabetes, and has sound effects on the skin. |
Forms Available | Powder, capsule, oil |
Recommended Dosage | 1-2 grams of Patha powder twice daily; consult a doctor for a specific dosage. |
Precautions | Pregnant, lactating mothers and people taking medications related to diabetes, heart, or blood pressure should consult a doctor before consuming it. |
Side Effects | It may lower blood sugar or blood pressure when interacting with other drugs. |
Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. |
Patha has several synonyms in different places and areas due to the widespread use of it all over the Indian subcontinent and beyond. A few of those are mentioned below:
These have represented localised familiarity and importance attached to their traditional medicinal uses.
Though Patha is employed mainly for medicinal purposes, it contains several bioactive molecules in its composition that account for its curative properties. Here's a table of some of the critical nutritional elements of Patha:
Nutrient/Compound | Presence |
Alkaloids | High |
Tannins | Moderate |
Flavonoids | High |
Essential oils | Trace |
Phenolic compounds | Moderate |
Saponins | Moderate |
Traditional Ayurveda has several health benefits associated with Patha. Due to such widespread use of the herb, the drug has the potential to treat several types of health disorders:
Patha possesses strong antimicrobial activities that inhibit several bacterial and fungal strains. It is beneficial for the management of dermatitis and ringworm. Due to this property, this medicine is applied topically to affected skin regions.
Patha contains some of the most potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Some of the effects of such compounds involve a decrease in inflammation in the body to enable arthritis and skin inflammation—the presence of antioxidant properties aids in neutralising free radicals by protecting the cells against oxidative damage.
Another great patha benefit is the improvement of digestive or gastrointestinal problems. Such digestion or gastrointestinal conditions include indigestion, bloating, and diarrhoea. Patha also helps remove intestinal worms, making its body system a popular remedy for parasitic infections.
Patha mainly helps manage respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, and cough. Its expectorant action removes mucus and catarrh from the lungs, greatly relieving congestion. In Ayurveda, it is also used in the formulation used to manage cold, cough, and other respiratory conditions.
Patha is antipyretic in character, so it is an excellent medication to control the fever and relieve the disorder. Ayurvedic drugs are usually prescribed for most fevers caused by viruses and bacterial infections.
Patha has diuretic effects, promoting the removal of excess fluid from the body. Apart from its application in urolithiasis, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections, it also inhibits the formation of stones by limiting oxalate in the urine.
Patha is known for its potent wound-healing properties due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. It helps in reducing infection, alleviating inflammation, and promoting tissue regeneration, making it effective in managing wounds and ulcers.
Some studies have proposed that Patha may help control blood sugar; hence, it is helpful for diabetes patients. It increases the sensitivity of the insulin, thus reducing the glucose level within the blood.
Patha is known to help purify breast milk, and helps with various disorders related to breast and breast milk. It helps remove the doshas and improves the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of breast milk for the baby.
There are various uses in the Ayurvedic medicinal system for Patha. With wide application in treatments of different health conditions, this is considered a herb with wide application. Its uses spread across some of the below-mentioned commonly practised treatments:
While many health benefits can be obtained from Patha, care should be made in the use of this herb, especially for people with pre-existing illnesses or those on specific types of treatment.
Patha shall not be administered to pregnant women since very little is known about its safety. These patients must also consult a physician before taking any path-based preparations during such periods.
Although it can have all the benefits for urinary tract functioning, individuals suffering from severe problems in the liver or kidneys should take extreme care. The drug is known to put more pressure on such organs when consumed in large quantities.
Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels while taking Patha. The herb tends to drop the blood sugar level and hence would interact poorly with diabetes pills to cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.
Patha may enhance the alcohol-induced hepatotoxic effects; therefore, alcohol intake should be avoided while on this herb.
Patha may affect anticoagulants and other antiplatelet drugs, like increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding. Discuss with a healthcare professional before taking Patha in combination with other medications.
Patha is widely used as a digestive aid that helps to soothe gastrointestinal pain. Patha has analgesic properties and will ease indigestion, bloating, and diarrhoea.
Steps to use:
Patha paste is applied to manage dermatitis and eczema. These are classified as different forms of skin infections. It operates by inhibiting microbes' activities, relieving irritation, curing wounds, and reducing inflammation.
Steps to use:
Patha cleans mucus from the body and reduces inflammation. As such, Patha therapy effectively manages colds, coughs, and sinusitis.
Steps to use:
Patha takes advantage of the value of alleviating joint pain and muscle aches because it has an anti-inflammatory property.
Steps to use:
Patha is believed to be effective for parasitic infections due to its anthelmintic action.
Steps to use:
This herb allows the dilation of excess salts forced out of the kidneys to manage their presence inside the kidneys, which can form stones.
Steps to use:
The dosage of Patha varies from person to person, depending upon an individual's health, age, and whether Patha is available in a raw or processed form. It is always advisable to ask a healthcare provider or an Ayurveda physician to suggest the proper dosage for the individual case. The general guidelines would include:
The overdose of the prescribed amount causes some harmful side effects. Therefore, it is essential to follow professional guidance.
The side effects of Patha can occur when taken in excessive amounts or without professional guidance. Although Patha is considered safe, and when taken within limits, its side effects may include the following:
Patha may interact with other drugs; therefore, its use should be taken into consideration about possible drug interaction:
Patha is a Ayurvedic herb that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its can be used to manage dermatological conditions, gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory ailments, and urinary tract issues. Notably, its wound-healing action, antipyretic capabilities, and role in blood glucose regulation further enhance its pharmacological value. Patha also holds promise in improving lactational health by purifying breast milk and supporting maternal digestion. However, its usage requires caution in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, individuals with hepatic or renal impairment, and diabetic patients.
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