Helicteres

Helicteres is a shrub that grows to a height of 3-4 metres. The young shoots of the plant are clothed with hairs. It belongs to the plant family Sterculiaceae. The oblong, obovate or roundish leaves are 7.5-12.5 cm. long. The flowers are 2.5-3.8 cm. long and are bilabiate in axillary clusters of 2-6. When fresh the petals are red in colour. The fruits or follicles are 2.5-6 cm. long and are tightly twisted. The numerous seeds are angular and wrinkled.

MEDICINAL USE:
*Expectorant or promotes the removal of mocous secretions from the bronchial tubes.

*Cures scabies.
*Empyema  or the accumulation of pus in the body cavity, diabetes and stomachache.
*Diarrhoea and dysentery.

HOW TO USE:
*The decoction of the root and bark of the plant is used as an expectorant.
*Crush equal portions of the root and bark and apply externally to cure scabies.
*The juice of the root is taken to take care of empyema or the accumulation of pus in the body cavity,
  diabetes and stomachache.
*The decoction of the bark is used to control diarrhoea and dysentery.

PARTS USED:
*The root and bark.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cups