Gojihva onosma bracteatum benefits, uses, home remedies
What are onosama bracteatum( Gojihva) benefits?
When it comes to blending ancient herbal wisdom with modern research, few plants shine as brightly as Onosma bracteatum, commonly known as Gaozaban. Widely used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, this remarkable herb is valued for its soothing, cooling, and heart-nourishing qualities. Today, science is catching up with traditional knowledge, uncovering its unique chemical profile and potential health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore Onosma bracteatum benefits, its modern uses, chemical constituents, and possible side effects.
Latin Name: Onosma bracteatum
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Goaza, GanjabaGoziya
- Bengali: Gaozaban, Dadishaka
- Tamil: Kharaptra, Dharvipatra, Kozha
- Telugu: Yedunalaka
- Kannada: Yettina Nalage
- Malayalam: Kozhuppa
- Marathi: Pathari
- Gujarati: Bhospathsri
- Parasi: Kalamarum
- Urdu : Gaozaban
- English : Cow’s tongue Lisanussoar
Sanskrit Names:
Kharaparnini Kharapatra- The leaf is rough
Matsyagandhi – Plant when crushed will emit fishy odour
Darpapatri- The leaf is thick
Darvika, Godhumika, Koshtamulika, Gobhi, Goli, Gojika
Benefits & Ayurvedic Properties of Onosma bracteatum
Ras
- Madhur ( Sweet)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Sheet (Cold)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Snigdha (Uncutous)
Dosha Effect
Balances: Vata and Pitta dosha
May increase: Kapha(if overused)
Classical Categorization
- In Charak Samhita – It is categorized as Shaka Varga
- Bhavprakash Nighantu it is categorized as Guduchaydi varga
- In Vagbhatt : Shaka Varga
Chemical constituents of Onosma bracteatum
The medicinal properties of Gaozaban are attributed to its unique phytochemical composition. Some key constituents include:
Flavonoids – known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
Tannins – provide astringent and healing effects
Alkaloids – contribute to neurological and cardiovascular benefits
Glycosides – support heart and urinary system health
These natural compounds explain why Onosma bracteatum is highly valued in both traditional and modern herbal formulations.
Health Benefits of Gojivha powder
Improves Respiratory health
Gojihva is beneficial for respiratory conditions such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Its cooling effect soothes the respiratory tract and helps relieve irritation.
Urinary problems
The herb has diuretic properties, which help flush out toxins from the urinary tract and prevent infections.
Anti inflammatory
Its constituents make it useful in reducing inflammation in the body, making it effective for joint pain and inflammation-related disorders.
Useful in Skin problems
Due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, it is applied for skin issues such as rashes, eczema, and minor wounds.
Actions (Karma) of Gojihva in Ayurveda
Hima – It is a coolant in nature
Grahi – absorbent, useful in diarrhea, IBS
Hrudya – Onosa bracteatum acts as cardiac tonic, congenial for heart
Kasa – useful in cough and cold
Aruchi – relieves anorexia, improves taste
Shwasa – helps in asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
Prameha – Urinary tract disorders, diabetes
Asra – useful in blood disorders such as abscess, skin disorders, bleeding disorders such as menorrhagia, nasal bleeding etc.
Jwara – fever
Vrana – helps in healing of ulcers and wounds
How to use Onosma bracteatum
Gojihva (onosa bracteatum) can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Decoction: To make the decoction you need 2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of powder of gojihva. Now add this powder in 2 cup of water and boil till one glass is left. Then filter it, your decoction is ready.
- Dosage : 20 to 30 ml two times a day.
- Gojihva powder: 1-2 teaspoon two times daily.
- Part Used : Leaf, Flowers and Root.
What are the side effects of Onosma bracteatum
Like any other Ayurvedic herb onosma bracteatum (gojihva) is having many health benefits . However, it may have some side effects as well they include
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to gojihva they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
During breast feeding avoid consuming gojihva
Avoid consuming gojihva during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use Onosa bracteatum in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using gojihva. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use gojihva( onosa bracteatum) continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store gojihva in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of onosa bracteatum ( Gojihva)
Hima ( cold infusion) for Cough & Cold
To make cold infusion you will following ingredients:
Gojihva flowers– 4 to 5
Water – 1 cup
Mulethi( Glycera glabra) powder- 1 gms
How to make the decoction:
Soak all ingredients together in one cup of water and keep in soaked overnight. Next day smash the ingredients in water and then filter the water. This is cold infusion. Drink this hima ( cold infusion)
It helps to clear the mucus there by relieving chest and nasal congestion along with strengthening immune system.
For burning micturation
Ingredients:
½ teaspoon Onosma bracteatum powder
1 cup cool water
How to use: Mix and stir well, drink slowly.
Acts as a natural diuretic and relieves burning sensation during urination.
For Mild Fever & Body Heat
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon Onosma bracteatum leaves
Tulsi (holy basil) – 4–5 leaves
1 cup water
Method: Boil together, reduce to half, strain, and drink warm.
Helps reduce fever and provides cooling relief.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does onosma bracteatum take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly onosma bracteatum powder benefits are seen.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this seeds ?
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains gojivha
Gojivha is the main ingredients in following medicines
Gojihwadi Kashaya : is an Ayurvedic medicine in water decoction form. It is used in the treatment of fever, cough, bronchitis, asthma, rhinitis etc.
Manasamitra Vatakam : is a tablet, used in Ayurvedic treatment of psychiatric conditions, to improve intelligence, speech problems, depression and psychosis.
Conclusion
From ancient Ayurvedic texts to modern scientific studies, Onosma bracteatum benefits are well-documented and continue to gain recognition worldwide. With its cooling, heart-supporting, and antioxidant qualities, Gaozaban stands as a bridge between tradition and modern wellness.
If you’re exploring natural ways to support your health, this humble herb deserves a place on your radar—just remember to use it wisely.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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