FOREVER Gurmar

Gymnema Sylvestre

The leaves of this plant have been used in India to treat madhu meha or 'honey urine, as well as a variety of other disorders such as indigestion, cough, constipation and malaria. Use as a cardiotonic, diuretic, laxative, stimulant, stomachic and uterine tonic has also been noted in traditional Ayurvedic literature. The leaves are applied topically to wounds and, mixed with castor oil, are applied to swollen glands and for the enlargement of the liver and spleen. The powdered root also has a reputation as a remedy for snakebite. The fruits are bitter and carminative and have been used to treat leprosy, diabetes, bronchitis, worms, ulcers and poisoning. The whole plant is taken orally in dysentery. The plant is used as a constituent of many traditional Ayurvedic preparations including ayaskrti, varunadi kasayam and varunadi ghrtam.