Ralu – Thotila
In ayurvedic medicine it is used as a highly valued medicinal compound.
It is stated as a highly valued medicinal compound in ayurvedic medicine. Though we don’t put much
concern about it at present, traditional doctors get the maximum use out of it. Sinhala name given to
this medicinal plant is “Thotila”. Sanskrit name is “Aradhu”.Tamil name is “Vangamaram”
This plant can be seen abundantly in urban areas like Colombo. It belongs to bigonia species. Indica is a
synonym. It is a well grown tree with a height of 25 -30 feet. Not like other trees its top is well branched.
This plant is well grown in srilanka in all provinces near small streams, muds and swamps. It is a bit large
plant. Its leaves are 6 inches in length and 4 inches in breadth. Flowers are bit large. But inside of the
flower yellow in color and outside and flower & buds are reddish blue in color. It has long pods too.
Its roots belong to one type of roots of “Dasha mul”.The roots, bark, seeds, leaves, flower buds each and
every part of the plant is used in treating fever, asthma, cough, mouth & nerves related diseases. It is
used as an energy drink & an insecticide. Also it increases appetite, reduces pain, reduces swelling,
increases libido etc. For pregnant mothers products made out of “Thotila” are not recommended.
Barks of thotila roots, raw ginger & garlic are grinded together then steamed and squeezed and put honey
and given as a drink for the fever which caught after delivery. Also in ear aches juice of thotila bark
heated with radish tuber juice and poured into ear. Also bark of “Thotila” roots and leaves are boiled and
used to have a bath and also steaming helps in reducing swellings and pains.
