“Dagar Phool” is the Hindi name of Stone Flower, also termed “Patthar Phool”, a lichen i.e. symbiotic association of algae and fungi, which is an edible moss packed with outstanding health benefits. Bearing the scientific names Parmotrema perlatum, Parmelia perlata and belonging to the botanical family Parmeliaceae, this beneficial lichen grows widely in the mountainous regions of India – the Himalayas in the North, Deccan Peninsula in the South and hills of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats.
Commonly called stone flower or rock moss in English, its traditional Sanskrit name is “Shilapushpa” and it is touted in the ancient scriptures of Ayurveda to possess amazing medicinal properties for remedying kidney stones, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments and many more. Additionally, stone flower houses umpteen bioactive plant-based compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial traits, besides kapha and pitta-regulating attributes, serving as a panacea for myriad disorders and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Health Benefits Of Dagar Phool/Stone Flower:
Resolves Kidney Stones
Stone flower or dagar phool powder is a wonderful natural solution for kidney problems. Being a strong diuretic, it helps in flushing out urine, surplus water and fluid wastes from the system. It possesses kapha-mediating qualities, which restore kidney functions. Dagar phool is a time-tested remedy for treating kidney stones i.e. renal calculi, as well as urolithiasis – hardened deposits in the bladder, urinary tract infection (UTI) and dysuria i.e. painful urination.
Helps Manage Asthma
Blessed with antioxidant constituents, DagarPhool is an effective decongestant herbal blend. This remarkably alleviates discomforting indications of asthma such as breathing difficulty, congestion in the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath, hampered functioning of the lungs. Ingesting stone flower powder extracts mixed in warm water, soup or dal aids in dispelling excess phlegm trapped in the nasal and throat passages, enhancing lung power and respiratory health.
Uplifts Cardiac Functions
The potent therapeutic compounds present in stone flower enhance heart health and strengthen the cardiac muscles. By balancing kapha and pitta doshas and bringing down inflammation in arteries, veins thanks to the treasure trove of phytonutrients it contains, dagar phool exhibits noteworthy cardiotonic traits. Consuming this medicinal plant extract aids in regulating blood pressure, rectifying hypertension, decreasing bad LDL cholesterol and raising good HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Cures Stomach Ulcers
Dagar phool displays “Sheeta” or cooling traits, which work wonders in subsiding intense levels of acidity and heat in the gastrointestinal tract – the stomach and intestines. Furthermore, this edible fungi also restores balance of aggravated Pitta dosha which is characteristic of gut problems, helping resolve gastritis, ulcers, heartburn. The wealth of antimicrobial elements in stone flower thwart bacterial pathogens, treating ulcers in the digestive system and lessening inflammation.
Mends Damaged Skin
Stone flower or dagar phool powder is imbued with wound-healing characteristics that banish scars and soothe wounds when applied topically on the skin. Possessing plant-based compounds that encompass anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential, dagar phool is touted for its excellent ability to promote tissue repair when used externally on the skin and mend burns, cuts, tears, by lessening swelling, combatting infections and healing injured skin.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.