Travel Tips
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Durva, in Sanskrit, means “that which is cut or eaten by animals.” Commonly known as Bermuda Grass in English, its scientific name is Cynodon dactylon, and it belongs to the Poaceae family. This humble yet highly valued grass holds significant medicinal and cultural importance in various traditions, particularly in Ayurveda.
It is also known by several other names:
Bahama Grass, Devil’s Grass, Couch Grass, Wire Grass, Indian Doab, Grama, or Scutch Grass (English)
Satavirya / Sahasra Virya (Sanskrit)
Doob (Hindi)
Garike, Ambate-Hullu (Kannada)
Garika, Gerike, Harvali (Telugu)
Durba (Bengali)
Doorva, Haryali (Marathi)
Karuka Pulli (Malayalam)
Arugam Pullu (Tamil)
Native to East Africa, Australia, Southern Europe, and Asia, Durva is a perennial creeping grass capable of thriving in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. Its roots can penetrate up to 2 meters deep, enabling it to survive even in adverse environments. The grass spreads along the ground as its nodes take root wherever they touch the soil.
The blades are greyish-green, growing up to 30 cm tall, with rough edges. The flowering part consists of 3 to 7 finger-like spikes emerging from a single point, each spike ranging from 1 to 3 cm in length. Wind pollination ensures its propagation. Its ability to spread aggressively is likely why it’s sometimes called Devil’s Grass.
Durva Grass has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries due to its rich composition of health-enhancing nutrients such as:
Proteins, Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, Phosphorus, Carotene, Sitosterol.
It is renowned for its:
Diuretic, Antitoxic, Antifungal, Hypoglycaemic, Antilithic, Hypotensive, Coagulant, Antibiotic, Anticancer properties.
Moreover, it possesses potent antimicrobial and antiviral abilities, boosting overall immunity and protecting against a variety of diseases. Durva contains specific Cynodon dactylon proteins known for their immune-modulating properties, which help optimize the body’s defense mechanisms. It also serves as a general health tonic and aphrodisiac.
In Ayurveda, it’s primarily used to balance Vata dosha, with a sweet post-digestive effect. A unique property attributed to Durva is its ability to prevent miscarriage.
Durva’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiseptic properties make it effective in treating skin conditions like leprosy, scabies, itching, rashes, and eczema. A paste of Durva grass and turmeric can be applied topically for relief.
Its hypoglycaemic effect aids in lowering blood sugar levels. Consuming Durva juice with neem leaves regularly helps manage diabetes and reduce associated risks.
Durva juice works as a natural stress reliever and strengthens the nervous system, improving sleep quality and combating fatigue.
It acts as a natural blood purifier, maintaining the blood’s alkalinity and detoxifying the body. Drinking Durva juice on an empty stomach is highly recommended for this benefit.
Regular consumption of Durva grass juice helps reduce weight and lower cholesterol levels while enhancing cardiac function. It also acts as an anti-arrhythmic agent for heart health.
A few drops of freshly extracted Durva juice are traditionally used to treat conjunctivitis and soothe eye irritation.
With 65% chlorophyll content, Durva is a natural remedy for anaemia, promoting the production of red blood cells and improving haemoglobin levels.
Durva grass functions as a natural detoxifier, reducing acidity and constipation while aiding digestion.
Durva juice mixed with yoghurt is effective for treating urinary tract infections (UTI) and vaginal discharge. It strengthens the uterus, helps prevent miscarriages, aids in PCOS management, stimulates prolactin production for lactation, and controls excessive menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, and bleeding from injuries.
Rich in flavonoids, Durva helps combat oral ulcers, bleeding gums, bad breath, and cold-related congestion, reducing phlegm in the lungs.