Jalpippali / Purple Lippia / Phyla Nodiflora Or Lippia Nodiflora

Abstract

Jalpippali (Phyla nodiflora), commonly known as Purple Lippia, is an important medicinal herb described in Ayurveda for its Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (carminative), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties. It is traditionally used in the management of digestive disorders, fever, inflammation, urinary complaints, skin diseases, and Vata-Kapha dominant conditions. Jalpippali helps to regulate Agni (digestive fire), reduce Ama (toxins), and support proper metabolism. It is especially beneficial in conditions like Ajirna (indigestion), Atisara (diarrhea), Shotha (edema), and mild respiratory disorders. Its therapeutic actions make Jalpippali a valuable herb in classical and folk Ayurvedic formulations.

Classical Reference Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Bhavpakash Nighantu Guduchyadi Varga 457

Scientific Classification Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Angiosperms)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Phyla
• Species: nodiflora

Synonyms Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Maharashtri: Originating or found abundantly in the Maharashtra region.
• Sharadi: Flourishing during the autumn season.
• Toyapippali: The “water pepper” (referring to its habitat).
• Matshadani: “Fish-eater” (often found near water where fish thrive).
• Matshagandha: Having a fish-like smell.
• Langali: Having a shape or growth pattern like a plow.
• Shakuladani: Another reference to its association with fish (Shakula).
• Agnijvala: Having a “fiery” or sharp potency.
• Chitrapatri: Having variegated or uniquely shaped leaves.
• Pranada: Life-giving or strengthening.
• Jalapippali: The common name, meaning “aquatic long pepper.”
• Trunashita: Cooling like grass or growing amongst grass.
• Bahushikha: Having many branches or crests.

Vernacular Names Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Sanskrit: Jalpippali, Toyapippali
• Hindi: Jalpipli, Bhui Okra
• English: Frogfruit, Purple Lippia, Turkey Tangle Fogfruit
• Punjabi: Jal Pipli
• Gujarati: Jal Pipali
• Marathi: Jal Pimpli
• Bengali: Jalpipli
• Tamil: Poduthalai
• Telugu: Bokkena
• Kannada: Poduthale Soppu
• Malayalam: Poduthala
• Urdu: Jal Pipli

Habitat Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Natural Habitat: Jalpippali is a creeping, perennial herb that naturally grows in moist and semi-aquatic environments. It thrives in areas where water availability is moderate to high, making it commonly found along riverbanks, ponds, canals, lakesides, and marshy lands.
• Geographical Distribution: The plant is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. In India, Jalpippali is commonly seen throughout plains and coastal areas. It is also found in other parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas, especially in warm and humid climates.
• Soil Preference: Jalpippali grows well in moist, loamy, or clayey soils with good water-holding capacity. It can tolerate occasional waterlogging and is often seen spreading over damp ground, grassy fields, and cultivated lands near water sources.
• Climatic Conditions: This herb prefers warm temperatures and grows best in tropical to subtropical climates. It flourishes during the rainy season and continues to grow in humid conditions. Jalpippali can tolerate mild drought but shows optimal growth in moist environments.
• Growth Environment: Jalpippali spreads horizontally along the ground, forming dense mats. It is commonly found in open fields, lawns, roadside areas, and low-lying regions where moisture is retained. Its adaptive nature allows it to grow both in wild habitats and disturbed areas.
• Ecological Adaptability: Due to its strong creeping habit and ability to root at nodes, Jalpippali adapts easily to varying environmental conditions. This makes it a resilient plant capable of surviving in both natural wetlands and human-influenced landscapes.

Morphology Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Habit: Jalpippali is a low-growing, perennial, creeping herb. It spreads extensively over the ground by means of prostrate stems and forms dense mats, especially in moist habitats.
• Root: The plant possesses adventitious roots which develop from the nodes of the creeping stem. These roots help the plant in anchorage as well as in rapid vegetative propagation, particularly in damp and marshy areas.
• Stem: The stem is prostrate, slender, green to purplish, and highly branched. It creeps along the ground and roots at the nodes. The stem surface is usually smooth or slightly hairy.
• Leaves: Leaves are simple, opposite, and short-petioled. They are obovate to elliptic shape with a slightly serrated or wavy margin. The leaf apex is rounded or obtuse, and the surface is smooth to slightly hairy. Leaves are green and emit a mild aromatic odor when crushed.
• Inflorescence: The inflorescence is a solitary, axillary, or terminal dense head borne on a long peduncle. The flower heads are small, rounded, and compact, giving the plant its characteristic appearance.
• Flowers: Flowers are small, tubular, and bisexual. They are usually purplish, bluish-violet, or pale pink in color. The corolla is five-lobed, and flowers are arranged closely within the globose head.
• Calyx: The calyx is tubular, membranous, and persistent, enclosing the fruit. It is usually two-toothed or slightly lobed.
• Corolla: The corolla is gamopetalous, tubular, and five-lobed, with unequal lobes that give the flower a distinctive form.
• Androecium: The androecium consists of four didynamous stamens, which are attached to the corolla tube.
• Gynoecium: The gynoecium is bicarpellary, syncarpous, with a superior ovary. The style is slender with a bifid stigma.
• Fruit: The fruit is a small, dry schizocarp enclosed within the persistent calyx. It splits into two nutlets on maturity.
• Seeds: Seeds are small, brown, and enclosed within the nutlets.

Classical Categorisation Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Bhavprakash Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga
• Dhanwanthari Nighantu: Karaveeradi Varga
• Raj Nighantu: Shatahvadi Varga

Ancient Verses For Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Verse No. 1

जलपिप्पल्यभिहिता शारदी शकुलादनी ।
मत्स्यादनी मत्स्यगन्धा लाङ्गलीत्यपि कीर्त्तिता ॥
जलपिप्पलिका हृद्या चक्षुष्या शुक्रला लघु: ॥
संग्राहिणी हिमा रूक्षा रक्तदाहव्रणापहा ।
कटुपाकरसा रुच्या कषाया वह्निवर्द्धिनी ॥ Bhavprakash Nighantu Guduchyadi Varga Verse No. 294-296

Verse Interpretation:-

The plant is called by several names because of its characteristics. It is known as Jalpippali, Sharadi, and Shakuladani. Interestingly, it is also called Matsyagandha because it has a smell reminiscent of fish, and it often grows near water where fish are found.

Its Benefits and Effects:-

• For the Senses: It is considered “Hridya” (good for the heart) and “Chakshushya” (very beneficial for maintaining healthy eyesight).
• Digestion: Even though it is cooling, it actually helps increase your “digestive fire,” making it easier to digest food and improving your appetite.
• Body Type: It is “Laghu” (light) and “Ruksha” (dry), meaning it doesn’t make the body feel heavy or sluggish.
• Healing Power: It is excellent for “Sheet-virya” (cooling the body), which makes it great at treating burning sensations, blood-related issues, and helping wounds or ulcers heal faster.
• Stomach Health: It acts as a “Sangrahini,” which means it helps firm up the stool, making it useful for those dealing with loose motions.

Verse No. 2

महाराष्ट्रि तु सम्प्रोक्ता शारदी तोयपिप्पली ।
मच्छादनी मच्छगन्धा लांगली शकुलादनी ॥
अग्निज्वाला चित्रपत्री प्राणादा जलपिप्पली ।
तृणशीता बहुशिखा स्यादित्येषा त्रयोदश ॥
महाराष्ट्रि कटुस्तीक्ष्णा कषाया मुखशोधनी ।
व्रणकीटादिदोषघ्नी रसदोषनिबर्हणी ॥ Raj Nighantu Shatahvadi Varga Verse No. 106-108

Verse Interpretation:-

Names and Synonyms

The verse list thirteen different names for this plant, which highlight its characteristics, habitat, or appearance:

• Maharashtri: Originating or found abundantly in the Maharashtra region.
• Sharadi: Flourishing during the autumn season.
• Toyapippali: The “water pepper” (referring to its habitat).
• Matshadani: “Fish-eater” (often found near water where fish thrive).
• Matshagandha: Having a fish-like smell.
• Langali: Having a shape or growth pattern like a plow.
• Shakuladani: Another reference to its association with fish (Shakula).
• Agnijvala: Having a “fiery” or sharp potency.
• Chitrapatri: Having variegated or uniquely shaped leaves.
• Pranada: Life-giving or strengthening.
• Jalapippali: The common name, meaning “aquatic long pepper.”
• Trunashita: Cooling like grass or growing amongst grass.
• Bahushikha: Having many branches or crests.

Medicinal Properties and Benefits:-

• Katu (Pungent): It has a sharp, spicy taste.
• Tikshna (Piercing/Sharp): It has a penetrating quality that helps it reach deep tissues.
• Kashaya (Astringent): It has a drying, healing effect.
• Mukha-shodhani: It cleanses the mouth and improves oral hygiene.
• Vrana-dosha-ghni: It heals wounds (Vrana) and ulcers.
• Kita-dosha-ghni: It acts as an antimicrobial or anti-parasitic agent (destroying “worms” or “microbes”).
• Rasa-dosha-nibarhani: It purifies the bodily fluids (Rasa Dhatu) and corrects imbalances in the plasma.

Verse No. 3

जलपिप्पल्यभिहिता शारदी तोयपिप्पली।
मत्स्यादनी मत्स्यगन्धा लाङ्गली शकुलादनी ॥ Dhanwanatahri Nighantu Karaveeradi Varga Verse No. 59

Verse Interpretation:-

Synonyms of Jalpippali

• Jalapippali: Literally “Water Pepper.” It refers to the plant’s resemblance to the long pepper plant, but specifically found in marshy areas.
• Sharadi: Meaning “Autumnal.” This suggests the plant is most prominent or reaches its best medicinal potency during the autumn season.
• Toyapippali: Another term for “Water Pepper” (Toya = water). It reinforces its aquatic habitat.
• Matsyadani: Meaning “Fish-eater.” This indicates its close proximity to fish-filled waters or that it provides fodder for aquatic life.
• Matsyagandha: Meaning “Fish-smelling.” It describes the distinct, slightly fishy scent emitted by the leaves when they are crushed.
• Langali: Meaning “Ploughed” or “Crested.” This refers to the way the plant’s stems creep and trail along the ground, appearing to “plough” the soil.
• Shakuladani: Meaning “Eaten by Shakula fish.” This is a specific reference to the Shakula (a type of carp/fish) that inhabits the same environment as the plant.

Verse No. 4

जलपिप्पलिका तिक्ता कषाया कफपित्तजित्। श्वासास्त्रविषदाहार्तिभ्रममूर्च्छातृषापहा ॥ Dhanwanatahri Nighantu Karaveeradi Varga Verse No. 60

Verse Interpretation:-

Jalapippalika is bitter and astringent in taste. It pacifies the Kapha and Pitta doshas. It is effective in treating asthma, blood disorders, poisoning, burning sensations, pain, vertigo, fainting, and excessive thirst.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp/Piercing)
• Veerya (Potency):  Sheeta (Cold)
• Vipaka (Post-Digestive Effect): Katu (Pungent)

Action On Tridosha Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Jalpippali acts as a Kapha-Pitta Shamaka, meaning it pacifies both the Kapha and Pitta doshas. Its cooling potency (Sheeta Veerya) treats Pitta-related burning and thirst, while its dry and light qualities (Ruksha/Laghu) effectively clear Kapha-induced respiratory and digestive congestion.

Therapeutic Indications Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Shwasa: Asthma and breathing difficulty.
• Atisara: Diarrhea (implied by its Sangrahini or stool-binding property).
• Ajirna: Indigestion (due to its Deepana and Pachana digestive actions).
• Shotha: Edema and localized inflammation.
• Vrana: Chronic wounds and ulcers.
• Asra / Raktapitta: Blood disorders and bleeding conditions.
• Visha: Poisoning or toxic conditions.
• Krimi: Microbial infections or parasitic infestations.
• Daha: Burning sensations in the body.
• Bhrama: Giddiness or vertigo.
• Murcha: Loss of consciousness, fainting, or apoplexy.
• Trishna: Excessive or morbid thirst.
• Arthi: General body pain or distress.

Systemic Actions Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Digestive System

• Deepana & Pachana: It acts as a digestive stimulant and carminative, helping to regulate Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama (toxins).
• Vahni-vardhini: It specifically increases the digestive fire to improve appetite and digestion.
• Sangrahini: It has an intestinal binding effect, which helps firm up stools in cases of diarrhea.
• Ruchya: It improves the sense of taste and helps in managing anorexia.

Respiratory System

• Shwasahara: It clears excess Kapha from the respiratory tract, making it effective for asthma and breathing difficulties.

Circulatory and Blood System

• Rasadodha-nibarhani: It purifies bodily fluids (Rasa Dhatu) and corrects plasma imbalances.
• Asrapaha: It is used to treat blood-related disorders and bleeding conditions.
• Hridya: It is considered beneficial for heart health.

Integumentary System (Skin and Wounds)

• Vrana-ropana: It promotes the healing of wounds and chronic ulcers.
• Shothahara: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce edema and swelling.
• Krimighna: It acts as an antimicrobial agent against skin infections or “kita” (microbes/insects).

Chemical Composition Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Flavonoids (Nodiflorin A and B): These are well-documented bioactive compounds in this species that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Lippiflorins: These genus-specific compounds are recognized in research for their unique therapeutic properties.
• Essential Oils & Terpenoids: Research identifies these volatile constituents as being responsible for the plant’s aromatic properties and antimicrobial activity.
• Phenolic Compounds: Scientific studies confirm that high levels of phenolic acids and glycosides drive the plant’s potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenging capabilities.
• Sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol): These are common plant sterols identified in research for their role in managing cholesterol and reducing inflammation.
• Alkaloids: Research confirms the presence of minor alkaloids which support the plant’s systemic medicinal effects.

Practical Uses / Health Benefits Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Ignites the digestive fire and eliminates accumulated toxins (Ama) by acting as a potent Deepana and Pachana herb.
• Manages Atisara (diarrhea) through its Sangrahini (binding) properties that help firm up loose stools.
• It functions as a Ruchya agent to enhance the sense of taste and significantly increase appetite (Vahni-vardhini).
• Relieves asthma (Shwasa) and breathing difficulties by expelling excess Kapha from the respiratory tract.
• Alleviates internal burning sensations (Daha) and intense morbid thirst (Trusha) due to its powerful cooling nature.
• Helps manage neurological episodes such as dizziness (Bhrama) and fainting spells (Murcha).
• Promotes rapid recovery of chronic wounds and ulcers through specialized Vrana-ropana actions, used both topically and internally.
• Assists in the reduction of localized swelling and edema (Shotha).
• Combats various skin pathogens and parasitic microbes through its Krimighna properties.
• Manage bleeding conditions (Raktapitta) and various blood-related disorders (Asra).
• Maintains dental hygiene and treats oral issues by acting as a Mukha-shodhani (mouth cleanser).
• Enhances and supports healthy eyesight, traditionally classified as a Chakshushya herb.

Part Used Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Whole Plant

Dosage Of Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Juice: 5 – 10 ml
• Powder: 2 – 3 grams

Home Remedies With Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• An infusion prepared from the tender stalks and leaves of Phyla nodiflora is traditionally used to support children experiencing indigestion, diarrhoea, and common cold, and is also used for women suffering from fever during the post-delivery period.
• A fresh poultice made from the whole plant is applied externally and is traditionally regarded as beneficial in suppurative conditions such as boils, swollen cervical glands, erysipelas, and chronic ulcers. It is also known to help soothe burning sensations.
• Fresh juice of the plant is locally applied to manage bleeding gums.
• Leaf paste or extract applied externally has been reported to help reduce local inflammation and pain.
• Topical application of fresh leaf paste is traditionally used on minor wounds and skin infections.

Classical Products With Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Akik Pishti

Planet Ayurveda Products With Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

Akik Pishti

Research On Jalpippali (Phyla Nodiflora)

• Studies on Phyla nodiflora leaf and whole-plant extracts have shown anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its topical use may help reduce local inflammation and swelling.
• Experimental research indicates that methanolic and aqueous extracts of Phyla nodiflora possess analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, supporting its traditional external application for headache and body pain.
• Scientific studies have reported antipyretic effects of Phyla nodiflora extracts in animal models, indicating potential usefulness in managing fever-related symptoms.
• Research has demonstrated antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts against certain bacteria, which supports its use in minor wounds and skin-related conditions.
• Antioxidant studies show that Phyla nodiflora contains bioactive compounds that help neutralize free radicals, contributing to cellular protection.
• Some experimental studies suggest hepatoprotective potential of whole-plant extracts, indicating support for liver function under oxidative stress conditions.
• Preliminary studies also indicate diuretic activity, which may support urinary system function when used in mild forms.

Conclusion

Jalpippali (Phyla nodiflora) is a versatile Ayurvedic herb valued for its Deepana, Pachana, Shothahara, and Sangrahini actions, making it especially useful in digestive, inflammatory, respiratory, and blood-related disorders. Classical texts describe its Kapha–Pitta pacifying nature, cooling potency, and ability to enhance Agni while reducing Ama. Its applications range from managing indigestion, diarrhea, asthma, edema, and burning sensations to promoting wound healing, oral hygiene, and eye health. Modern research further supports its traditional use by confirming anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities. With its wide therapeutic spectrum, ease of availability, and safety in classical dosage, Jalpippali holds significant importance in both classical formulations and folk Ayurvedic practices.