Calotropis procera, commonly called milkweed, is recognised as a wonder herb in the Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. This medicinal herb grows in waste lands and is often neglected as a useless weed. But Indian systems of medicine regard Calotropis procera, also known as swallow-wort, as the herb that heals a
number of health problems ranging from the simple cough to bowel discomfort and from eczema to elephantiasis. This herb is known as aak among Unani doctors.
Calotropis procera also finds mention as mandara or surya patra in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Other traditional systems of medicine like homoeopathy also use Calotropis as a herbal prescription. Generally, only the root of Calotropis procera is used in medical formulations. The latex (milky secretion from which it derives the name milk weed) is poisonous. The latex should never be used as medicine. Extreme care has to be observed while using Calotropis formulations at home. It’s always better to purchase readily available Calotropis root powder from a good herbal store (dawasaaz), instead of preparing the formulation at home.
Disclaimer: Consult a qualified
professional before trying herbal
formulations at home.