Evidence supporting the use of: Barleria
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Barleria (particularly Barleria prionitis), commonly known as “porcupine flower” or “vajradanti,” is traditionally used in various systems of folk medicine, including Ayurveda and Siddha, for the management of ear infections and earache. The classic use involves applying juice or extracts of the leaves directly into the ear to relieve pain and inflammation. Historical Ayurvedic texts mention its use for “karna shoola” (ear pain) and “karna srava” (ear discharge), attributing its efficacy to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
However, scientific validation for this specific use is limited. Some studies have demonstrated that Barleria species possess general antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties in vitro or in animal models. For example, crude extracts of Barleria prionitis have shown antibacterial activity against certain pathogens and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory settings. Nevertheless, there is a lack of robust clinical trials or direct experimental evidence specifically evaluating Barleria’s efficacy in treating ear infections or earaches in humans. Thus, while its use is grounded in traditional practice and supported by suggestive pharmacological studies, direct scientific corroboration for this indication remains insufficient.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Barleria
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Angina
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Malaria
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection