Ustukhuddoos (Lavandula Stoechas): the Blessed Herb

ABSTRACTUstukhuddoos has been used as a healing agent since ancient times. Renowned Unani physicians Jalinus and Desquredus discovered varied medicinal properties of this plant origin drug. They recommended using this drug, especially in cerebral disorders. Lavandula stoechas Linn. belongs to Lamiaceae / Labiatae family. This is an evergreen shrub usually grows to 30-100 cm in height. The leaves are 1-4 cm long, greyish and tomentose. The flowers are pink to purple in color appear in late spring and early summer season. In Unani Medicine, it is commonly known as Ustukhuddoos. Unani literatures has mentioned many pharmacological actions of this drug such as Kasir-e-Riyah (Carminative), Mufatteh (Desiccative), Munzij (Attenuent), Muhallil (Resolvent), Mulattif (Demulcent), Muqawwi(Tonic), Munaqqi(Purifier), Jaroob-e-Dimagh (brain scavenger), Daf-e-Sauda (evacuation of black bile), Da-fe-Tashannuj (anti-convulsant), Mufarrah-e-Qalb-Wa-Dimagh (exhilarant of heart and brain), Muqaww-i-Aasab (nervine tonic) etc, and it is used in several ailments such as Zof-e-Dimagh, Nisyan (dementia), Malankholia (malancholia), Waja al qalb (angina pectoris), Suda-e-Muzmin (a chronic headache), Falij (paralysis), Laqwa (facial paralysis) etc. Many scientific studies have been proved that Ustukhuddoos is significantly useful in several neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, convulsions and cerebral ischemia etc. The present review is an attempt to portray this wonder drug Ustukhuddoos in the light of scientific studies carried out. Keywords: Kasir-e-Riyah; Mufatteh; Munzij; Mulattif; Munaqqi, Muqawwi-e-Asab Jaroob-e-Dimagh.