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Plexaura species
SEA WHIP CORAL
The outer layers of sea whip
coral contain prostaglandins, which are given to stimulate many body
functions in orthodox medicine. Unani medicine values red coral for a wide
range of illnesses, from palpitations and epilepsy to kidney stones and
toothache.
The sway of these branching, tree-like yet stony, corals has earned them the zoological
name of Gorgonia, after the Gorgon Medusa of Greek mythology, whose "hair", made of
writhing snakes, turned onlookers to stone. Sea whip coral grows up to 2 m (6 ft) tall in
the coral reefs of warm seas throughout the world. Researchers in the West have been
investigating it as a source of prostaglandins, chemicals that occur naturally in the body
and control many of its functions.
PARTS USED
Outer layers.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Prostaglandins; calcium carbonate.
ACTIONS
Astringent; stops bleeding from external wounds; detoxicant; tonic.
MEDICINAL USE
In orthodox medicine, prostaglandin are given to stimulate many body functions,
such as contraction of the womb during labour. Unani medicine values red coral (Corallium rubricum) for a wide range of illnesses,
including epilepsy, palpitations, gastric disorders, kidney stones, sexual problems,
and general debility. Externally, Unani physicians apply coral ash as a tooth powder, for earache, and as a Burma (paste) for eye disorders.
PREPARATIONS
Extracted prostaglandins, powder, ash, paste.
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