What is Poduthalai Podi?
Poduthalai Podi (பொடுதலை பொடி) is the powdered form of Phyla nodiflora (commonly known as Frog Fruit or Turkey Tangle), a highly esteemed medicinal herb in Tamil Siddha and folk systems. Known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, this humble groundcover is a powerful remedy for skin ailments, fevers, and respiratory issues. Click For More Product.
- Tamil Name: பொடுதலை பொடி
- English Name: Frog Fruit / Turkey Tangle / Creeping Lippia
- Botanical Classification: Phyla nodiflora
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter, Astringent
- Energy (Veeryam): Cooling
- Traditional Use: Skin healing, anti-inflammatory, fever remedy, wound care, respiratory relief, hair care.
Themes of Poduthalai Podi
1. Skin Healing and Anti-inflammatory
Poduthalai is renowned for its effectiveness in treating eczema, scabies, boils, and rashes. Its cooling and antimicrobial properties help soothe inflamed skin, making it ideal for topical application in the form of paste or bath powder.
2. Natural Fever and Cold Remedy
In traditional Tamil medicine, Poduthalai is used to reduce fevers, especially those caused by heat or infections. It also helps alleviate cold, cough, and mild respiratory congestion, often used in decoctions or as an external poultice.
3. Wound and Ulcer Management
Poduthalai’s antiseptic action makes it a trusted herb for cleaning wounds, ulcers, and skin infections. Applied as a paste, it accelerates healing and prevents secondary infection.
4. Hair and Scalp Care
When used as a hair wash powder or infused oil, Poduthalai promotes scalp health, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair follicles. It cools the scalp and is traditionally mixed with other herbs like hibiscus and curry leaves.
5. Rural and Cultural Use
Poduthalai is often seen growing along riverbanks and moist lands in Tamil Nadu. In folk medicine, it is used in postpartum care, children’s fevers, and summer bath powders to ward off skin issues and body heat. Click For purchase Click For purchase.
Medicinal Benefits
- Treats eczema, rashes, and scabies naturally
- Reduces body heat and soothes fevers
- Promotes healing of wounds and ulcers
- Relieves respiratory congestion and cough
- Strengthens scalp and prevents dandruff
- Balances Pitta and Kapha doshas Click For purchase.
Who Can Take It?
Suitable For:
- Individuals with skin infections, boils, or eczema
- Children or adults experiencing heat-related fevers or rashes
- Those with scalp issues like itching or dandruff
- Women in postpartum for external bath use
- Anyone seeking natural remedies for wound care and skin detox
Not Recommended For:
- People with chronic cold or Vata imbalance (may worsen dryness)
- Not recommended for internal use without proper herbal guidance
- Those allergic to external herbal pastes — do a patch test before full use Click For purchase.
How Many Times to Use Per Day?
External Use:
- Skin Paste: Apply freshly mixed powder paste on affected skin — once or twice daily
- Herbal Bath: Mix powder with warm water for whole-body wash — 2–3 times weekly
- Hair Wash: Use with shikakai or hibiscus powder for scalp cooling — weekly use
Internal Use:
- Traditionally decocted for fever or cold under Siddha practitioner guidance
- ¼ tsp of powder with warm water — only under supervision
Warnings
- For external use in most cases; internal use only under qualified guidance
- Avoid applying to deep or open wounds without cleaning
- Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs
- Ensure powder is made from clean, naturally sun-dried leaves
- Not advised for long-term use in very cold or Vata-dominant conditions Click For purchase.
Conclusion
Poduthalai Podi is a cooling green ally of Tamil herbal wisdom, valued for its gentle power in healing the skin, easing fevers, and calming inflammation. Found growing in humble wetlands, it carries an age-old reputation in Paatti Vaithiyam for being an effective, accessible remedy. Whether used in bath rituals or wound care, this green healer soothes the body’s heat and clears its burdens. Poduthalai invites a return to natural balance through the gifts of the earth and the grace of tradition.
