Patha

(Velvet Leaf)
Sanskrit: पाठा • Botanical: Cissampelos pareira Linn.

Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is a well-known climbing plant used extensively in Ayurveda. The root is the main part used. Two types of Patha are described: Rajpatha (large Patha = Cyclea peltata or Cyclea burmanni) and Laghupatha (small Patha = Cissampelos pareira). Patha is one of the important Deepaniya (appetizer) drugs. The root is bitter and pungent with hot potency. It is used in digestive disorders, diarrhoea, fevers, piles, and urinary complaints. It is described as having heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves. The stem is slender and twining. The plant climbs using leaf tendrils. The root contains bitter alkaloids. It is an important ingredient in many classical Ayurvedic formulations for digestive disorders. Rajapatha (Cyclea peltata) has leaves 3-5 inches round, while Laghupatha is smaller. Both contain Saponin. Dose: root powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Also Known As
English: Velvet Leaf
Sanskrit: पाठा, पृश्निपर्णी, अम्बष्ठा, वरातिक्ता, एकपर्णी
Hindi: पाठा, पाढ़

What is Velvet Leaf Patha / Patha (पाठा)?

Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is a well-known climbing plant used extensively in Ayurveda. The root is the main part used. Two types of Patha are described: Rajpatha (large Patha = Cyclea peltata or Cyclea burmanni) and Laghupatha (small Patha = Cissampelos pareira). Patha is one of the important Deepaniya (appetizer) drugs. The root is bitter and pungent with hot potency. It is used in digestive disorders, diarrhoea, fevers, piles, and urinary complaints. It is described as having heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves. The stem is slender and twining. The plant climbs using leaf tendrils. The root contains bitter alkaloids. It is an important ingredient in many classical Ayurvedic formulations for digestive disorders. Rajapatha (Cyclea peltata) has leaves 3-5 inches round, while Laghupatha is smaller. Both contain Saponin. Dose: root powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Jvaraghna (antipyretic)
  • Atisarahara (antidiarrheal)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Arshoghna (alleviates piles)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Patha by Condition

Explore how Patha is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Patha for Inflammation
⟶
Patha for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.