Description
The ‘Paspanguwa’ (පස් පංගුව) traditional medicinal formula can be obtained as air-tight sachets or packets as an over-the counter medicine in pharmacies and supermarkets. The ailments, for which this can be used as per the instructions in the packaging, are colds, coughs, headaches, fever, and overall body aches. Although the herbal formulation itself has not been clinically evaluated, its constituents possess significant evidence as to their respective efficacies against a myriad of disease conditions. ‘Paspanguwa’ is commonly consumed as an herbal tea preparation. The name, which means five portions in the vernacular language of Sinhala, is made by the combination of five main herbs. The five ingredients, which make up the formula commonly, consist of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), ‘Pathpadagam’ (Hedyotis corymbosa),
‘Katuwalbatu’ (Solanum xanthocarpum), ‘Veniwalgata’ (Coscinium fenestratum) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). In some instances other herbs such as ‘Thippili’ (Piper longum), Thai eggplant (Solanum melongena), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Wishnukranthiya (Evolvulus alsinoides) and Pawatta (Justicia adhatoda) may also be used.
