🌿 What Is Thuthi Leaf (Indian Mallow) and its Benefits?

Thuthi leaf (துத்தி இலை)is the common name for Abutilon indicum, a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for treating piles, skin problems, and digestive issues.

Thuthi leaf benefits are widely recognized in traditional Indian medicine for their natural healing power. Also known as Indian Mallow (Abutilon indicum), Thuthi leaf is a common plant found across South India — often growing wild near homes and roadsides.

Used for centuries in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, it’s known for its anti-inflammatory, laxative, and wound-healing properties. Today, people are rediscovering this humble herb for its ability to naturally relieve:

  • Piles (Hemorrhoids)
  • Constipation
  • Bloating and gas
  • Anal itching and burning

My First-Hand Experience with Thuthi Leaf Benefits for Piles

I'll never forget how this humble துத்தி இலை (Thuthi leaf) — the same one we’d walk past without a glance — became our family’s secret remedy. Not from some fancy medical book, but through a quiet exchange my uncle had with a village elder.

“This plant helps with piles,” the man said simply, plucking leaves by the roadside.

At the time, none of us realized those words would change everything.

1. How It Helped My Mother

For months, Amma suffered from persistent itching, especially after eating her favorite spicy chicken curry. We later understood these were early piles symptoms.

Her remedy was straightforward:

  • 15 fresh Thuthi leaves
  • 150ml water
  • Blended and drunk each morning on an empty stomach

Within a week:
✅ The itching faded
✅ Her digestion improved
✅ No more discomfort after meals

We’ve also written about how Keelanelli (Keezhanelli) helped my uncle got cured naturally cured from jaundice — read that story here.

2. My Uncle's 3-Day Healing Story: How to use thuthi leaf powder for piles and thuthi leaf for piles

During a family gathering in Mumbai, my mom came to know that my uncle had been experiencing bleeding during motion.

Months later, while we were on a trip from our native place to Velankanni, we stopped near a roadside tea shop.
That's when mom spotted Thuthi growing wild near the road.

She turned to my aunt and said:

That's Thuthi leaf (துத்தி இலை) — I've used both the fresh leaves and thuthi leaf powder to cure piles. You can use this to treat brother's internal bleeding.

She then explained two simple methods:

  1. Fresh leaf decoction: Boiling 12 to 15 thuthi leaves in water
  2. How to use thuthi leaf powder for piles: Mixing the dried powder with water to use in mumbai where we can find Thuthi leaves

After the trip, back in my uncle's hometown, my aunt found Thuthi growing nearby.
She prepared first method - the fresh leaf decoction in village and got relief in 3 days , the bleeding had stopped completely.


Where to Find Thuthi Leaf Plant


A close-up shot of a small Thuthi (Abutilon indicum) plant growing on the ground. The plant has heart-shaped, slightly serrated green leaves with a velvety texture and a single bright yellow flower with five petals at the bottom. Several round, closed flower buds are also visible on the stem. The surrounding ground is covered with dry leaves and twigs.

The Thuthi plant (Sida cordifolia) grows naturally in tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in many parts of India.
If you are looking to identify or collect fresh Thuthi leaves, here are some common locations:

  • Roadsides and village paths – It often grows as a wild shrub along less-travelled roads.
  • Near farmlands – Farmers sometimes leave Thuthi plants on the edges of fields, as they are not considered harmful to crops.
  • Vacant plots and open lands – The plant thrives in open sunlight and dry-to-moderately moist soil.
  • Rural gardens – In some villages, people cultivate it intentionally for home remedies.
  • Near water channels – Occasionally found along the sides of irrigation canals or small water streams.

🌱 Best time to find: During and after the rainy season (July–October in most parts of India), the Thuthi plant grows quickly and produces tender leaves.

⚠️ Note: Always make sure you can correctly identify the Thuthi plant before harvesting. If unsure, consult a local herbalist or botanist.

🧾 Preparation Methods for Thuthi Leaves (துத்தி இலை)

Thuthi leaves (or Abutilon indicum) are widely valued in traditional medicine for their natural healing properties—especially for piles, constipation, and inflammation.

Here are the simplest ways to use fresh thuthi leaves or thuthi leaf powder at home:

✅ Method 1 — Fresh Thuthi Leaf Juice (Most Effective)

This is one of the most commonly used methods, especially for piles and digestion-related issues:

  1. Pluck 10–15 fresh Thuthi leaves (young and tender ones preferred).
  2. Wash thoroughly.
  3. Mix with 150 ml of water in a mixer or by hand.
  4. Drink the entire mixture on an empty stomach in the morning.

📅 Duration: Continue daily for 7–10 days for noticeable benefits.


🌿 Method 2 — Thuthi Leaf Powder (If Fresh Leaves Are Not Available)

If you don’t have access to fresh leaves, this method is a great alternative:

  1. Pluck Thuthi leaves and dry them in the shade (never under direct sunlight to preserve medicinal properties).
  2. Once fully dry, grind them into a fine powder using a mixer.
  3. You can:
    • Take 1 spoon of the powder directly with water.
    • Or, roll the powder into small balls (about marble size) using a few drops of water, and consume 3 of them daily.

💡 Ideal for those who want to use Thuthi leaf for long-term health maintenance.


🧈 Method 3 — Thuthi Leaf with Sesame Oil (Traditional Method for “Kollupu Katti” / Internal Swelling)

This age-old preparation is said to support the healing of stubborn internal swelling or fatty lumps:

  1. Heat a small amount of sesame oil (Nallennai) gently — do not overheat.
  2. Finely chop 7 small shallots (Chinna Vengayam) and add them to the warm oil. Let them sauté lightly.
  3. Add 15–20 tender Thuthi leaves to the warm oil and let it infuse lightly.
  4. Consume this preparation once daily for 41 days.

📌 This is a deeply rooted folk remedy used in some regions of Tamil Nadu for addressing kollupu katti (internal lumps or gland swelling).


💪 Thuthi Leaf Benefits (Beyond Just Piles)

Thuthi Leaf, or Abutilon indicum, is a widely used medicinal plant in Indian traditional systems like Siddha and Ayurveda. Beyond its well-known effect on piles, it offers a wide range of health benefits — many of which are supported by emerging scientific studies.

1. Constipation & Digestive Support

🧪 Scientific View

  • Thuthi leaf is known for its mild laxative properties, helping relieve chronic constipation and regulate bowel movements.
  • Its mucilage content supports gut lubrication and soft stool formation.
  • Animal studies suggest gastroprotective effects, possibly due to flavonoids and tannins.

📚 Traditional View (Siddha/Ayurveda)

  • Used in decoction form to relieve bloating, reduce gas, and ease bowel discomfort.
  • Often combined with castor oil in Siddha for chronic constipation and abdominal heaviness.

2. Diuretic & Kidney Health

🧪 Scientific View

  • Studies show diuretic effects in aqueous extracts of the leaf — helpful in flushing out toxins and reducing water retention.
  • Useful in managing early-stage urinary tract infections (UTIs) or gravel-like pain (kidney stones).

📚 Traditional View

  • Thuthi is used in rural India for burning urination and fluid balance.
  • Decoctions are consumed in the morning to promote cleansing via urine.

3. Skin Disorders & Wound Healing

🧪 Scientific View

  • Exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties.
  • Ethanolic extracts promote collagen formation and faster epithelialization in wound healing studies.
  • Useful in acne, boils, and eczema when applied as poultice or paste.

📚 Traditional View

  • Crushed leaves are applied externally for skin eruptions, abscesses, ulcers, and burn wounds.
  • Known as a "kai marunthu" (hand medicine) for quick first aid in villages.

4. Muscle & Joint Support

🧪 Scientific View

  • Contains anti-inflammatory compounds (like quercetin) that may reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
  • Used in early studies to support relief in arthritis and rheumatism models.

📚 Traditional View

  • Applied as warm leaf paste or oil infusion for sprains, muscle strain, and knee pain.
  • Often part of traditional abhyanga (massage) oils in Siddha.

5. Nervous System & General Tonic

🧪 Scientific View

  • Early studies suggest mild sedative and anxiolytic properties in mice.
  • Rich in flavonoids, which may support neuroprotection and calmness.

📚 Traditional View

  • Called a "balya" in Ayurveda — a plant that gives strength and stamina.
  • Juice mixed with honey given to children for immunity and nervous weakness.

6. Antioxidant & Immune Support

🧪 Scientific View

  • High in polyphenols and flavonoids, offering free radical protection.
  • Shown to boost natural immunity and fight oxidative stress in lab models.

📚 Traditional View

  • Used as a preventive herb during seasonal changes.
  • Regular use believed to “cool the body” and support immunity in hot climates.

🧪 References

  1. Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies of Abutilon indicum
  2. Diuretic Effect of Abutilon Indicum Leaf Extract
  3. Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity
  4. Traditional Medicinal Uses from Indian Ethnobotany
  5. Indian Medicinal Plants – Orient Longman (1993)

Thuthi Leaf vs Other Piles Treatments: Cost, Benefits & Risks Compared

Remedy
Thuthi Leaf (Indian Mallow)
Approximate Cost
₹10–₹20 (if bought), free if grown at home
Relief
Reduces bleeding, swelling, and eases motion
Side Effects / Risks
Very mild; may cause loose motion if overused
Remedy
Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy)
Approximate Cost
₹20,000 – ₹70,000 (hospital charges)
Relief
Removes piles completely (for severe cases)
Side Effects / Risks
Pain, bleeding, infection, long recovery
Remedy
OTC Creams (Hydrocortisone, Lidocaine)
Approximate Cost
₹150 – ₹500 per tube
Relief
Gives fast relief from itching/burning
Side Effects / Risks
Skin damage if used too long
Remedy
Home Remedies (Sitz bath, fiber diet)
Approximate Cost
₹0 – ₹200 (depends on food/ingredients)
Relief
Soothes pain, helps soft motion
Side Effects / Risks
No major risks, but works slowly

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indian Mallow the same as Thuthi Leaf?
Yes. Thuthi Leaf, known as Indian Mallow in English and Abutilon indicum botanically, is a commonly used herb in Ayurveda and Siddha for digestive issues and piles.
What are some common Thuthi leaf benefits?
Thuthi leaf benefits include relief from piles, minor wounds, skin conditions, and occasional constipation as per traditional practices.
Can I boil and drink Thuthi leaves daily?
It’s used in folk practice as a herbal decoction for its digestive and healing benefits. Daily use should be guided by an Ayurvedic expert.
Is Thuthi safe for children?
Please consult a pediatric Siddha or Ayurveda practitioner before using it for children. While Thuthi leaf benefits are appreciated in adults, caution is essential with kids.
How to use Thuthi leaves for piles treatment in Tamil traditional methods?
In traditional practice, a decoction made by boiling Thuthi leaves is consumed for piles relief — one of the widely known Thuthi leaf benefits. Consult a practitioner for dosage.
Can Thuthi leaf paste be applied on wounds or skin infections?
Yes, in folk medicine, the leaf paste is applied to minor wounds or boils — one of the traditional Thuthi leaf benefits — for its cooling and healing effect. Ensure proper hygiene and guidance.
Are there any side effects of using Thuthi leaf?
There are no widely documented side effects, but overuse or self-medication can be harmful. While Thuthi leaf benefits are often praised, responsible use is important. Always consult an expert.
Can Thuthi leaves be used for constipation relief?
Yes, decoctions are traditionally used as mild laxatives in Ayurveda — this is one of the recognized Thuthi leaf benefits. Consult your doctor before regular use.
How to use Thuthi leaf for piles in Tamil traditional methods?
In Tamil folk medicine, Thuthi leaves are often boiled and consumed as a herbal tea, or ground into a paste and applied externally near the affected area. Some also chew fresh leaves early in the morning. Always follow local practitioner advice for correct method and dosage.
Can I use Thuthi leaf powder for piles relief?
Yes, Thuthi leaf powder is traditionally taken with honey or warm water to ease piles symptoms. It’s considered helpful in reducing swelling and promoting digestion. However, dosage should be decided by an Ayurvedic expert.
Is Thuthi leaf good for treating piles naturally?
Yes, Thuthi (Indian Mallow) is well-known in Siddha and Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and mild laxative properties, making it a natural option for managing piles. Regular use should be monitored by a traditional medicine practitioner.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is based on a real-life personal story. Please consult a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment.