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Herb
of the Month
Arjuna
(Terminalia arjuna)
 Origin
of Herbs: Arjuna is a dense tree attaining a height of 20
to 27 meters. It has long, cone shaped round leaves and white
bark, which gives out a milky juice when cut. Mainly, the bark
of the tree is used in medicines. This tree has been named
nadisarjja in the Sanskrit, wherein its bark has been
describes as a cardiac tonic. India was the first to discover
the bark of this tree for heart diseases. Arjuna tree is
indigenous to India. It is found through out the sub-Himalayan
tracts, the Deccan region, Myanmar, Srilanka and the
southeastern countries.
The bark
contains usually a large quantity of tannin & calcium,
small quantities of aluminum and magnesium. It is an
astringent .It also contains a crystalline compound, lactones,
arjunetin, and essential oil, sugar and coloring matter.
Healing
power:
The bark of Arjuna tree is a cardiac stimulant and has a
cooling and tonic effect. It is useful in arresting secretion
or bleeding. It helps to relieve fever. It is also useful in
removing calculi or stones formed in the urinary system, in
promoting flow of bile and in the healing of wounds.
Heart
Disorder:
The bark and preparation made from it are known to have a
marked stimulant action on the heart. The practitioners of
Indian systems of medicine use it in conditions of cardiac
failure and dropsy. As a heart stimulant, either a decoction
of the thick portion of the bark made with milk should be
taken every morning on an empty stomach or its powder, in 1 to
2 grams doses should be used with milk and jaggery.
Asthma:
In Ayurveda, the bark of Arjuna is considered beneficial
in the treatment of asthma. According to this system, a fine
powder of the bark is made and stored in a well -corked
bottle. Make infusion in hot water from 1 teaspoon of Arjuna
bark powder and drink as tea.
Diarrhea
and dysentery:
A decoction of the bark taken in doses of 15 to 30 grams may
relieve patients of diarrhea or dysentery.
Acne:
An ointment made by mixing the bark and honey applied over the
affected area, can treat acne successfully.
Other
disorder:
The juice of fresh leaves of the tree can be used beneficially
in earache. Ashes of the bark are also prescribed in scorpion
sting. The decoction of the herb is used as an astringent for
cleaning sores, ulcer etc.
Other
uses:
aphrodisiac:
The powder of the bark is an effective sex stimulant, if taken
with milk regularly over a period of times.
Ayurvedic
supplements:
Arjunaristha:
15-30 ml with equal quantity of water after meals for
cardiac problems.
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