Arjuna
Arjuna
Arjuna also known as the “Arjun tree” is a widely grown tree in India. It has various medicinal properties like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Arjuna helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. It strengthens and tones the heart muscles and helps in proper functioning of the heart. Arjuna tree also has strong anti-hypertensive property and helps reduce high blood pressure. For maximum benefits in case of heart problems, Arjuna chaal boiled in milk should be taken 1-2 times a day.
Arjuna also helps control diarrhea, asthma and cough.
External application of Arjuna bark (Arjuna chaal) helps manage various skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, itching and rashes[2-5].
One note of caution is to avoid Arjuna with anticoagulant drugs as it has blood thinning property[6].
Arjuna helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. It strengthens and tones the heart muscles and helps in proper functioning of the heart. Arjuna tree also has strong anti-hypertensive property and helps reduce high blood pressure. For maximum benefits in case of heart problems, Arjuna chaal boiled in milk should be taken 1-2 times a day.
Arjuna also helps control diarrhea, asthma and cough.
External application of Arjuna bark (Arjuna chaal) helps manage various skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, itching and rashes[2-5].
One note of caution is to avoid Arjuna with anticoagulant drugs as it has blood thinning property[6].
What are the synonyms of Arjuna?
Terminalia arjuna, Partha, Svetavaha, Sadad, Sajada, Matti, Bilimatti, Neermatti, Mathichakke, Kudare Kivimase, Nirmasuthu, Vellamaruthi, Kellemasuthu, Mattimora, Torematti, Arjon, Marudam, Maddi
What is the source of Arjuna?
Plant Based
Benefits of Arjuna
Modern Science View
Arjuna might be beneficial in managing heart disease. Arjuna acts as a cardiotonic and strengthens the heart muscles. Arjuna is effective in managing cardiac problems like high blood pressure, palpitations and rapid heartbeat. Tannins and glycosides in Arjuna bark have antioxidant property that protects the heart muscles and blood vessels. Arjuna also helps in dilation of the blood vessels and dissolves the plaque to improve blood flow[6][7].
Ayurvedic View
Arjuna helps to control heart disease and improve heart function properly. It also helps maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate. This is due to its Hrdya (cardiac tonic) property.
Tip:
1. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Arjuna kwath.
2. Add the same quantity of milk or water to it.
3. Drink once or twice a day after food to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tip:
1. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Arjuna kwath.
2. Add the same quantity of milk or water to it.
3. Drink once or twice a day after food to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Modern Science View
Arjuna is beneficial in the management of chest pain (angina). Studies suggest that Arjuna bark shows a significant reduction in the episodes of chest pain by reducing the level of cortisol (stress hormone). Arjuna also increases exercise tolerance, improves HDL levels and reduces blood pressure in people with stable angina[3][6].
Ayurvedic View
Arjuna is useful to reduce the risk of heart problems like angina. Angina is due to an aggravated Kapha but the pain associated with it is a symptom of aggravated Vata. An aggravated Kapha leads to the production of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body. This Ama accumulates in the heart channels and causes blockage leading to an aggravated Vata. This causes pain in the chest area. Arjuna has Kapha balancing property. It helps to reduce Ama, removes the blockage of heart channels and calms the aggravated Vata. This helps reduce chest pain.
Tip:
1. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Arjuna kwath.
2. Add the same quantity of milk or water to it.
3. Drink once or twice a day after food to reduce the risk of chest pain.
Tip:
1. Take 4-8 teaspoons of Arjuna kwath.
2. Add the same quantity of milk or water to it.
3. Drink once or twice a day after food to reduce the risk of chest pain.
Modern Science View
Arjuna might be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Arjuna has antimicrobial and astringent property. It controls the intestinal infection caused by micro-organisms. Arjuna regulates the gut motility and prevents excessive loss of water and electrolytes from the body[6][9].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Taking Arjuna chaal (bark) helps to control the frequency of motion and helps to retain fluid in the body. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) property.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Arjuna powder.
2. Add honey or water and take after taking light food to control diarrhea.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Arjuna powder.
2. Add honey or water and take after taking light food to control diarrhea.
How effective is Arjuna?
Likely effective
Chest pain (Angina)
Insufficient evidence
Diarrhoea, Heart disease
Precautions when using Arjuna
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Arjuna may interact with blood thinners. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor if you are taking Arjuna with anticoagulant drugs[6].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Avoid taking Arjuna if you are breastfeeding[6].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Arjuna may decrease the blood sugar level. So it is generally advisable to monitor your blood sugar level if you are taking Arjuna with anti-diabetic drugs[6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Avoid taking Arjuna during pregnancy[6].
Recommended Dosage of Arjuna
- Arjuna Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Arjuna Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Arjuna Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
How to use Arjuna
1. Arjuna Chaal Churna
a. Take ¼- ½ teaspoon of Arjuna Chaal (bark) churna or as prescribed by the doctor
b. Add honey or water and take after lunch and dinner.
2. Arjuna Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Arjuna capsules or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water or milk after lunch and dinner.
3. Arjuna Tablet
a. Take 1 Arjuna tablet or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water or milk after lunch and dinner.
4. Arjuna tea
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Arjuna tea.
b. Boil in 1 cup water and 1 cup milk till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
c. Drink once or twice a day in morning and evening.
a. Take ¼- ½ teaspoon of Arjuna Chaal (bark) churna or as prescribed by the doctor
b. Add honey or water and take after lunch and dinner.
2. Arjuna Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Arjuna capsules or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water or milk after lunch and dinner.
3. Arjuna Tablet
a. Take 1 Arjuna tablet or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water or milk after lunch and dinner.
4. Arjuna tea
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Arjuna tea.
b. Boil in 1 cup water and 1 cup milk till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
c. Drink once or twice a day in morning and evening.
Benefits of Arjuna
Modern Science View
Arjuna bark might be beneficial in the management of earache. Earache generally occurs due to ear infection. Arjuna has antimicrobial and inflammatory activity. Arjuna inhibits the growth of micro-organisms that cause ear infection and reduces pain associated with it[6][7].
How effective is Arjuna?
Insufficient evidence
Ear pain
Precautions when using Arjuna
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Arjuna leaves or the paste/powder of Arjuna chaal (bark) with honey or milk if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Arjuna
- Arjuna Powder - ½- 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Arjuna
1. Arjuna Leaves or Bark Fresh Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Arjuna leaves or fresh paste of Arjuna bark (Arjuna chaal).
b. Add honey to it and mix well.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to get rid of acne and pimples.
2. Arjuna Bark (Arjuna chaal) or Leaves Powder
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Arjuna leaves or fresh powder of Arjuna bark bark.
b. Add milk to it and mix well.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to get rid of hyperpigmentation.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Arjuna leaves or fresh paste of Arjuna bark (Arjuna chaal).
b. Add honey to it and mix well.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to get rid of acne and pimples.
2. Arjuna Bark (Arjuna chaal) or Leaves Powder
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Arjuna leaves or fresh powder of Arjuna bark bark.
b. Add milk to it and mix well.
c. Apply evenly on the face and neck.
d. Let it sit for 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to get rid of hyperpigmentation.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Studies suggest that Arjuna bark extract causes significant bradycardia (decreased heart rate). Thus it is advised to consult your doctor before taking Arjuna if you have low blood pressure or heart rate[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Arjuna helps to improve fertility. Arjuna bark extract is a rich source of antioxidants and metals like zinc. Arjuna bark promotes the formation of new sperm cells and increases the sperm count. Arjuna also helps to increase the overall stamina of the body[9][10].
Ayurvedic View
Arjuna tree helps to reduce the risk of bleeding disorders like menorrhagia. According to Ayurveda heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar (excessive secretion of menstrual blood). This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha in the body. Arjuna chaal (bark) helps control heavy menstrual bleeding by balancing Pitta dosha. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Arjuna helps to correct indigestion. According to Ayurveda indigestion means the state of incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire) and leads to indigestion. Taking Arjuna chaal (bark) helps to improve Agni (digestive) because of its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Arjuna powder might help improve the immune system to fight against parasitic infections. This is due to its strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunostimulatory properties[7].
Modern Science View
Studies state that Arjuna bark (Arjuna chaal) might help reduce high blood pressure level. This is due to its high content of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a catalyst that helps lower high blood pressure and improves heart functions[3][8].
Ayurvedic View
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Arjuna chaal powder.
2. Boil it in 1 cup milk.
3. Take it 1-2 times a day to reduce high blood pressure and risk of heart diseases.
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Arjuna chaal powder.
2. Boil it in 1 cup milk.
3. Take it 1-2 times a day to reduce high blood pressure and risk of heart diseases.
Modern Science View
Although not enough studies are available on the mechanism, Arjuna is said to prevent sexually transmitted disease. This is due to its anti-HIV activity[9].
Modern Science View
Animal studies suggest that Arjuna bark helps protect the liver and improve its functioning due to its hepatoprotective property. This can be attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins in the bark of Arjuna[10].
Modern Science View
Kidney diseases like uremia is a potentially fatal condition that demands immediate treatment. Treatment option for uremia includes kidney transplantation and dialysis, which are very expensive and not free from side effects. One of the reasons behind kidney diseases is oxidative stress which is due to an increase in the level of free radicals. Arjuna bark can help protect the kidney from oxidative stress due to its strong antioxidant activity. It scavenges free radicals and reduces the risk of kidney cell damage[11].
Modern Science View
Arjuna bark can be used to manage fever. This is due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties[7]
Modern Science View
Yes, Arjuna bark extract is good for dry skin. Dry skin lacks moisture content and loses elasticity. The skin might become scaly. Arjuna prevents the loss of water from the skin and improves the moisture content. This helps to restore the skin elasticity. Arjuna also improves the blood supply and sebum content in the skin[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Arjuna bark extract (Arjuna chaal) prevents skin aging. Aging is associated with an increase in the number of free radicals. Arjuna has good antioxidant property that prevents skin damage caused by these free radicals. It helps in the formation of new skin cells, hydrates the skin and improves skin elasticity. It also prevents thinning and sagging of the skin[8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Arjuna chaal (bark) is good to heal mouth ulcers. This is because applying a paste of Arjuna chaal gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps in quick healing due to its Ropan (healing) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Arjuna is helpful in the treatment of bleeding piles because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. Arjuna is also useful to get relief from pain while passing stools. This is because of its Sita (cold) nature. However, it is advisable to use Arjuna under medical supervision as a high dose can cause constipation.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Arjuna is good to manage bruises when applied externally. According to Ayurveda, a bruise is a sign of aggravated Pitta. Arjuna balances an aggravated Pitta due to its Sita (cold) property. Arjuna also accelerates the healing process because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Arjuna is good for skin disorders because it helps to control the symptoms of skin disease like eczema when applied on the affected area. Some of the symptoms of eczema are rough skin, blisters, inflammation, itchiness, and bleeding. These symptoms are mainly due to aggravated Pitta. Applying Arjuna powder reduces inflammation and reduces bleeding. This is because of its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Rajni HS, Manish RA.Review on pharmacological ayurvedic compound of Terminalia Arjuna.International Journal Of Phytotherapy Research.2014;4(4):31-38.
- Dwivedi S, Chopra D.Revisiting Terminalia arjuna – An ancient cardiovascular drug.J Tradit Complement Med.2014;4(4):224–231.
- Augustine A, Sreeraj G.Medicinal properties of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.: A review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017;7(1):65–78.
- Choudhari AB, Nazim S, Gomase P, et al. Phytopharmacological review of Arjuna bark.Journal of Pharmacy Research.2011;4(3):580-581.
- WebMD.Terminalia: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Gaherwal S, Anare R, Wast N and Prakash MM.Immunomodulatory efficacy of Terminalia arjuna against Aspicularis tetraptera in mice.IJMR.2014; 5 (1): 23-29.
- Ho MJ, Li EC, Wright JM.Blood pressure lowering efficacy of coenzyme Q10 for primary hypertension.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016
- Amalraj A, Gopi S.Medicinal properties of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.: A review.J Tradit Complement Med. 2017; 7(1): 65–78.
- Desai SD, Patil BS, Kanthe PS, et al. Effect of ethanolic extract of terminalia arjuna on liver functions and histopathology of liver in albino rats fed with hyperlipidemic diet.IJPPS.2015;7(10).
- Das K, Chakraborty PP, Ghosh D, et al. Protective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia arjuna against Dehydrating Induced Oxidative Stress and Uremia in Male Rat.Iran J Pharm Res. 2010 Spring; 9(2): 153–161.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.