Devdaru
Devdaru
Devdaru commonly known as Deodar or Himalayan Cedar is called as the ‘Wood of Gods’. All parts of this plant are used for medicinal benefits. The bark of Devdaru has expectorant property and give relief from cough and fever. Devdaru possessess anti-inflammatory, blood glucose lowering, antispasmodic (relieve spasm), pain relieving and insecticidal properties. It helps to manage insomnia, urinary discharge, itching, tuberculosis and eye disorders. The oil is antiseptic in nature and helps in managing skin diseases, wounds, urogenital diseases and as an insecticide[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Devdaru?
Cedrus deodara, Surabhuruha, Amaradaru, Devakastha, Daru, Suradaru, Shajar Tuljeen, Devdaroo, Deodar, Himalayan Cedar, Devdar, Teliyo Devdar, Devdaroo, Deevdar, Devtaram, Telya Dedaroo, Diyar, Dewdar, Devdari Chettu, Devdaree[1].
What is the source of Devdaru?
Plant Based
Benefits of Devdaru
FAQs about Devdaru benefits
1. Cough and Cold
Devdaru helps to control cough when taken orally. A cough is a common ailment which usually happens with cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Taking Devdaru helps to balance Kapha and expel out excessive mucus from the lungs. This is because of its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) potency.
2. Asthma
Devdaru helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Devdaru helps in balancing Kapha and Vata and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
3. Osteoarthritis
Devdaru is useful in Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and difficulty in moving. Devdaru has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
4. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Devdaru is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Devdaru helps to control cough when taken orally. A cough is a common ailment which usually happens with cold. It is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda. A cough is generally caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Taking Devdaru helps to balance Kapha and expel out excessive mucus from the lungs. This is because of its Kapha balancing and Ushna (hot) potency.
2. Asthma
Devdaru helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Devdaru helps in balancing Kapha and Vata and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
3. Osteoarthritis
Devdaru is useful in Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling and difficulty in moving. Devdaru has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis-like pain and swelling in the joints.
4. Obesity
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Devdaru is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Precautions when using Devdaru
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Devdaru or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Devdaru or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Devdaru
- Devdaru Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Devdaru Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
How to use Devdaru
1. Devdaru Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Devdaru Powder.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
2. Devdaru Decoction
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru powder.
b. Boil it in 2 cups of water till the volume reduces to a half cup.
c. Take 10-20 teaspoon of this Devdaru decoction.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably after meals.
3. Devdaru Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Devdaru.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Devdaru Powder.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
2. Devdaru Decoction
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru powder.
b. Boil it in 2 cups of water till the volume reduces to a half cup.
c. Take 10-20 teaspoon of this Devdaru decoction.
d. Add the same quantity of water to it.
e. Drink it preferably after meals.
3. Devdaru Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Devdaru.
b. Swallow it with water 1-2 times a day.
Benefits of Devdaru
FAQs about Devdaru benefits
1. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Devdaru and its oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
2. Wound healing
Devdaru especially the oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
3. Urticaria
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Devdaru or its oil gives relief in case of urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Devdaru and its oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. This is because of its Vata balancing and Snigdha (oily) properties.
2. Wound healing
Devdaru especially the oil helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
3. Urticaria
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Devdaru or its oil gives relief in case of urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties.
Precautions when using Devdaru
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Always use Devdaru oil after mixing with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying externally if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Devdaru
- Devdaru Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Devdaru Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per requirement.
How to use Devdaru
1. Devdaru Oil
a. Take 5-10 drops of Devdaru oil.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Massage on the affected area to manage infected wounds and syphilis.
2. Devdaru Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru paste.
b. Apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to control itching, inflammation, pain and swelling.
a. Take 5-10 drops of Devdaru oil.
b. Add Coconut oil to it.
c. Massage on the affected area to manage infected wounds and syphilis.
2. Devdaru Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Devdaru paste.
b. Apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to control itching, inflammation, pain and swelling.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing chronic asthma. Devdaru has been used as an anti-asthmatic due to its antispasmodic activity[3][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing flatulence. The wood of Devdaru tree has carminative property due to which it helps in expelling gas[3][5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Devdaru gives relief in flatulence and keeps digestion healthy because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It helps to digest food easily and prevents the formation of gas.
Modern Science View
Yes, Devdaru may be useful in managing ulcers. Devdaru oil has antiulcer and anti-secretory properties. It reduces the production of gastric fluid, acidity and increases the pH of gastric fluids. Devdaru also protects the inner lining of the stomach from ulceration and inflammation[2][5][6].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Devdaru may be good for the skin. In traditional medicine, Devdaru oil is useful in managing skin diseases, skin rashes, boils and ulcers. Also, applying Devdaru oil may give relief from headache and rheumatic pain[8][9].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine Devdaru oil or gum may be useful in managing pruritus (chronic itching)[2][7][8].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Devdaru oil may be useful in managing headache[9].
References
- Sharma A, Prashar B, Arora P, et al. Cedrus Deodara: a medicinal herb.Int J Curr Res.2018;10(2):65758-65762.
- Chaudhary AK, Ahmad S, Mazumder A.Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud.: A review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profile.Phcog J.2011;3(23):1-6.
- L Singh P, Tripathi K, Yadav RB et al.Devdara (Cedrus deodara (ROXB.) loud.) a critical review on the medicinal plant.Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research.2014;2(1):1-10.
- Sekhar AV, Gandhi DN, Rao NM et al.An experimental and clinical evaluation of anti-asthmatic potentialities of devadaru compound (DC).Indian J Physiol Pharmacol.2003;47(1):101-107.
- Parveen R, Azmi MA, Tariq RM et al.Determination of antifungal activity of Cedrus deodara root oil and its compounds against Candida albicans and aspergillus fumigatus.Pakistan J Bot.2010;42(5):3645-3649.
- Kumar A, Singh V, Chaudhary AK.Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. in Wistar rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2011;134(2):294-297.
- Sharma A, Prashar B, Arora P.Cedrus deodara: a medicinal herb.International Journal of Current Research.2018;10(2):65758-65762.
- Zhang JM, Shi XF, Ma QH et al.Chemical constituents from pine needles of cedrus deodara.Chem Nat Compd.2011;47(2):272-274.
- Kumar M, Paul Y, Anand VK.An Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the locals in Kishtwar , Jammu and Kashmir , India.J Ethnobiol Ethnomed.2009;13:1240-1256.
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.