Medicinal Uses Of Arjuna/Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna)

Arjuna

Arjuna is a medicinal tree that grows up to 20-25 meters. Terminalia arjuna is the botanical name of the tree. Arjuna has been widely used in Ayurveda to treat heart diseases; hence the tree is popularly known as ' guardian of the heart'. The significant role of the arjuna in the treatment of heart diseases was mentioned in Ashtanga Hridaya by Vagbhada in the 7th Century CE. Also, from ancient times onwards, Arjuna was found to be very effective in treating ulcers, diabetes, high cholesterol, wounds, and haemorrhages.

Arjuna is seen in the Indian sub-continent, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya. The plant belongs to the Harar family. The red colour bark of the plant is useful to make Ayurvedic formulations. According to Ayurveda, tridoshas are the main reasons behind the development of various diseases. Arjuna finds it very effective in pacifying Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

Arjuna- Plant Details

Plant Name: Arjuna/ Arjun.

Botanical name: Terminalia arjuna.

Parts of the plants used: The bark.

Name Of Arjuna In Different Languages

English: Terminalia arjuna.

Malayalam: Poo Maruthu.

Hindi: Arjun.

Telugu:Tella Maddi.

Tamil: Neela Marudhu.

Gujarati: Sadado.

Sanskrit: Indradaru.

Kannada: Neer matti.

Bengali: Arjun Gach.

Ayurvedic Properties Of Arjuna

• Rasa

  Kashaya( astringent).

• Guna

  Ruksha( Dry).

• Virya

  Sheet (cols).

• Vipaka

  Katu ( pungent).

Medicinal Properties Of Arjuna

Arjuna is rich in a variety of medicinal properties that have various health benefits.

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antioxidant.
• Antimicrobial.
• Anti-hypertensive.
• Anticoagulant.

Arjuna is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive, and anticoagulant properties.

Health Benefits Of Arjuna

Arjuna is rich in a variety of medicinal properties and can be used to treat various diseases naturally.

• Treats High blood pressure

  Arjuna is rich in anti-hypertensive properties that help to lower high blood pressure. .

• Improves heart function

  Arjuna is rich in cardiac tonic properties. Arjuna helps to strengthen the heart muscles and improves heart function naturally. Arjuna helps to remove blockages in the heart channels and thereby prevents chest pain also.

• Treats skin disorders

  The Arjuna chaal ( bark) external application is found to be very effective in treating various skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes.

• Treats diarrhoea

  The bark of arjuna is very effective in controlling motion frequency and helps in fluid retaining in the body. The bark is taken as a decoction in dosages of 15 to 30 grams per day.

• Treats bronchitis

  bronchitis may occur due to the ama accumulated in the form of mucus in the lungs. Arjuna helps to pacify Kapha dosha; hence helps to reduce ama and prevents mucus effectively.

• Treats Urinary tract infections

  The Mutral (diuretic) property of Arjuna helps to prevent pain during urination and increases urine flow. Also, the coolant property of Arjuna helps to reduce burning sensation while urinating.

• Treats Infertility

  Arjuna is rich in zinc and antioxidants that help to increase sperm count and create new sperm cells. Hence, arjuna can improve fertility naturally. .

• Improves immunity

  Arjuna helps to increase our immunity system due to its immunomodulatory properties. So the body gets enough power to fight bacteria and viruses entering the body. .

• Treats indigestion

  According to Ayurveda, the main reason behind indigestion is weak digestive power. Regular consumption of Arjuna helps to improve digestive ire by pacifying Kapha dosha. .

Arjuna has been widely used in Ayurveda to treat various diseases like indigestion, high blood pressure, heart diseases, infertility, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, skin disorders, and improves immunity naturally.

Dosage Of Arjuna

Arjuna can be consumed in the form of capsules, powder, and tablets. General recommended dosage of Arjuna is:

• Arjuna capsule

  One arjuna capsule can be consumed twice a day.

• Arjuna tablet

  One arjuna tablet can be consumed twice a day.

• Arjuna powder

  Ayurveda recommends 2-3 grams per day.

Side Effects Of Arjuna

The normal dosage of Arjuna has not reported any serious health issues so far. However, overdosage of arjuna may cause various troubles like:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.
• Constipation.
• Body aches. .

Precautions

• Arjuna is generally not recommended during pregnancy and lactating periods.
• Check your diabetes regularly, because arjuna may cause a decrease in blood sugar levels. .

Conclusion

All the information regarding Arjuna and its health benefits were collected from various Ayurvedic resources. Kindly get the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before self-medication.

References

• Ashtanga Hridayam.
• Charaka Samhita.
• Susrutha Samhita.