Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Ailantic acid, Ailanthone, Tannins
- Also Known As
- English: Tree of Heaven
Sanskrit: महारुख, महानिम्ब
Hindi: मोटी बजुली, अरडू
What is Ailanthus?
Stand under a 60-foot tree in an Indian plain and you might mistake it for a giant neem. That look-alike is Ailanthus, known in Sanskrit as Maharuksha and also called Mahanimba, "great neem," because of the resemblance.
Its botanical name is Ailanthus excelsa, and its English name is Tree of Heaven. It grows throughout India, in hills and plains alike, with compound leaves of 8 to 12 paired leaflets. In Hindi it is known as Ardu.
The bark is the main medicinal part. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 3) describes it as cooling and fever-reducing, and uses it for fevers and parasitic conditions.
Benefits of Ailanthus
Ailanthus is bitter (Tikta Rasa), light and dry (Laghu, Ruksha), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya) and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists three actions.
Fever
It is antipyretic (Jvaraghna) and a coolant (Sheetala). Bitter taste and cold potency together are the classical pairing for clearing heat.
Worms and parasites
It is anthelmintic (Krimighna), used against parasites and worms (Krimi). Bitter, light herbs are the traditional choice here.
Digestion
The Sharangadhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1) describes the Putapaka of Aralu, a classical processed juice preparation, as a digestive stimulant.
The bark contains ailantic acid, ailanthone and tannins.
How to Use Ailanthus
Our sources give no standalone dose for Ailanthus. It appears classically as a processed bark juice or as one ingredient in compound preparations.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Putapaka (roasted bark juice) | Practitioner-set | Weak digestion | Not specified in our sources |
| Bark in compound formulas | Per the formula | Fever, worms | Per the formula |
The Sharangadhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8) includes Araluka in a confection alongside Bilva, Pippali, Guduchi and Haritaki. Because the bark is not a common retail herb, work with a practitioner to source and dose it.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no specific contraindications, interactions or overdose signs. Its qualities suggest sensible limits.
- Dryness: it is light, dry and cold, which can aggravate Vata with long use.
- Identification: it is often confused with Mahaneem, so buy only correctly identified Ailanthus excelsa bark.
- Fever and parasites: a persistent fever or suspected worm infection needs a doctor's diagnosis first.
- Pregnancy and nursing: no safety data in our sources; avoid without professional advice.
Recommended: Start Here
Ailanthus is a practitioner's herb rather than a kitchen one. The simplest path is to ask an Ayurvedic practitioner whether the bark, alone or in a formula, suits your fever, digestion or parasite concern.
What to look for: dried bark or powder labelled Ailanthus excelsa, sold as Maharukh or Ardu.
Find Ailanthus Bark on Amazon ↗ Maharukh Powder ↗
See a doctor for any lasting fever or suspected worms, and avoid it in pregnancy without advice.
Ailanthus vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Ailanthus | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailanthus vs Mahaneem | Ailanthus excelsa, cooling bark for fever and worms | A look-alike tree it is often confused with | Different plants; check the botanical name |
| Ailanthus vs Vidanga | Bitter, cold anthelmintic bark | Another classical anti-worm herb | Both target worms; Ailanthus is also listed as cooling and fever-reducing |
| Ailanthus vs Guduchi | Cooling, antipyretic | Used beside it in Sharangadhara's confection | Classical companions rather than substitutes |
Ailanthus for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources give no safety data. Avoid it during pregnancy and nursing unless a qualified practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
Worms are common in children, but our sources give no child dose. Any use should be practitioner-guided.
Elderly
Its dry, cold nature can aggravate the dryness common in later life. Use short courses only, under guidance.
Athletes
Our sources say nothing about athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ailanthus called Mahanimba?
It looks so much like neem that it earned the name "great neem." The Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes that it is often confused with Mahaneem.
Which part of Ailanthus is used?
The bark is the primary medicinal part.
Is Ailanthus cooling?
Yes. It is cold in potency and listed as a coolant and fever reducer.
What is a Putapaka?
It is one of the classical juice-based preparations listed in the Sharangadhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1), the chapter on fresh juices, pastes and decoctions. The text Samhita describes the Putapaka of Ailanthus as a digestive stimulant; ask a practitioner to prepare it.
How to Use Ailanthus by Condition
Explore how Ailanthus is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The Putapaka of Aralu (Ailanthus excelsa) is a digestive stimulant.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
The ingredients are: Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Aranikas (Premna mucronata and Clerodendrum phlomidis), Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Araluka (Ailanthus excelsa), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), the two Brihatis — Brihati (Solanum indicum) and Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Pippali (Piper longum), Shringi (Pistacia integerrima), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Amrita/Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Abhaya/Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.