Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Giant Milkweed, Gigantic Swallow-wort
Sanskrit: रक्तार्क, अलर्क, राजार्क
Hindi: लाल मदार, अकौआ
What is Alarka / Mandar (अलर्क / मन्दार)?
Alarka (Calotropis gigantea) is the purple/red-flowered variety of Madar. It grows up to 4-10 feet height with thick fleshy leaves. This species is considered equivalent in properties to Calotropis procera but is more commonly found in the Himalayan foothills and southern India. It is distinguished by its purple-red flowers compared to the white flowers of C. procera.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
- Kushtaghna (anti-dermatosis)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Madar by Condition
Explore how Madar is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Visha (poisoning)
- Krimi (worms)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Musika-alarka visa pratisedha (treatment of poison of mouse, rabid, dog etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Ayushkameeya Adhyaya
References in Sushruta Samhita
A compound of pasted sesamum mixed with its oil, treacle and the (milky) juice of a Rupika plant eliminates the poison of a rabid dog (Alarka) from the system as a gale of wind drives a pack of clouds before it.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 6: Mushika-Kalpa
A compound of pasted sesamum mixed with its oil, treacle and the (milky) juice of a Rupika plant eliminates the poison of a rabid dog (Alarka) from the system as a gale of wind drives a pack of clouds before it.
— Sushruta Samhita, Mushika-Kalpa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 6: Mushika-Kalpa; Mushika-Kalpa
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.