Overview
Arjuna Tree is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for high cholesterol. Arjuna is one of the most important cardiac drugs in Ayurveda. It is a large evergreen tree found along river banks throughout India. The bark is thick, smooth, white-grey and peels off in flat pieces. The bark is the principal medicinal part. It is the drug of choice in Hridroga (heart diseases) and is used extensively in cardiac debility, heart failure, and angina. The bark is given with milk or as decoction with honey. Arjuna bark strengthens the heart muscle and improves cardiac output. It is also useful in fractures - the bark decoction promotes bone healing. The bark ash is applied to wounds. The chemical composition includes Arjunin (a glycoside), Arjunic acid, about 16% tannin, and significant quantities of Calcium. Vagbhata recommends it specifically for heart conditions. Dose: Bark powder 3-6 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Verses: Described under Vatadi Varga.
How Arjuna Tree Helps with High Cholesterol
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Arjuna Tree has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing high cholesterol:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Arjunin, Arjunic acid, Tannins (16%), Calcium salts
- Also Known As
- English: Arjuna Tree, Arjun
Sanskrit: अर्जुन, ककुभ, नदीसर्ज, वीरवृक्ष, इन्द्रद्रुम, धनञ्जय, पार्थ
Hindi: अर्जुन, कोह
Other Herbs for High Cholesterol
See all herbs for high cholesterol on the High Cholesterol page.
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.