Barleria

(Barleria)
Sanskrit: सहचर • Botanical: Barleria prionitis Linn.

Katsareya (Barleria prionitis) is a thorny shrub with yellow or orange flowers. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall. The leaves and roots are used medicinally. It is commonly found along roadsides and in hedges. The root is used in dental complaints - chewed as a toothbrush. The plant is spiny with opposite leaves. Different varieties exist: B. cristata (purple/blue flowers), B. strigosa (blue), and others. The flower is used in cough and Kapha disorders. It has 0.2-0.3% essential oil. Dose: 4-8 tola Kvatha; Churna 2-4 tola. Verse: 26.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Barlerin, Iridoid glycosides, Flavonoids
Also Known As
English: Barleria, Porcupine Flower
Sanskrit: सहचर, सैरेयक, कुरण्टक
Hindi: कटसरैया, पियाबासा

What is Barleria (Katsareya / कटसरैया)?

Katsareya (Barleria prionitis) is a thorny shrub with yellow or orange flowers. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall. The leaves and roots are used medicinally. It is commonly found along roadsides and in hedges. The root is used in dental complaints - chewed as a toothbrush. The plant is spiny with opposite leaves. Different varieties exist: B. cristata (purple/blue flowers), B. strigosa (blue), and others. The flower is used in cough and Kapha disorders. It has 0.2-0.3% essential oil. Dose: 4-8 tola Kvatha; Churna 2-4 tola. Verse: 26.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Kasahara (alleviates cough)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Dantya (dental health)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Barleria by Condition

Explore how Barleria is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Barleria for Inflammation

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.