Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter, astringent, sweet
- Quality (Guna)
- Dry, light
- Potency (Virya)
- Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet
- Dosha Effect
- PK<, V
- Key Constituents
- Lignans Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin Flavonoids Astragalin, rutin, quercetin Triterpenes Lupeol, sitosterol Alkaloids Tannin Geraniin (Bone 1996, Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, fat, reproductive
- Srotas
- Digestive, reproductive, urinary
What is Bhumyamalaki?
If you have ever looked into Ayurvedic support for the liver, one small, bitter plant keeps coming up. Bhumyamalaki (Bhumyamalaki) is the herb Ayurvedic texts single out for liver disorders, jaundice and hepatitis.
Its name literally means "the amalaki of the earth". This very low-growing shrub, botanically Phyllanthus niruri (also listed as Phyllanthus amarus), has leaves that resemble the pattern and shape of its grander namesake, Amla (Amalaki). Look underneath the branches and you will find the tiny fruits lined up along the underside. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, and the whole plant is used.
Bhumyamalaki tastes very bitter, with astringent and sweet notes, and is cooling in potency. Bhavaprakasha calls it one of the best herbs for liver disorders, and Sahasra Yoga names it the classical liver protector for jaundice. It is also valued for clearing gall and bladder stones.
Benefits of Bhumyamalaki
Liver Protection
This is the benefit Bhumyamalaki is known for. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu lists its first action as liver protective (Yakritroganashaka), and it is used for liver disorders, jaundice and hepatitis. Its bitter taste and cooling potency (Sheeta Virya) counter the heat of Pitta, the dosha of fire and transformation, which governs the liver. It is also described as stimulating bile flow (cholagogue).
Gallbladder and Digestion
It is used for clearing gallstones and as a hepatobiliary cleanser in gallbladder inflammation. Traditional sources also list it for dyspepsia and as a stomachic, and our pages connect it to heartburn and acid reflux when liver heat sits underneath.
Urinary Tract
Bhavaprakasha records it as a diuretic (Mutrala), and its listed channels include the urinary system. It is used for urinary disorders, especially the hot, burning pattern, and for bladder stones.
Blood and Bleeding
It is described as alleviating bleeding from heated blood (Raktapittahara), which links it to bleeding disorders. Traditional sources also list it for anemia and menorrhagia (heavy periods).
Parasites, Blood Sugar and More
Its anthelmintic action (Krimighna) connects it to parasites and worms and to yeast infections. It is also listed for diabetes, hiccups, and as good for the eyes (Netrya).
How to Use Bhumyamalaki
Bhumyamalaki is traditionally taken as an infusion, fresh juice, powder or pill, and applied externally as a poultice. Bhavaprakasha gives doses for the fresh juice and the powder.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh juice (Swarasa) | Classical dose 5 to 12 tola, roughly 60 to 145 ml | Acute liver heat, jaundice under supervision | As directed by a practitioner |
| Powder (Churna) | Classical dose 0.5 to 0.95 tola; commonly given as about 3 to 6 g, twice daily | Long-term liver support, daily use | Twice daily |
| Infusion or pill | Follow product or practitioner guidance | Convenience | As directed |
| Poultice (external) | Applied to the affected area | Ulcers, sores, swellings, itch | As needed |
A tola is a traditional Indian weight. Because Bhumyamalaki is dry and light, and can aggravate Vata in excess, a practitioner may adjust the dose or vehicle for people prone to dryness.
Safety & Side Effects
Bhumyamalaki has a reassuring safety profile in our sources: no drug and herb interactions are known.
Who Should Take Care
- Vata-prone people. Its dry, light qualities mean it can increase Vata in excess, so people who run dry, cold or anxious should use it with guidance. Note that sources differ here: one describes it as balancing all three doshas.
- Anyone with jaundice or hepatitis. These need a medical diagnosis first. Bhumyamalaki is used alongside medical care, not instead of it.
- Pregnancy, nursing and children. Our sources give no specific guidance, so consult a qualified practitioner first.
"No known interactions" is not the same as proven safe with every medicine. If you take regular medication, tell your doctor before starting.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with Bhumyamalaki is the powder (Churna), taken twice daily at the commonly used dose of about 3 to 6 g, mixed into warm water.
Bhavaprakasha gives a classical dose for the powder, it is the form commonly used for daily, long-term liver support, and it lets you adjust the dose easily. If you prefer to avoid its very bitter taste, tablets or capsules are a convenient alternative.
Its main role is supporting the liver, so it is best suited to people whose concern is liver health, a Pitta tendency to heat, or the conditions linked to it on this page.
Find Bhumyamalaki Powder on Amazon ↗ Phyllanthus niruri Capsules ↗
Safety note: if you have yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or known liver disease, see a doctor before starting, and use with care if you are prone to Vata dryness.
Bhumyamalaki vs Other Herbs & Supplements
| Comparison | Bhumyamalaki | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhumyamalaki vs Amla | Targeted liver herb, very bitter, low-growing earth cousin of Amla | Broad cooling tonic | Choose Bhumyamalaki for a specific liver focus; Amla for general cooling support. |
| Bhumyamalaki vs Kutki | Gentler and broader, with a sweet post-digestive effect | Another bitter liver herb | Both sit in the bitter-liver corner of heartburn care; Bhumyamalaki is the gentler choice. |
| Bhumyamalaki vs Gokshura | Best for the hot, Pitta-driven urinary pattern with liver overlap | The broadest urinary herb | Choose Gokshura for general urinary support; Bhumyamalaki when liver heat and urinary burning travel together. |
| Bhumyamalaki vs Varuna | Used for stones, but its main strength is the liver | The stronger stone-breaker | For urinary stones as the main issue, Varuna leads; Bhumyamalaki suits stones with a liver picture. |
Bhumyamalaki for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources give no specific guidance on Bhumyamalaki in pregnancy or while nursing. Avoid self-treating and consult a qualified practitioner and your doctor first.
Children
No child dose is recorded in our sources. Do not give it to children without a practitioner's guidance, and any child with jaundice needs prompt medical care.
Elderly
Because Bhumyamalaki is dry and light and can aggravate Vata in excess, older adults, who tend toward Vata dryness, may need a lower dose or a moistening vehicle chosen by a practitioner. Older adults are also more likely to take medicines, so check with a doctor.
Athletes
Our sources do not describe a specific benefit for athletes. Those with a Pitta tendency to heat may still find its cooling, liver-supporting action relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhumyamalaki mean?
It means "the amalaki of the earth". The low-growing plant's leaves resemble those of Amla (Amalaki), its taller namesake.
Is Bhumyamalaki the same as Phyllanthus niruri?
Yes. Bhumyamalaki is the Sanskrit name for Phyllanthus niruri, also listed as Phyllanthus amarus. Its Sanskrit synonyms include Tamalaki, Ajata and Ajati.
What is Bhumyamalaki used for?
It is best known as a liver remedy for liver disorders, jaundice and hepatitis. It is also used for gall and bladder stones, urinary complaints, bleeding disorders and parasites.
Can Bhumyamalaki be used on the skin?
Yes. It is applied externally as a poultice for ulcers, inflammations, sores, swellings, itch and other skin conditions, and is traditionally used for spongy and bleeding gums.
What are its active compounds?
Its listed constituents include the lignans phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, triterpenes such as lupeol, alkaloids and the tannin geraniin. Phyllanthin is described as the main active principle.
How to Use Bhumyamalaki by Condition
Explore how Bhumyamalaki is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
), tamalaka (Phyllanthus urinaria Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
Juice of tamalaki (Phyllanthus urinaria Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
), sauvarchala (variety of salt), tamalaki (Phyllanthus urinaria Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
[258-259] Krishna sarpa vasadi –rasakriya: Rasakriya (thin paste) prepared of the fat of black snake cobra, honey, the juice of amalaki – phyllanthus emblicais useful in curing all eye-diseases like kacha (cataract), arbuda (tumor in the eyes) and discharge from the eyes.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Five pala each of pippali – Piper longum, triphala (haritaki–Terminalia chebula, vibhitaka –Terminalia bellerica, amalaki–Phyllanthus emblica), anjana, prapaundarika, manjistha – Rubia cordifolia, lodhra – Symplocos racemose, black variety of aguru – Aquallaria agallocha, utpala – Nymphaea alba, amrasthi (seeds of Mango –Mangifera indica), krishna – kardama (black mud), mrinala – Lotus stalk, rakta chandana- Pterocapus santalinus Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also: Bala (Sida cordifolia), Bhumi Amali (Phyllanthus niruri), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Shati (Hedychium spicatum), Jivaka (Microstylis wallichii), Rishabha (Microstylis muscifera), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Pushkara (Inula racemosa), and Kakanasika (Martynia annua).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, 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.