Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Bhutare
Sanskrit: भूतकेश, योगेश्वरी
Hindi: भूतारे, युनेर
What is Bhutare?
Some herbs in Ayurveda are swallowed, some are rubbed on the skin, and a few are burned. Bhutare belongs to that last, less familiar group: the Bhavaprakasha discusses it among the aromatic substances used for fumigation (Dhupa, the practice of burning herbs to produce medicinal smoke).
Bhutare is also known in Hindi as Yunare, and in Sanskrit as (Bhutakesha) and (Yogeshvari). It is usually given the botanical name Angelica glauca Edgw., but its identity is not settled: some scholars identify it with this plant, while others consider it a distinct drug.
Beyond fumigation, the classical text records its use for fever, digestive disorders and intestinal worms. It is a niche herb, and our sources on it are brief, so this page sticks closely to what they say.
Benefits of Bhutare
The Bhavaprakasha lists three therapeutic actions (Karma, the classical term for what a herb does in the body) for Bhutare.
Digestion and Appetite
Bhutare is classed as an appetizer (Deepana, a herb that kindles digestive fire). This fits its taste profile: pungent (Katu) and bitter (Tikta), light (Laghu) and sharp (Tikshna), with a heating potency (Ushna Virya). The text records its use for digestive disorders.
Intestinal Worms
It is described as anthelmintic (Krimighna, literally "worm-destroying"). Read more about how Ayurveda approaches parasites and worms.
Fever
Bhutare is listed as antipyretic (Jvarahara, "removing fever"), and the text mentions its use for fever.
Fumigation
Its most distinctive classical role is as an ingredient in fumigation (Dhupa) preparations, where aromatic substances are burned rather than eaten.
How to Use Bhutare
Our classical sources describe how Bhutare is used, but not how much. No dose or vehicle (Anupana, the liquid a herb is taken with) is recorded, so any internal use should be set by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fumigation (Dhupa) preparations | Not specified in our sources | Aromatic fumigation | As directed by a practitioner |
| Internal use | Not specified in our sources | Fever, digestive disorders, worms | As directed by a practitioner |
Because scholars disagree on whether Bhutare is Angelica glauca or a separate drug, make sure any material you are given is properly identified by someone who knows the classical sources.
Safety & Side Effects
The classical sources we hold record no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Bhutare. That is an absence of information, not proof of safety.
Two points deserve care. First, its heating potency (Ushna Virya) and sharp quality (Tikshna) mean it is not a mild herb. Second, its botanical identity is disputed, so what is sold under the name may vary.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or treating a fever or worm infection, consult a qualified practitioner or doctor rather than using Bhutare on your own.
Recommended: Start Here
Bhutare is an obscure classical herb, and its identity is still debated, so we do not recommend buying a product sold under its name. The simplest useful step today is to learn where it sits in the classical materia medica, then talk to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if you are dealing with fever, poor digestion or worms.
The Bhavaprakasha discusses it in its section on aromatic fumigation substances, so that is the text to start with.
Find Bhavaprakasha Nighantu on Amazon ↗ Ayurvedic Materia Medica ↗
Safety note: no classical dose or contraindications are recorded for Bhutare, so use it only under a practitioner's guidance.
Bhutare vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Bhutare is rarely compared with mainstream supplements. The one comparison our sources support is with another worm-destroying herb from the same classical text.
| Comparison | Bhutare | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhutare vs Betel Nut for worms | Anthelmintic; pungent and bitter, light and sharp, heating potency | Betel Nut is also anthelmintic; astringent and sweet, heavy and dry, cooling potency | Both are listed as worm-destroying in the Bhavaprakasha. Betel Nut carries classical warnings about intoxication and oral damage; Bhutare has no recorded warnings but also no recorded dose. Let a practitioner choose. |
| Bhutare vs Angelica glauca | The classical drug described in the Bhavaprakasha | The plant most often matched to it | Some scholars treat them as the same, others as distinct. Treat the identification as uncertain. |
Bhutare for Specific Populations
Our classical sources give no population-specific guidance for Bhutare, and no dose at all. The cautious answer for each group is to use it only under a qualified practitioner's supervision.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No guidance is recorded. Avoid it unless a practitioner advises otherwise.
Children
No guidance is recorded. Do not give it to children without professional advice.
Elderly
No specific guidance. Its heating, sharp nature is worth discussing with a practitioner.
Athletes
No specific guidance, and no classical use related to performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bhutare the same as Angelica glauca?
Possibly. It is usually given the botanical name Angelica glauca Edgw., but some scholars consider Bhutare a distinct drug. Its identity remains disputed.
What is Yunare?
Yunare is another Hindi name for Bhutare. In Sanskrit the herb is called Bhutakesha or Yogeshvari.
What is Dhupa?
Dhupa is fumigation: burning aromatic substances to produce medicinal smoke. The Bhavaprakasha discusses Bhutare in its section on these fumigation substances.
Is Bhutare heating or cooling?
Heating. It has a hot potency (Ushna Virya), a pungent and bitter taste, and light, sharp qualities.
How to Use Bhutare by Condition
Explore how Bhutare is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.