Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Fixed oil (50-52%), Protein, Starch
- Also Known As
- English: Chironji, Almondette
Sanskrit: प्रियाल, चार, खरस्कन्ध, सन्नकद्रु, ताप
Hindi: चिरौंजी
What is Cherry (Birojji / बिरोजी)?
Priyala (Chironji) is a moderate-sized deciduous tree found in the dry forests of Central India. The seed kernel is the edible part, widely used as a dry fruit in Indian sweets and cooking. The kernel is sweet, nutritive, oily and aphrodisiac. The oil from kernels (Chironji oil) is used as a substitute for olive oil and almond oil. It is nourishing and strengthening. The fruit is eaten fresh and the kernel is expensive and valued. The bark is astringent. Chemical analysis shows the kernel contains 50-52% oil and significant protein. Dose: Kernel as food; oil externally. Verse: 28.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
- Balya (strengthening)
- Brinhana (nourishing)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6
Cherry: Ayurvedic Properties and Uses
Rasa (Taste): Sweet, sour, astringent. Virya: Heating. Vipak: Pungent. Dosha: Pacifies vata and kapha; may provoke pitta when taken in excess.
- Mental fatigue, stress and insomnia: Eat 10 to 20 cherries daily.
- Premenstrual syndrome and/or excess menstrual flow: With vata and kapha symptoms such as aches, water retention or white discharge, eat about 10 cherries on an empty stomach daily for a week before onset of menstruation.
- Motion sickness and headache: Eat 7 cherries when a long car drive causes motion sickness and/or headache.
- Poor vision, redness and prominent blood vessels in eyes or on tip of nose: Eat about 15 cherries daily on an empty stomach.
- Dry skin: Apply a pulp of cherries as a mask at night before bed. Leave on for 15 minutes for a beautiful complexion.
- Eczema and psoriasis: A pulp made from powdered cherry seeds can help. Spread on skin and leave for 10–15 minutes.
Source: Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing, Chapter 8: Foods for Healing — Fruits
How to Use Cherry by Condition
Explore how Cherry is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
The treatment shall be bathing (washing), pouring with water processed with anti-poisonous drugs, application of paste of Sevya (Ushira), Candana (sandalwood), Padmaka – Wild Himalayan Cherry (heart wood) – Prunus puddum / cerasoides;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Triphala, Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides, wild Himalayan cherry), Ushira (vetiver), Samanga (Manjishtha, Rubia cordifolia), Karavira (Nerium oleander), Nala Mula (root of Arundo donax/giant reed), and Ananta (Sariva/Hemidesmus indicus) -- this paste destroys Kapha-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
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.