Overview
Cherry is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for dry skin. 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.
How Cherry Helps with Dry Skin
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Cherry has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing dry skin:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
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
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
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
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)
Other Herbs for Dry Skin
See all herbs for dry skin on the Dry Skin 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.