Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Tannins, Gluanol, Sterols
- Also Known As
- English: Cluster Fig, Country Fig
Sanskrit: उदुम्बर, जन्तुफल, हेमदुग्ध, सदाफल, यज्ञाङ्ग
Hindi: गूलर
What is Cluster Fig?
Most fig trees hide their fruit among the leaves. The Cluster Fig (Udumbara) does the opposite: its fruits grow in large clusters straight off the main trunk and thicker branches. That odd, memorable habit is how classical texts describe the tree, and Charaka even uses "like clusters of the cluster fig" to describe a type of worm.
Botanically it is Ficus glomerata Roxb., a moderate-sized, spreading tree found throughout India in moist regions. It is also called Country Fig in English and Gular in Hindi. The bark, latex, fruit and leaves are all used.
What makes Cluster Fig distinctive in Ayurveda is its role as a cooling, astringent herb for wounds, ulcers, bleeding and skin problems. It is one of the Panchavalkala, the classical group of five tree barks used together, and it is one of the gentler, Pitta-calming options in the herbal record.
Benefits of Cluster Fig
Cluster Fig's uses come from its taste and energy. It is astringent and sweet in taste (Kashaya, Madhura Rasa), heavy and dry in quality (Guru, Ruksha Guna), and cold in potency (Sheeta Virya). The cooling, astringent combination is why it calms the hot Pitta dosha and helps where tissue is leaking, bleeding or weeping.
Wounds and ulcers
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5 lists Cluster Fig as a wound cleanser (Vranashodhana). Its bark decoction is used for ulcers and wounds, and the latex is applied externally on wounds.
The astringent, drying bark helps dry discharge from open sores, and the bark contains tannins. See the Cluster Fig for ulcers page and the ulcers hub for detail.
Bleeding disorders
Bhavaprakash calls it Raktapittahara, meaning it alleviates bleeding disorders driven by excess heat in the blood (Raktapitta). The unripe fruit is described as useful in heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). More on this pattern is on the bleeding disorders hub.
Skin health and complexion
The bark decoction is used in skin diseases, and Bhavaprakash lists the herb as a complexion enhancer (Varnya). Its cooling nature suits red, hot, inflamed skin. See the skin disorders hub.
Loose stools
Cluster Fig is absorbent (Grahi), meaning it draws in excess fluid and firms the stool. The unripe fruit is astringent and used in diarrhea and dysentery. The ripe fruit works the other way: it is sweet, cooling and mildly laxative.
How to Use Cluster Fig
The bark is the main medicinal form, used as a decoction taken internally or as a wash on the skin. The latex is for external use only.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark decoction (Kashaya) | 10 to 20 g coarse bark boiled in 400 ml water down to 100 ml; drink 50 ml | Bleeding, Pitta-type peptic ulcer | Twice daily before food |
| Bark powder (Churna) | 3 to 6 g with cool water or buttermilk | Internal cooling, astringent support | Twice daily before meals |
| Bark wash | 15 g bark boiled in 500 ml water down to 150 ml, cooled | Skin ulcers and wounds; mouth rinse for mouth ulcers | Twice daily, lukewarm |
| Fresh latex | A few drops | Clean, near-closed minor wounds | Externally, as needed |
The classical Bhavaprakash dose for the bark decoction is 1 to 2 tola, roughly 12 to 24 g of bark. Start at the lower end.
For internal use, honey can be added once the decoction has cooled. For a burning peptic ulcer, the decoction is sometimes combined with Licorice (Yashtimadhu) in milk. For skin, the bark can also be used as part of the five-bark Panchavalkala decoction.
Safety & Side Effects
Cluster Fig is cooling and gentle, and is considered one of the safer barks for ulcer care. A few points still matter.
- Constipation: the bark is absorbent and can be constipating at higher doses. If stools turn hard, reduce the dose or take Triphala at night.
- Weak digestion: the herb is heavy, so if your digestion is very weak, start with a lower dose.
- Latex: apply only to clean, near-closed wounds, never inside a deep, raw or infected ulcer.
- Serious bleeding: vomiting blood, black tarry stool or severe abdominal pain need urgent medical care. Herbs are support, not a substitute.
Our sources do not record specific drug interactions. Tell your doctor about any herbs you take alongside medication.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with Cluster Fig is the bark decoction. It is the form the Bhavaprakash gives a dose for, and it works both as a drink and as a wash.
Start here: boil 10 g of coarse Cluster Fig bark in 400 ml of water until about 100 ml remains, then strain. Drink 50 ml twice daily before food for Pitta-type internal concerns, or let it cool and use it as a wash for a skin wound or a rinse for a mouth ulcer. If you buy a packaged product, follow its label.
For a burning stomach ulcer: traditional practice pairs the bark decoction with Licorice taken in warm milk after meals.
Find Cluster Fig Bark on Amazon ↗ Cluster Fig Powder ↗ Licorice Powder ↗
Safety note: the bark can be constipating at higher doses, and any vomiting of blood or black stool needs urgent medical care.
Cluster Fig vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Cluster Fig is most often weighed against the herbs it is paired with in classical ulcer and bleeding care.
| Comparison | Cluster Fig | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluster Fig vs Licorice for ulcers | Astringent and absorbent; dries oozing, bleeding or discharging ulcers. | Gentle, sweet and coating; soothes raw lining in stomach and mouth ulcers. | Choose Licorice for a raw, burning lining; Cluster Fig when the ulcer is weeping or bleeding. Classical practice often combines them. |
| Cluster Fig alone vs Panchavalkala | One cooling, astringent bark. | The five-bark group: Cluster Fig, Banyan, Peepal, Plaksha and Parisha. | Panchavalkala is the classical wash for wounds and infected skin. Cluster Fig alone is simpler and easier to source. |
| Cluster Fig vs Triphala for bowels | Absorbent bark that firms loose stools and can constipate at higher doses. | Classical three-fruit blend used at night to keep stools moving. | Opposite jobs. Cluster Fig for loose stools; Triphala alongside it if the bark makes stools hard. |
Cluster Fig for Specific Populations
Cluster Fig is a gentle, cooling herb, but our sources hold little population-specific data, so the advice here stays cautious.
Pregnancy & Nursing
The bark decoction at standard food-medicinal doses is generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using it.
Children
No child dosing is recorded in our sources. Do not give it internally to children without a qualified practitioner's guidance.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Because the herb is heavy and can be constipating, older adults with weak digestion or a tendency to constipation should start at a low dose.
Athletes
Our sources record no athletic use. External use of the bark wash for minor wounds applies to anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cluster Fig called in Hindi and Sanskrit?
In Hindi it is called Gular, and in Sanskrit Udumbara. Sanskrit synonyms include Jantuphala and Sadaphala. Its botanical name is Ficus glomerata.
Which part of the Cluster Fig is used?
The bark, latex, fruit and leaves are all used. The bark decoction is the main internal and external remedy, while the latex is applied externally on wounds.
Is the fruit astringent or laxative?
It depends on ripeness. The unripe fruit is astringent and used in diarrhea, dysentery and heavy menstrual bleeding. The ripe fruit is sweet, cooling and laxative.
Which dosha does Cluster Fig balance?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records it as balancing Pitta. Its cold potency and astringent, sweet taste are what calm heat.
What is Panchavalkala?
Panchavalkala means "five barks": Cluster Fig, Banyan, Peepal, Plaksha and Parisha. The barks are used together, most often as a decoction wash for wounds and skin conditions.
How to Use Cluster Fig by Condition
Explore how Cluster Fig is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Also known as – keshada (destructing hair), lomada (destructing body hair), lomadwipa (residing in hair follicles of body), saurasa(insect infesting cartilages), audumbara(which appear like clusters of ficus racemosa/cluster fig tree) and jantumatarah(a kind of fly which produces worms);
— Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 7: Signs of Morbidity (Vyadhita Rupiya Vimana / व्याधित रूपीय विमान)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 7: Signs of Morbidity (Vyadhita Rupiya Vimana / व्याधित रूपीय विमान)
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.