Parijata

(Coral Tree)
Sanskrit: पारिजात • Botanical: Erythrina indica Lam.

Parijata/Pharahad (Erythrina indica), the Coral Tree, is a deciduous tree with thorny bark and brilliant red flowers. The bark has a bitter taste and is used in fever, rheumatic conditions, and parasitic infections. The text describes its leaves as trifoliate, with thorny branches. Bark decoction is used for fevers and joint pain. The alkaloid Erythrine gives it anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly noted for Vata-dominant conditions. The seeds are used as beads and the wood is light. The bark and leaves have been found to contain alkaloids with both analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Erythrine, Strychnine (as antidote reference), Hypaphorine, Erysodine, Erysopine, Erysothiopine
Also Known As
English: Coral Tree
Sanskrit: पारिजात, पारिभद्र, मन्दार, निम्बतरु
Hindi: फरहद, पंगरा

What is Coral Tree / Parijata (फरहद / पारिजात)?

Parijata/Pharahad (Erythrina indica), the Coral Tree, is a deciduous tree with thorny bark and brilliant red flowers. The bark has a bitter taste and is used in fever, rheumatic conditions, and parasitic infections. The text describes its leaves as trifoliate, with thorny branches. Bark decoction is used for fevers and joint pain. The alkaloid Erythrine gives it anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly noted for Vata-dominant conditions. The seeds are used as beads and the wood is light. The bark and leaves have been found to contain alkaloids with both analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Jvarghna (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Parijata by Condition

Explore how Parijata is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Parijata for Inflammation

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.