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
How to Use Parijata by Condition
Explore how Parijata is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Condition Treatment Udaka-meha Decoction of Parijata Ikshu-meha Decoction of Nimba Sura-meha Decoction of Chitraka Sikata-meha Decoction of Khadira Sanair-meha Decoction of Patha and Aguru Lavana-meha Decoction of Haridra Kaphaja Prameha (general) All ten decoctions to be employed sweetened with honey Pittaja Prameha (general) Decoctions of S'dla-saradi group drugs;
— Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 11: Prameha Chikitsa
Udaka-meha: Decoction of Parijata Ikshu-meha: Decoction of Nimba Sura-meha: Decoction of Chitraka Sikata-meha: Decoction of Khadira Sanair-meha: Decoction of Patha and Aguru Lavana-meha: Decoction of Haridra Kaphaja Prameha (general): All ten decoctions to be employed sweetened with honey Pittaja Prameha (general): Decoctions of S'dla-saradi group drugs;
— Sushruta Samhita, Prameha Chikitsa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 11: Prameha Chikitsa; Prameha Chikitsa
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.