Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent, bitter, pungent
- Quality (Guna)
- Light, dry
- Potency (Virya)
- Heating
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent
- Dosha Effect
- Vata, Pitta & Kapha balanced · Pitta increased
- Key Constituents
- Volatile oils Cineole, thujone, linalool, myrcene Sesquiterpene lactones Vulgarin Flavonoids Quercetin Coumarins Umbelliferone, esculetin TriterpenesշDP\ULQշVLWRVterol (Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- Plasma, blood, muscle, marrow, nerve
- Srotas
- Female reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous
What is Damanaka?
This common roadside herb is very warming and has an affinity for the blood and the female reproductive system. Damanaka literally means ‘subduing’ as it tames disease.
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Astringent, bitter, pungent |
| Vīrya (energy) | Heating |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Light, dry |
| Doṣa effect | VPK=, can be P+ |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Plasma, blood, muscle, marrow, nerve |
| Srotas (channel) | Female reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous |
Therapeutic Actions
- Stambhana: Stops bleeding
- Dı-pana: Awakens digestion
- Hr• daya: Heart tonic
- Tridos. ajit: Balances all three dosas
- Kus. h.takan. d.u-ghna: Prevents skin diseases and itching Raktaśodhana Cleans the blood of toxins
- Biomedical: Emmenagogue, haemostatic, alterative, analgesic, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, bitter tonic, antibacterial
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: Caution in high pitta conditions; Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known.
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: 3–9g per day dried or 5–15ml per day of a 1:5 @ 25% tincture.
Combinations:
- Musta, shatavari, ginger for uterine bleeding with cold; also for abdominal pain.
- Kushtha, fennel, cinnamon for digestive spasms.
- Neem as a wash for fungal or inflammatory conditions.
How to Use Damanaka by Condition
Explore how Damanaka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.