Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Sharp (Tikshna), Hot (Ushna), Flowing (Sara)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Phorbol esters, fatty acids, resin
- Also Known As
- English: Wild Croton
Sanskrit: दन्ती, छोटदन्ती, शुक्रदन्ती, दारणा, एरण्डफला
Hindi: दन्ती, जमालगोटा
What is Danti?
Most herbs on this site are gentle enough to sit in a kitchen cupboard. Danti is not one of them. It is one of the strongest purgatives in the Ayurvedic materia medica, a herb that classical physicians used to force a powerful downward clearing of the bowel, and always with great caution.
Danti, known in English as Wild Croton or Red Physic Nut, is Baliospermum montanum Muell-Arg., a small shrub of hilly and forested regions of India. The root and seeds are the medicinal parts. The plant bears castor-like fruits, which is why one of its Sanskrit names is Erandaphala, "castor-fruited."
It tastes pungent and bitter, is sharp (Tikshna), hot (Ushna) and flowing (Sara) in quality, and has a hot potency. The Astanga Hridaya notes that Danti shares its taste profile with Chitraka, yet only Danti purges. That purging is its special action (Prabhava), a power that cannot be explained by taste or potency alone.
The Charaka Samhita devotes a whole chapter of its pharmaceutical section to Danti and its relative Dravanti, describing 48 purgative preparations. This is a herb for the trained physician, and this page explains why.
Benefits of Danti
Almost everything Danti does in classical Ayurveda flows from one action: strong therapeutic purgation (Virechana), the controlled clearing of the bowel used to remove excess doshas. The uses below are what the texts describe, not suggestions for self-treatment.
Obstinate Constipation
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists constipation (Vibandha) among Danti's uses and calls it stronger than Trivrit. The Sharangadhara Samhita says a hard bowel needs Danti fruit, alongside Snuhi latex.
The Charaka Samhita names Danti with Trivrit and Triphala among the drugs for purgation in colon disorders.
Abdominal Diseases and Swelling
Danti is used in abdominal diseases (Udara Roga), including fluid in the abdomen (Jalodara), and in abdominal masses (Gulma). The Charaka Samhita's chapter on abdominal diseases includes a powder of Pippali, ginger, Danti, Chitraka and Vidanga, mixed with two parts of Haritaki.
It is also classed as reducing swelling (Shothahara). The Charaka Samhita's chapter on edema uses it in compound decoctions. The text also lists splenic enlargement (Pliha) among its uses.
Hemorrhoids
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classes Danti as relieving piles (Arshoghna). Its role is to clear the hard, stuck stool that drives hemorrhoids, and it is described as alleviating Vata.
Skin Diseases, Worms and Fever
Danti is listed as useful in skin diseases (Kushtha), as destroying worms (Krimighna), and as reducing fever (Jvaraghna). It is described as useful in Kapha and Pitta disorders.
Antidote Formulas
The Charaka Samhita's chapter on poisons includes Danti in a medicated buffalo ghee with Trivrit and other herbs, prescribed for snake and insect bites. This is a physician-prepared compound, not a first-aid measure.
How to Use Danti
Danti is a drastic purgative, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu says plainly that it should be used with great caution. Its effect is dose-dependent: small doses purge mildly, larger doses purge drastically. This is not a herb to dose yourself.
| Form | Classical Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root powder | 2 to 3 ratti (historical unit) | Therapeutic purgation | Physician-only |
| Seed powder | 1 to 2 ratti (historical unit) | Therapeutic purgation | Physician-only |
| Compound formulas | Set by the formula | Abdominal disease, edema, constipation, piles | Physician-only |
These figures are recorded for historical reference. A ratti is an old Indian weight unit, and the exact amount for any person depends on their strength and condition, which only a trained practitioner can judge.
How the classics actually used it
In the classical texts Danti rarely appears alone. It sits inside compounds with Trivrit, Chitraka, Pippali, Haritaki and others, in powders, pills, decoctions, ghees and fermented preparations. It is also part of formal purgation therapy (Virechana) within Panchakarma, carried out under supervision.
Safety & Side Effects
Danti deserves real respect. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it a drastic purgative and warns that it should be used with great caution. Larger doses cause drastic effects, so the gap between a useful dose and too much is narrow.
Why it is so strong
Danti is sharp, hot and flowing in quality, and its seeds are oily and produce strong purgation. Its listed constituents include phorbol esters, fatty acids and resin. Phorbol esters are irritant compounds, which helps explain why the seeds in particular are so forceful.
Practical cautions
- Do not take Danti root or seed at home without a qualified Ayurvedic physician.
- Its hot, sharp nature means it is a poor fit for anyone already depleted, dehydrated or weak.
- Stop and seek care if you develop severe diarrhea, cramping or signs of dehydration.
- Avoid it in pregnancy and in children.
Identity confusion
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records that some identify Danti as a Croton species while others identify it as Baliospermum montanum. The Charaka Samhita pairs it with Dravanti, and the Sharangadhara Samhita gives special purification steps for Jayapala (Croton tiglium), a related toxic seed. Never assume a product labelled with a local name is the plant you think it is.
Recommended: Start Here
The honest starting point with Danti is this: do not start it on your own. It is one of the most drastic purgatives in Ayurveda, and the classical texts reserve it for physician-guided use, usually inside compound formulas.
If your interest is in what Danti is traditionally used for, such as sluggish bowels or constipation, there are gentler herbs from the same classical purgative tradition. The Charaka Samhita lists Triphala alongside Danti among drugs for purgation in colon disorders, and Haritaki appears with Danti in the classical abdominal-disease powder.
Those are the reasonable products to explore first. If you believe you need something stronger, that is the moment to see a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Find Triphala on Amazon ↗ Haritaki Powder ↗
Safety note: Danti root and seeds can cause drastic purgation. Keep them out of home use, and away from pregnancy and children entirely.
Danti vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The useful comparisons for Danti come straight from the classical texts, which repeatedly set it beside other purgatives and look-alike plants.
| Comparison | Danti | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danti vs Trivrit | Drastic purgative, described as stronger | Purgative often paired with Danti in classical formulas | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu ranks Danti as the stronger of the two. Both belong to physician-guided purgation. |
| Danti vs Chitraka | Same taste profile, but purges | Same taste profile, does not purge | The Astanga Hridaya uses this pair to show that purgation is Danti's special action (Prabhava). |
| Danti vs Triphala | Sharp, hot, drastic | Listed with Danti among purgatives for colon disorders | For everyday bowel support, Triphala is the far more approachable choice. Danti is not for routine use. |
| Danti vs Jayapala | Baliospermum montanum root and seed | Croton tiglium, a toxic seed needing purification | The Sharangadhara Samhita gives special purification steps for Jayapala. Neither belongs in home use. |
Danti for Specific Populations
Because Danti is a drastic purgative, the guidance for every group below is cautious. The classical dose is for a physician to adjust to an individual, not a starting point for self-care.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid Danti in pregnancy. Strong purgation is not appropriate at this time. Our sources give no guidance for nursing, so avoid it there as well unless a qualified physician directs otherwise.
Children
Do not give Danti to children. No pediatric dose is recorded in our sources, and a small body is especially vulnerable to fluid loss from drastic purgation.
Elderly
Older adults are more easily weakened and dehydrated by strong purgation. If constipation is the problem, gentler options such as Haritaki or Triphala are worth discussing with a practitioner first.
Athletes
Danti has no classical role in performance or recovery. Its sharp purging effect and the fluid loss it causes would work against training, so it has no place in an athlete's routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danti the same as croton?
Not exactly. Danti is usually identified as Baliospermum montanum, called Wild Croton in English, though the Bhavaprakash Nighantu notes that some identify it as a Croton species. True croton seed (Croton tiglium) is known as Jayapala and is a separate, toxic drug.
Which parts of Danti are used?
The root and the seeds. The Sahasra Yoga describes the root as the classical part for purgation, and the oily seeds produce strong purgation.
Why is Danti always combined with other herbs?
Its action is sharp and drastic. In the Charaka, Sushruta and Sharangadhara Samhitas it appears in compound formulas with herbs like Trivrit, Chitraka, Pippali and Haritaki, where a physician can set the overall strength.
Which doshas does Danti affect?
It is described as useful in Kapha and Pitta disorders and is classed as alleviating Vata, mainly by clearing obstruction in the bowel. Its hot, sharp nature still calls for caution in anyone prone to heat.
Does Danti help the liver?
Danti is linked to liver disorders in our knowledge graph, and the Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists splenic enlargement among its uses. Any liver or spleen problem needs a medical diagnosis, not self-treatment with a drastic purgative.
Can Danti help with inflammation?
It is classed as reducing swelling (Shothahara), which connects it to inflammation and edema in the classical sense. It works through purgation, so it is not a general anti-inflammatory for everyday use.
How to Use Danti by Condition
Explore how Danti is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (7 sources)
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Udara Roga (abdominal disorders)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Gulma (tumors)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Krimi (worms)
- Vibandha (constipation)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Example – द ती रसा यै तु या प च क य वरे चनी मधुक य च म ृ वीका, घ ृतं ीर य द पनम ् Danti and Chitraka – Though Danti – Baliospermum montanum is identical with Chitraka (plumbago zeylanica) in respect of Rasa (taste) etc, Danti is a purgative while Chitraka is not.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Hence, purgation is the Prabhava of Danti.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
For preparing Teekshna Kshara – alkali of strong potency the admixture should be similar to that of previous – alkali of medium potency and also the paste of Langalika, Danti, Chitraka, Ativisha, Vacha, Svarjika, Kanakaksiri, Hingu, sprouts of Putika, Talapatri and Bida salt and alkali prepared as usual and used after a lapse of seven days.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
References in Charaka Samhita
Ghee obtained from buffalo’s milk and processed with nagadanti (Croton oblongifolius), trivrit (Operculina turpethum), danti, dravanti (Balliospermum montanum), snukpaya, madanaphala and one adhaka of cow's urine is an effective remedy in case of poison due to snake and insect bite and in gara visha.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
This final chapter of Kalpa Sthana describes 48 purgative preparations of Danti (Baliospermum montanum) and Dravanti (Croton tiglium), completing the pharmacopeia with strong purgatives.
— Charaka Samhita, Pharmaceutical Preparations of Danti and Dravanti (Dantidravanti Kalpa Adhyaya / दन्तीद्रवन्तीकल्प अध्याय)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा); Pharmaceutical Preparations of Danti and Dravanti (Dantidravanti Kalpa Adhyaya / दन्तीद्रवन्तीकल्प अध्याय)
References in Charaka Samhita
Trivrit, Triphala, Danti, and others for virechana (purgation) in colon disorders;
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 2: Dehusked Seeds of Apamarga & Panchakarma (Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya / अपामार्गतण्डुलीय अध्याय)
Purgative drugs in parts of latex, root, bark, leaf, flower and fruit wholly or individually of shyama, trivrit, chaturangula (aragvadha), tilvaka, mahavriksha, saptala, shankhini, danti and dravanti are to be used according to requirement.
— Charaka Samhita, Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 8: Physician's Approach to Disease (Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana / रोगभिषग्जितीय विमान)
or prepared with guduchi, dry ginger and danti;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Make decoction of 10 gm each of roots of patola, devadāru, danti, trāyamānā, pippali, haritaki, indrāyana, liquorices, sandal wood, katukā, dāruhridrā and samudraphala.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Take one part each of the fine sieved powder of pippali (Piper longum), nagara (Zingiber officinale), danti (Baliospermum montanum), chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and vidanga (Embelia ribes), and add it to two parts of abhaya (Terminalia chebula).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 2: Dehusked Seeds of Apamarga & Panchakarma (Apamarga Tanduliya Adhyaya / अपामार्गतण्डुलीय अध्याय); Vimana Sthana — Specific Medical Principles, Chapter 8: Physician's Approach to Disease (Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana / रोगभिषग्जितीय विमान); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also included are: Shodhana (purification) methods for Jayapala (Croton tiglium), various Vishas (poisons), Vatsanabha (aconite), Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium — marking nut), and other toxic substances used in Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic alchemy and iatrochemistry).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Supplementary verses (Anukta Samgraha Shlokas) — Purification of Jayapala (Croton tiglium): Jayapala seeds are freed from their outer skin and internal impurities, then purified by processing with buffalo milk and specific cleansing procedures.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
— Chitraka, Trivrit, Danti, and Tejohva each one Pala separately;
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Danti (Baliospermum montanum) one Karsha, and Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) one Karsha.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations)
Also: Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Madhurasa/Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra — licorice), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Pushkara Moola (Inula racemosa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), and Trikantaka/Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
The hard bowel requires Snuhi latex (Euphorbia neriifolia), Hemachira, and Danti fruit (Baliospermum montanum).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 4: Virechana Vidhi (Purgation Therapy)
Trivrit, Hapusha (Juniperus communis), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Saptala (Acacia concinna), Katurohi (Picrorhiza kurroa), and Svarnachiri — grind all and soak in cow's urine for three days.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 4: Virechana Vidhi (Purgation Therapy)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 4: Gutikakalpana (Tablet/Pill Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 4: Virechana Vidhi (Purgation Therapy)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Ghee with trivrit (Operculina), indra-yava, chitraka, and danti paste, finely powdered with trikatu.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)
Chitraka (Plumbago), danti (Baliospermum), bilva (Aegle), agni (fire-plant), hayamaraka, and the excrement of pigeon, heron, and vulture serve as penetrating agents.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 36: Bhumipravibhagiya Adhyaya - On Classification of Land for Medicinal Plants
Ajagandhaa, ajashringi, gavachi, langalahvaya, putika, chitraka, patha, vidanga, ela, harenuka, the three pungents (trikatu), barley, salts, manashila, kasisa, trivrit, danti, haritala, and surashtri — these are the drugs for purificatory suppositories (shodhana varti).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 36: Bhumipravibhagiya Adhyaya - On Classification of Land for Medicinal Plants
Chirabilva, agni (agnimantha), danti, chitraka, and hayamaraka, along with the excrement of pigeon, heron, and vulture — these are bursting/penetrating (darana) agents.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
the three pungents (trikatu), barley, salts, manashila, kasisa, trivrit, danti, haritala, and surashtri (verse 14) — these are the drugs for purificatory suppositories.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga); Sutra Sthana, Chapter 36: Bhumipravibhagiya Adhyaya - On Classification of Land for Medicinal Plants; Sutra Sthana, Chapter 37: Mishrakaadhyaya - The Miscellaneous Chapter
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.