Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Tikta, Katu
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha
- Potency (Virya)
- Ushna
- Key Constituents
- Gardenin (flavone), Diterali
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: नाशीहिंगु, पलाशया
Hindi: डिकामाली, नासीहिंगु
What is Dikamali?
Not every Ayurvedic remedy comes from a leaf or a root. Dikamali is prized for its gum-resin, a yellow substance gathered from a small tree and traditionally used against intestinal worms.
In English it is known as Gummy Gardenia, and its botanical name is Gardenia gummifera Linn. Its Sanskrit names include Nashihingu (Nashihingu) and Palashaya (Palashaya), and in Hindi it is called Dikamali or Nasihingu.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, a classical Ayurvedic text on medicinal substances, describes it as a small tree of dry deciduous forests. Its yellow gum-resin, called Dikamali gum, is used both externally and internally.
Its recorded chemical constituents include gardenin, a flavone, and a compound listed as diterali.
Benefits of Dikamali
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Varga 1) lists four therapeutic actions (Karma) for Dikamali, meaning the effects a substance is traditionally said to have on the body. The sources here name the actions but say little more, so this section stays close to them.
Ayurveda links these actions to its properties. It tastes bitter (Tikta) and pungent (Katu), has light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) qualities, and a hot potency (Ushna Virya), meaning its overall heating effect on the body.
Intestinal Worms and Parasites
Dikamali is classed as anti-parasitic (Krimighna), the action that ties it to parasites and worms (Krimi). Bitter, pungent and hot substances are traditionally regarded as hostile to worms.
Skin Conditions
It is also described as relieving skin disease (Kushtha hara), a broad classical category covering many chronic skin complaints.
Digestion
The text calls it a digestive stimulant (Deepana), meaning it kindles the digestive fire (Agni), Ayurveda's term for the body's capacity to digest. Its pungent taste and hot potency fit this action.
Countering Toxins
Finally, it is listed as an antidote (Vishaghna), a substance said to counter poisons. The sources here do not say which toxins or how it is applied for this purpose.
How to Use Dikamali
The part used is the yellow gum-resin of the tree. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says it is used both externally and internally, but the classical sources here give no measured dose for either.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gum-resin, internal | Not specified in the classical sources here | Worms, sluggish digestion | Not specified |
| Gum-resin, external | Not specified in the classical sources here | Skin conditions | Not specified |
The sources here do not describe how the gum is prepared, a vehicle to take it with (Anupana), or any seasonal guidance.
Without a dose, do not take Dikamali by mouth on your own. A qualified Ayurvedic practitioner can tell you whether it suits you and how much to use.
Safety & Side Effects
The classical sources here do not list contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs for Dikamali. They also give no internal dose, which is the main reason for caution.
What the Properties Suggest
Dikamali is hot, light and dry. In Ayurvedic reasoning, a heating and drying substance may not suit people who already run hot, feel dry, or have signs of heat such as burning sensations.
Practical Cautions
- Do not self-dose internally; ask a qualified practitioner how much to take and for how long.
- With no safety data for pregnancy, nursing or children, avoid it in these groups unless a practitioner advises otherwise.
- If you take prescription medicines, check with your doctor, since interactions have not been documented either way.
- Suspected worm infections and persistent skin problems need a proper diagnosis.
Recommended: Start Here
Dikamali has no classical dose recorded in the sources here, so the right starting point is a conversation, not a capsule. Bring your question, whether it concerns worms, digestion or the skin, to a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can judge whether this heating gum-resin suits you.
If you are sourcing it, look for Dikamali gum or Gummy Gardenia resin labeled with the botanical name Gardenia gummifera, so you know exactly what you have before you seek advice.
Shop Dikamali Gum ↗ Shop Gummy Gardenia Resin ↗
Do not take Dikamali internally without a practitioner's dose, and avoid it in pregnancy, nursing and childhood.
Dikamali vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The sources here name no direct classical alternative to Dikamali, so these comparisons stay with what our records actually state.
| Comparison | Dikamali | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dikamali vs Dhamasa | Bitter and pungent, light and dry, hot potency; used for worms, skin, digestion | Dhamasa: bitter and astringent, light and dry, cold potency; used for fever, thirst, burning | Similar qualities, opposite potency. Dikamali is the heating option; Dhamasa suits conditions of heat. |
| Internal vs external use | Internal use of the gum-resin is recorded | External use of the same gum-resin is also recorded | Both are classical, but neither has a dose in the sources here. Let a practitioner decide which route fits your problem. |
Dikamali for Specific Populations
The classical sources here offer no guidance for specific groups and no dose at all, so the advice below is cautious by design.
Pregnancy & Nursing
There is no recorded data on Dikamali in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid it unless a qualified practitioner who knows your history recommends it.
Children
Worms are common in children, but no pediatric dose is given here. Do not give Dikamali to a child; see a doctor or qualified practitioner instead.
Elderly
Dikamali is hot, light and dry. Older adults who tend toward dryness should only use it under professional guidance.
Athletes
No sources here describe Dikamali for physical performance or recovery. It is a classical remedy for specific complaints, not a sports supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dikamali?
Dikamali is the yellow gum-resin of Gardenia gummifera Linn., a small tree of dry deciduous forests known in English as Gummy Gardenia. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu describes it as used both externally and internally.
What is Nashihingu?
Nashihingu is a Sanskrit name for Dikamali; Palashaya is another. In Hindi it is called Dikamali or Nasihingu.
Is Dikamali heating or cooling?
Dikamali has a hot potency (Ushna Virya) with a bitter and pungent taste and light, dry qualities. People who run hot or dry should seek advice before using it.
Why is Dikamali used for worms?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classes it as anti-parasitic (Krimighna). Ayurveda links this to its bitter, pungent and hot nature, but no dose is given in the sources here, so use it only under guidance.
What compounds are in Dikamali?
Its recorded constituents include gardenin, a flavone, and a compound listed as diterali. Ayurveda itself explains its action through taste, qualities and potency.
How to Use Dikamali by Condition
Explore how Dikamali 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.