Overview
Fever Nut is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Fever Nut, Kantakaranja, is Ayurveda's antipyretic for Vishama Jvara, the intermittent fevers. Bitter seed kernel, 1-3 ratti, breaks the cycle; bark decoction follows.
How Fever Nut Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Fever Nut has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Our sources do not list specific contraindications or drug interactions for Fever Nut, so the guidance here is deliberately cautious.
- Tiny seed dose. The classical seed dose is only 1 to 3 ratti, a fraction of a gram. Do not exceed it.
- Heating and drying. With a hot potency and dry, light qualities, it may not suit people who already run hot or dry.
- Oil is external. Hongay oil is described for use on the skin, not for swallowing.
- Fever needs a diagnosis. Recurring fevers can signal serious infections. See a doctor before treating them yourself.
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
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.