Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Fleabane, Purple Fleabane
Sanskrit: सहदेवी, सहदेवा
Hindi: सहदेवी, सहदेई
What is Fleabane / Sahadevi (सहदेवी)?
Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea) is an erect herb commonly found in fields and waste lands. It has purple flower heads. The entire plant is used medicinally. It is bitter in taste and pungent in post-digestive effect. It is useful in fevers, skin diseases, and worm infestations. The juice of the plant is used as an anthelmintic. It is sometimes confused with Nagabala species but belongs to a completely different botanical family (Compositae). Dose: juice 1-2 tola; powder 2-4 masha.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Jvaraghna (antipyretic)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Sahadevi by Condition
Explore how Sahadevi is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Sometimes a substance acts solely through its Prabhava, as when the root of Sahadevi (Vernonia cinerea), tied on the head, cures fever.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 2: Bhaishajyakhyanaka (Medicine Administration Timing)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 2: Bhaishajyakhyanaka (Medicine Administration Timing)
References in Sushruta Samhita
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
They are as follows: The Vidarigandhadi Gana consists of: vidari-gandha, vidari, vishvadeva, sahadeva, sahadevi, sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), krishnasariva, jivaka, rishabhaka, mahasaha, kshudrasaha, two brihatis, punarnava, eranda (castor), hansapadi, vrishchikali, and rishabhi (verse 4).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.