Gandhaprasarini

(Stink Vine)
Sanskrit: प्रसारिणी • Botanical: Paederia foetida Linn.

Gandhaprasarini (Paederia foetida) is a climbing vine known for its strong fetid smell when crushed. The plant grows up to 4000 feet elevation. The leaves and stems are the main medicinal parts. It is described as bitter, pungent, light, unctuous, and hot in potency. It is primarily useful in Vata disorders - joint pain, rheumatism, swellings, and as an analgesic. It promotes healing of tissues (Sandhaniya). Used in various external applications for pain relief. The foetid odor is characteristic. Verse refs: pages 424-425.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Essential oils (fetid), alkaloids, iridoid glycosides
Also Known As
English: Stink Vine, Skunk Vine
Sanskrit: प्रसारिणी, गन्धप्रसारिणी, सरणी
Hindi: गन्धप्रसारिणी, पादरी

What is Gandhaprasarini (Paederia / गन्धप्रसारिणी)?

Gandhaprasarini (Paederia foetida) is a climbing vine known for its strong fetid smell when crushed. The plant grows up to 4000 feet elevation. The leaves and stems are the main medicinal parts. It is described as bitter, pungent, light, unctuous, and hot in potency. It is primarily useful in Vata disorders - joint pain, rheumatism, swellings, and as an analgesic. It promotes healing of tissues (Sandhaniya). Used in various external applications for pain relief. The foetid odor is characteristic. Verse refs: pages 424-425.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Shothahara (reduces swelling)
  • Vedanasthapana (analgesic)
  • Sandhaniya (healing/uniting)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Gandhaprasarini by Condition

Explore how Gandhaprasarini is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Gandhaprasarini for Inflammation
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Gandhaprasarini for Male Sexual Health

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.