Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Elephantopin, Deoxyelephantopin, Sesquiterpene lactones
- Also Known As
- English: Elephant Foot, Prickly-leaved Elephantfoot
Sanskrit: गोजिह्वा, गोजिह्विका
Hindi: गोजिभ, गोजीभा
What is Elephant Foot?
Look down at the base of Gojiha and you will see a flat rosette of large, rough, tongue-shaped leaves. That shape gave the plant its Sanskrit name: Gojihva means "cow's tongue."
In English it is called Elephant Foot or Prickly-leaved Elephantfoot, and its botanical name is Elephantopus scaber Linn. Despite the shared name, it is not the elephant foot yam sold as a vegetable. It grows in the hilly regions of India, and both the root and the leaves are used as medicine.
If you are interested in herbs for the lungs, Gojiha deserves attention. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu calls it an important herb for respiratory disorders, including cough and asthma, and it also has a classical role in fever and urinary disorders.
Benefits of Elephant Foot
Gojiha is bitter (Tikta) and astringent (Kashaya) in taste, light (Laghu) and dry (Ruksha) in quality, cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka).
Cough and Asthma
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Gojiha as alleviating cough (Kasahara) and as anti-asthmatic (Swasahara), and calls it an important herb for respiratory disorders. Its light, dry qualities help counter the heavy, wet congestion behind many coughs.
Fever
Gojiha is classed as antipyretic (Jvarghna), a herb that reduces fever. Its bitter taste and cooling potency are the classical drivers of this action.
Urinary Health
It is also listed as a diuretic (Mutrala), which is the basis for its link to urinary disorders (Mutrakrichchhra), the classical term for painful or difficult urination.
Infection
Antibiotic activity has been reported for Gojiha. Its constituents include elephantopin, deoxyelephantopin and other sesquiterpene lactones.
How to Use Elephant Foot
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu gives one classical form: the powder (Churna), made from the root and leaves, at 2 to 4 tola (a classical weight unit). Ask a practitioner to translate this into a modern dose suited to you.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder (Churna) of root and leaves | 2 to 4 tola (classical measure) | Cough, asthma, fever, urinary complaints | As directed by a practitioner |
Because Gojiha is light, dry and cooling, it fits coughs and fevers with heat better than cold, dry conditions.
Safety & Side Effects
Our classical sources do not list specific contraindications or drug interactions for Gojiha. Its properties point to who should be careful.
Gojiha is light, dry and cooling, with a bitter and astringent taste. That profile can aggravate Vata, the dosha of dryness and cold, so people who are already thin, dry, chilly or prone to constipation should use it cautiously.
It is also a diuretic, so tell your doctor if you take diuretic medication or have kidney concerns. Use it under a practitioner's guidance during pregnancy, nursing or for children.
Recommended: Start Here
The single classical starting point for Gojiha is its powder (Churna), made from the root and leaves.
It is most relevant if you have a cough or wheezy breathing that comes with heat or fever, since Gojiha relieves cough and asthma while also cooling and reducing fever. The classical dose is 2 to 4 tola, an old weight measure, so have a practitioner set a modern dose for you.
The herb can be hard to find outside India. Searching by its Hindi name, Gojibh or Gojibha, or the botanical name Elephantopus scaber, helps.
Find Elephantopus Scaber on Amazon ↗ Gojihva Powder ↗
Safety note: Gojiha is dry and cooling, so use it cautiously if you are very dry or chilly, and check with your doctor if you take diuretics.
Elephant Foot vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Gojiha is best compared with other cough herbs covered on this site, since that is its main classical use.
| Comparison | Gojiha | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gojiha vs Gajapippali | Cooling, bitter, astringent; cough, asthma, fever, urinary | Hot, pungent; cough, asthma, clears Kapha, kindles digestion | Choose Gojiha when cough comes with fever or heat. Choose Gajapippali for cold, congested coughs with sluggish digestion. |
| Gojiha vs Greater Cardamom | A medicinal herb for cough, asthma and fever | A cooling spice for cough, breathlessness, oral hygiene and dysuria | Both are cooling and help cough and urinary complaints. Greater Cardamom is the gentler kitchen option; Gojiha is the stronger medicinal one. |
Elephant Foot for Specific Populations
Pregnancy & Nursing
Our sources contain no guidance on Gojiha in pregnancy or nursing. Avoid it during this time unless a qualified practitioner prescribes it.
Children
No pediatric dose is recorded. The classical adult dose is substantial, so do not give Gojiha to children without professional guidance.
Elderly
Older adults often run dry and cold, the Vata pattern that Gojiha's dry, cooling nature can aggravate. A practitioner may adjust the dose or pair it with other herbs.
Athletes
Our sources do not describe an athletic use. Its diuretic action is worth knowing if you are managing hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Gojiha?
Gojihva means "cow's tongue," after the large, rough, tongue-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette at the base of the plant.
Is Gojiha the same as elephant foot yam?
No. Gojiha is Elephantopus scaber, known in English as Elephant Foot or Prickly-leaved Elephantfoot. It is a medicinal herb whose root and leaves are used, not the edible yam.
Which part of Gojiha is used?
Both the root and the leaves are used medicinally, typically as a powder.
Is Gojiha cooling?
Yes. Its potency is Sheeta (cold), and it is bitter and astringent in taste, which supports its use in fever.
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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.