Herb × Condition

Gorakhmundi for Inflammation

Sanskrit: मुण्डी | Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.

How Gorakhmundi helps with Inflammation according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Gorakhmundi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Gorakhmundi or Mundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) is a small, prostrate herb found in marshy areas and wet lands. The plant reaches about 4000 pods of small globe-shaped flower heads. The whole plant is used medicinally. It is described as bitter, astringent, pungent, light, dry, and hot in potency. It is specifically mentioned for treating skin diseases (Kushtha), worm infestations, diabetes (Prameha), blood impurities, swellings, and fevers. The globe-shaped flower heads are the most characteristic feature. The plant flowers in rainy and winter seasons. It is used in chronic skin diseases and has blood-purifying properties. There is also a species S. amaranthoides noted. The text also mentions Maha Mundi (larger variety). Dose: 1-2 tola juice or decoction. Verse refs: pages 413-414.

How Gorakhmundi Helps with Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Gorakhmundi 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), Katu (pungent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Sphaeranthine (essential oil), flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones
Also Known As
English: Globe Thistle, East Indian Globe Thistle
Sanskrit: मुण्डी, महामुण्डी, श्रावणी
Hindi: गोरखमुण्डी, मुण्डी

Other Herbs for Inflammation

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Agastya Flowers Sesbania grandiflora Linn.
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Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
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Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Dunal
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Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
⟶
Vamsha Bambusa arundinacea Willd.
⟶
Barleria Barleria prionitis Linn.

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.