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
- Saponin
- Also Known As
- English: Hijjal, Indian Oak
Sanskrit: समुद्रफल, निचुल
Hindi: हिज्जल, समुद्रफल
What is Hijjal / Samudraphala (समुद्रफल)?
Samudraphala (Barringtonia acutangula) is a tree found near water bodies. The fruit and bark are the main parts used. The bark contains saponin. It has bitter and astringent taste with cold potency. The bark is used in skin diseases and as an anthelmintic. The crushed fruit is used as fish poison (Matsyagandhi). It is a medium-sized tree growing near rivers and lakes. The bark is used in decoction form. Dose: bark decoction 1-2 tola.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Kushthaghna (alleviates skin diseases)
- Vishaghna (anti-poison)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
How to Use Hijjal by Condition
Explore how Hijjal is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Make decoction of 10 gm each of roots of patola, devadāru, danti, trāyamānā, pippali, haritaki, indrāyana, liquorices, sandal wood, katukā, dāruhridrā and samudraphala.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 12: Edema Treatment (Shvayathu Chikitsa / श्वयथुचिकित्सा)
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.