Overview
Hijjal is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. 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.
How Hijjal Helps with Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Hijjal has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Our classical sources say little about Hijjal's safety, so this section is short and cautious on purpose.
The Fruit Is Not for Home Use
The crushed fruit of Hijjal has been used as a fish poison. That alone is reason enough to avoid taking the fruit internally on your own. The medicinal uses described in our sources rely on the bark.
Contraindications and Interactions
Our sources list no specific contraindications or drug interactions for Hijjal. That is an absence of data, not a guarantee of safety. The bark contains saponin, and the herb is light and dry in quality, so it is not a gentle tonic to take casually.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Classical sources give no specific guidance on Hijjal in pregnancy or nursing. Avoid it unless a qualified practitioner has advised otherwise.
In short, use Hijjal only as a bark decoction prepared or prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms page.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
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.