Overview
Hijjal is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. 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 Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Hijjal has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders 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.