Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Cedarwood oil (from heartwood) — contains Atlantone, Deodarone. Oleoresin from bark. Terpenes and sesquiterpenes present.
- Also Known As
- English: Himalayan Cedar, Deodar, Indian Cedar
Sanskrit: देवदारु, देवकाष्ठ, दारु, दैवदारु, सुरदारु, भद्रदारु, मदराव, दारुक, इन्द्रदारु
Hindi: देवदार, दियार
What is Himalayan Cedar (Devadaru / देवदारु)?
Devadaru (Cedrus deodara, Fam. Pinaceae) is Himalayan Cedar or Deodar, found abundantly in the Western Himalayas at 5000-7000 feet. The tree grows to enormous size — 150 feet tall with girth of 20+ feet. Wood is reddish-brown, aromatic, durable, and insect-resistant. The heartwood and oil are used medicinally. It is bitter-pungent with hot potency, making it useful in Kapha-Vata conditions. Key therapeutic indications include fever, worm infestations, skin diseases, obesity, and urinary disorders. Devadaru oil (Cedarwood oil) is used externally for joint pains and skin diseases. The tree holds sacred significance in Indian tradition. Multiple synonyms reflect its divine association (Deva = divine, Daru = wood). Note: some texts confuse Devadaru with Pita Devadaru (Ougeinia dalbergioides) which is a different plant. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 22-25.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Deepana (digestive stimulant)
- Krimighna (anti-parasitic)
- Medohara (reduces fat/obesity)
- Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Mutrala (diuretic)
- Kusthagna (anti-dermatosis)
- Vatahara (pacifies Vata)
- Kaphahara (pacifies Kapha)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Jwara (fever)
- Krimi (worms/parasites)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Prameha (urinary disorders/diabetes)
- Medoroga (obesity)
- Kasa (cough)
- Shwasa (asthma)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Vataroga (diseases of Vata)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Himalayan Cedar by Condition
Explore how Himalayan Cedar is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.